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OpenTrials
Completed

NCT Number: NCT01351402

Effects of Massage Versus Rest on Hormones

This study will investigate the effects of 15 minutes of massage compared to 15 minutes of quiet rest on physiological variables. Specifically, the investigators will measure the effects on levels of the social hormone oxytocin, and on other physiological variables that interact with oxytocin or that may be influenced by massage (including ACTH, Beta-endorphin, and IL-1alpha). The investigators will also investigate whether, in the case of hormones changes, these influence social decision making.

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Key information

Conditions

Massage Rest

Age range

18 year and older

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Cassel, UCLA

Los Angeles, California, 90095, United States

About this study

Interested participants will have the experiment explained both verbally and in writing, and asked to give their informed consent in writing. After consent, the participants will be led to a private room for their first 30ml blood draw by a qualified phlebotomist. Participants will then have a second 30ml blood draw.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • Anyone English speaking and over the age of 18.

Exclusion criteria

  • Minors and anyone who has used illicit drugs or alcohol in the last 24 hours.

Treatment and study plan

Massage or Rest

Procedure

Participants either received 15 minutes of moderate pressure Swedish massage on the upper back, or rested quietly sitting in a chair for 15 minutes.

Primary outcomes

  1. Oxytocin

    Time frame: Within 5 minutes following experimental manipulation of either 15 minutes massage or rest.

    Participants receive a blood draw at baseline and immediately following 15 minutes of massage or rest and oxytocin will be measured from this sample.

Secondary outcomes

  1. Adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH)

    Time frame: Within 5 minutes following experimental manipulation of either 15 minutes massage or rest.

    Participants will receive a blood draw at baseline and immediately following 15 minutes of massage or rest, and ACTH will be measured in these blood samples.

  2. Beta-endorphin

    Time frame: Within 5 minutes following experimental manipulation of either 15 minutes massage or rest.

    Participants will receive a blood draw at baseline and immediately following 15 minutes of massage or rest, and B-endorphin will be measured from these samples.

  3. Interleukin-1alpha (IL-1a)

    Time frame: Within 5 minutes following experimental manipulation of either 15 minutes massage or rest.

    Participants will receive a blood draw at baseline and immediately following 15 minutes of massage or rest, and IL-1a will be measured from these samples.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Claremont Graduate University

Other

Collaborators

  • Gruter Institute

Registry information

Official study title

Investigating the Effects of Massage vs. Rest on Oxytocin, ACTH, and B-endorphins

Important dates

Study start
2006
Primary completion
2006
Study completion
2007
First posted
May 10, 2011
Registry last updated
May 10, 2011

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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