Unilateral Massage as a Potential Treatment for Depression

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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In depression, EEG studies have shown frontal asymmetry with relatively lower activity in the left hemisphere. In this study a moderate pressure massage will be conducted by a trained professional on one of the following conditions: the right side of the body, the left side of the body, or both sides of the body (a traditional massage on the back of the body) while EEG measurements of brain activity are recorded and mood ratings are obtained.

Official Title
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Unilateral Massage as a Potential Treatment for Depression

Conditions
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Depression

Intervention / Treatment
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* Other: Bi-lateral massage


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: Medically and mentally healthy, right-handed participants will be eligible for participating in this study. The age range for enrollment in the study is not restricted by any variables but will be set between 18 and 50 years of age. Exclusion Criteria: Left-Handed subjects, persons suffering acute or chronic mental illnesses and chronic illnesses (including autoimmune illnesses).

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 18 Years
Maximum Age: 50 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Design Details

Primary Purpose: Treatment
Allocation: Randomized
Intervention Model: Parallel Assignment
Masking: None (Open Label)


Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Experimental: Left-Sided Massage<br>Unilateral massage on the left side of the body. | Other: Bi-lateral massage<br>* Unilateral massage on the left side of the body.<br>* Other names: Massage on the left side of the body.;|
| Active Comparator: Right-Sided Massage<br>Unilateral massage on the right side of the body. | Other: Bi-lateral massage<br>* Unilateral massage on the left side of the body.<br>* Other names: Massage on the left side of the body.;|
| Sham Comparator: Bi-Lateral Massage<br>Traditional massage on the back of the body. | Other: Bi-lateral massage<br>* Unilateral massage on the left side of the body.<br>* Other names: Massage on the left side of the body.;|

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Non-invasive EEG recording | EEG recording using an electrode cap and electrode gel connected to an EEG Machine to record brain activity. | Collected 4 minutes after the unilateral massage has ended. | 

Secondary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| PANAS (Postitive and Negative Affect Schedule)Questionnaire | To obtain mood ratings before and after the UMI. | Collected immediately following the unilateral massage. | 

 Terms related to the study
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Keywords Provided by Centre Hospitalier Valida
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Unilateral Massage, Depression