Actively Recruiting
Effects of Non-Invasive Superficial Craniocervical Lymphatic Drainage (NSCLD) on Memory and Cognitive Function in Adults With Sleep Deprivation: A Proof-of-Concept Study
Led by Tao Liu · Updated on 2026-01-13
30
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
26 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
Sponsors
T
Tao Liu
Lead Sponsor
T
Tianjin Medical University General Hospital
Collaborating Sponsor
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
This research aims to explore the effects of Non-Invasive Superficial Craniocervical Lymphatic Drainage (NSCLD) on memory and cognitive function in adults experiencing sleep deprivation. Sleep deprivation can impair attention, working memory, and executive function, leading to serious consequences like slowed reaction times and increased errors. The study focuses on a new non-pharmacological approach to address these cognitive impairments by enhancing brain lymphatic flow. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either NSCLD or a sham-intervention treatment. The NSCLD involves a 30-minute session repeated after a 10-minute break. This device-based intervention is designed to improve cerebrospinal fluid drainage and reduce neuroinflammation. The study includes a baseline assessment, intervention, and a repeat after a two-week washout period. During the study, participants will undergo cognitive and memory tests such as the Digit Span Test and Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) at baseline and after treatment. Other evaluations include brain metabolic markers, EEG, heart rate variability, computerized cognitive assessments, and fMRI scans. Researchers will monitor changes in anxiety, stress, and irritability. The total study duration includes initial testing, intervention, and follow-up assessments to measure the effects of NSCLD on cognitive function.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Effects of Non-Invasive Superficial Craniocervical Lymphatic Drainage (NSCLD) on Memory and Cognitive Function in Adults With Sleep Deprivation: A Proof-of-Concept Study
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- College student aged 18 years or older who has passed a standardized entrance examination
- No failed exams during the course of study
- Experiencing sleep deprivation
- In good health with no mental or psychological disorders
- No recent use of medications affecting memory or cognition
- Voluntary participation and able to undergo cognitive and memory testing
- Provided informed consent
You will not qualify if you...
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women
- Presence of acute or chronic medical conditions such as severe hypertension, diabetes, or cardiovascular disease
- History of craniocervical trauma or surgery
- Current use of sedative or anxiolytic medications affecting sleep or cognitive function
- Unable to follow study procedures or complete assessments
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - 2 days per intervention period with a 2-week washout period between crossover sessions
Participants undergo two intervention sessions: non-invasive superficial craniocervical lymphatic drainage (NSCLD) or a sham-intervention treatment, each lasting 30 minutes with a 10-minute interval between sessions, to assess immediate effects on cognitive function following sleep deprivation.
1 baseline visit and 1 follow-up visit per intervention period
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
Tianjin Medical University General Hospital
Tianjin, China
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
T
Tao Liu, MD
Y
Yuezheng Dou
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
NONE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
CROSSOVER
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
2
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