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Study Comparing Robotic and Human Massage for Lower Back Pain

This study is looking at how well a robotic massage device, called EMMA (Expert Manipulative Massage Automation), works for people with lower back pain compared to a massage from a licensed human massage therapist. EMMA uses sensors and 3D vision to find stiff muscles and pressure points. The human massage will be a deep tissue massage, similar to the EMMA massage, and will last about 30 minutes. The study aims to see how many patients enroll and experience these different massage types. You can join if you are 18 or older, have lower back pain, and women of childbearing potential agree to use birth control. The current recruitment status is unclear.

Study design
This is an interventional study planning to enroll 40 participants. You will be randomly assigned to receive either EMMA massage therapy or clinical massage treatment.
What's involved
You will be evaluated in an outpatient service and, if eligible, will receive one of the two types of massage therapy.
Compensation
Not stated in the trial record.
Follow-up
The number of patients enrolled will be measured from the beginning of the study until the end of year 2.

AI-generated from the public study record. Only the study team can confirm whether you're eligible — confirm details with them before making decisions.

NCT07040397

Electronic Approach to the Human Massage Therapist

Recruiting
NAAges 18+Interventional
Mayo Clinic
~40 participants
Updated 2026-05-04 on ClinicalTrials.gov
What's tested:EMMA massage therapyClinical massage treatment

At a glance

Recruiting sites
1 of 1 listed site is recruiting right now
RecruitingSuspended, closed, or not yet open
What they're measuring
Number of patients enrolled
Measured over baseline to end of study (year 2)

Conditions

Lower Back Pain

Explore related trials

Lower Back Pain

Where it's being run

1 sites across 1 states
Minnesota1

Study leadership

  • Michael Mueller · PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR · Mayo Clinic

Who to contact

Pearl Buabeng
[email protected]
507-266-1213
Email the study team

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Do you actually qualify for this trial?

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Eligibility criteria

Inclusion

be 18 years of age or older.
report a primary pain point in the lower back.
Pain intensity reported at baseline
Women of childbearing potential who self-report not being pregnant and agree to employ an effective method of birth control (surgical sterilization or oral contraceptives, barrier method with spermicides, intrauterine device, etc.) during the study period
be able to participate fully in all aspects of the study.
have understood and signed study informed consent.

Exclusion

Pregnancy or breastfeeding
Patients with the inability to stay in a prone position
Patients with bleeding disorders
Patients with allergies and/or local skin affectations
have used pain medications or participated in a pain treatment within three days of study enrollment.
have an implanted device (including a lap band) in the targeted area of massage therapy.
have used an investigational drug within 30 days of study enrollment.
have a history of any major cardiovascular events including heart valve disease, ongoing angina, cardiac arrhythmias, congestive heart failure, acute coronary syndrome, stroke, transient ischemic attack, or peripheral vascular disease.
have clinically significant acute or chronic progressive or unstable neurologic, hepatic, renal, cardiovascular, lymphatic, respiratory, metabolic disease (such as uncontrolled diabetes type 2) active cancer, actively receiving treatment for cancer or within 1 year of cancer remission.
surgical intervention for pain within 1 month prior to enrollment.
active infection, wound or other external trauma to the areas to be treated with massage therapy.
have a known history of any condition or factor judged by the investigator to preclude participation in the study or which might hinder adherence.

What this trial measures

  • Number of patients enrolledbaseline to end of study (year 2)

    Feasibility will be determined by the total number of patients screened in order to accrue the 40 needed to complete the study.