Actively Recruiting
Massage Impact on Sleep in Hospitalization for Pediatric Oncology and Stem Cell Transplant Patients
Led by Children's Hospital of Philadelphia · Updated on 2026-04-15
70
Participants Needed
2
Research Sites
26 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
Sponsors
C
Children's Hospital of Philadelphia
Lead Sponsor
M
Massage Therapy Foundation
Collaborating Sponsor
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
This research aims to evaluate the effects of massage therapy on hospitalized pediatric patients aged 12 to 21 years who are receiving intensive chemotherapy or stem cell transplant (SCT) for cancer, including acute myeloid leukemia or relapsed acute lymphoblastic leukemia. The study explores whether individualized massage can improve sleep duration and quality, enhance circadian rhythms, and reduce fatigue, anxiety, and pain compared to standard care. This trial is sponsored by the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. Participants are randomly assigned to either receive standard care or massage therapy. Those in the massage group will get a 20- to 30-minute massage five days a week for three weeks (21 days). The control group will receive the institutional standard of care without massage. This intervention is provided during hospitalization at either Children's National or Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. Throughout the study, researchers will monitor sleep changes using total sleep minutes over three weeks as the primary outcome. Secondary measures include sleep quality assessed by circadian activity rhythms, quality of life, fatigue, anxiety, and pain levels. Participants will complete questionnaires, and their sleep and activity patterns will be tracked to assess the effects of massage therapy during their inpatient stay. The total study duration per participant is about three weeks.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Massage Impact on Sleep in Pediatric Oncology
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Diagnosis of cancer such as acute myeloid leukemia or relapsed acute lymphoblastic leukemia or admitted for autologous or allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant
- Expected inpatient hospital stay of at least 21 days
- Aged 12 to 21 years at enrollment
- Current inpatient at Children's National or Children's Hospital of Philadelphia
You will not qualify if you...
- Cognitive impairment that prevents proper completion of questionnaires
- Insufficient knowledge of English or Spanish to complete study instruments
- Previous enrollment in the study
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 - 21 days
Participants receive either individualized massage therapy or standard care during hospitalization.
Massage therapy for 20-30 minutes, five days per week for 3 weeks
Trial Site Locations
Total: 2 locations
1
Children's National Hospital
Washington D.C., District of Columbia, United States, 20010
Not Yet Recruiting
2
Children's Hospital of Philadelphia
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States, 19104
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
L
Lauren Vernau
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
NONE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
2
Similar Trials
Frequently Asked Questions
Have more questions? Get in touch with our team for quick support
Not the Right Trial for You?
Explore thousands of other clinical trials that might be a better match.
Sign up to get personalized trial recommendations delivered to your inbox.
Already have an account? Log in here