Satisfaction and Feasibility Evaluation of an Electronic Massager (Expert Manipulative Massage Automation -EMMA) Compared to Massage Therapist-delivered Massage
Mayo Clinic
Summary
The objective of this study is to evaluate the practicality and acceptability of using an electronic massager. Additionally, it aims to compare user satisfaction between the experience with an electric massager and a massage provided by a professional massage therapist.
Description
This study is being done to understand how practical and acceptable EMMA, an electronic massage device, is, and the satisfaction of the EMMA massage compared to massage therapy given by a certified massage therapist. Participants will also be asked to have two massages, one given by EMMA and another delivered by a massage therapist. The order in which participants will receive each massage will be determined by randomization.
Eligibility
- Age range
- 18+ years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Yes
Inclusion Criteria: * Age 18 years or older * Ability to provide informed consent * 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 * Ability to complete all aspects of this trial Exclusion Criteria: * Pregnancy or breastfeeding * Patients with inability of staying in a prone position * Patients with bleeding disorders * Patients with a current diagnosis of cancer or being treated for c…
Interventions
- DeviceEMMA (Expert Manipulative Massage Automation)
For the EMMA massage, the subject lies down on the robot platform in a prone position. A therapist sets the robot parameters. The EMMA electronic massager applies massage to the focus points on the back of the participants guided by cameras and computer programs. Treatment lasts approximately 20-30 minutes.
- OtherTherapist-delivered massage
For the therapist-delivered massage treatment, the licensed massage therapist will follow standard of care protocol. Treatment lasts approximately 20-30 minutes.
Location
- Mayo ClinicRochester, Minnesota