Recruiting soon

TOHCD-DSwedish Massage Effects in Adults with Type 1 Diabetes

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Study Aim

This study aims to observe the effects of Swedish massage on stress, glucose levels, inflammation, and anxiety in adults with Type 1 Diabetes.

What is being tested

Swedish massage

Behavioral
Who is being recruted

Autoimmune Diseases+5

+ Diabetes Mellitus

+ Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1

Over 18 Years
See all eligibility criteria
How is the trial designed

Basic Science Study

Interventional
Study Start: September 2026
See protocol details

Summary

Principal SponsorUniversity Hospital, Linkoeping
Study ContactPeter Johansson, Professor/RNMore contacts
Last updated: January 28, 2026
Sourced from a government-validated database.Claim as a partner

Study start date: September 1, 2026

Actual date on which the first participant was enrolled.

This study explores the effects of Swedish massage on adults with type 1 diabetes, focusing on both biological and psychological aspects. The research is important because managing stress and inflammation is crucial for controlling insulin sensitivity and blood sugar levels in diabetes. Swedish massage is thought to potentially affect the body's stress systems and inflammation, which could improve overall health and well-being in those with type 1 diabetes. By evaluating these effects, the study aims to determine whether this complementary treatment can be a feasible and acceptable addition to diabetes management. Participants in the study will undergo weekly sessions of Swedish massage, each lasting 45-60 minutes, over a period of five weeks. The study measures several biological outcomes, including levels of HbA1c, fasting glucose, and markers of inflammation like hs-CRP and IL-6, using blood samples. It also uses continuous glucose monitoring to assess blood sugar stability. Psychological effects are evaluated through stress and anxiety questionnaires. This pilot study aims to gather preliminary data on how Swedish massage might influence stress regulation and blood sugar control, providing insights into potential benefits and guiding future research.

Official TitleTherapeutic Outcomes of Using Complementary Hand-based Treatment in Diabetes (TOUCH-D): A Pilot Single-group Feasibility Study Evaluating Biological and Psychological Effects of Swedish Massage in Adults With Type 1 Diabetes.
Principal SponsorUniversity Hospital, Linkoeping
Study ContactPeter Johansson, Professor/RNMore contacts
Last updated: January 28, 2026
Sourced from a government-validated database.Claim as a partner

Protocol

This section provides details of the study plan, including how the study is designed and what the study is measuring.
Design Details

20 patients to be enrolled

Total number of participants that the clinical trial aims to recruit.

Basic Science Study

Basic science studies help researchers understand how the body works or how a disease develops. They don't test treatments, but they build the foundation for future therapies.



Eligibility

Researchers look for people who fit a certain description, called eligibility criteria: person's general health condition or prior treatments.
Conditions
Criteria

Any sex

Biological sex of participants that are eligible to enroll.

Over 18 Years

Range of ages for which participants are eligible to join.

Healthy volunteers not allowed

If individuals who are healthy and do not have the condition being studied can participate.

Conditions

Pathology

Autoimmune DiseasesDiabetes MellitusDiabetes Mellitus, Type 1Endocrine System DiseasesImmune System DiseasesMetabolic DiseasesNutritional and Metabolic DiseasesGlucose Metabolism Disorders

Criteria

Inclusion Criteria: * Adults (≥18 years) with type 1 diabetes ≥ 1 year * Able to attend two assessment visits at Vrinnevi Hospital * Uses CGM or equivalent system * Able to communicate in Swedish and provide consent Exclusion Criteria: * Severe diabetes complications (e.g., advanced neuropathy) * Acute psychiatric disorder requiring treatment * Contraindications to massage (e.g., thrombosis, fever, infection, recent surgery)

Study Plan

Find out more about all the medication administered in this study, their detailed description and what they involve.
Treatment Groups
Study Objectives

One single intervention group is designated in this study

This study does not include a placebo group 

Treatment Groups

Group I

Experimental
Participants receive Swedish massage once weekly for five consecutive weeks. Each session lasts 45-60 minutes and is delivered by a licensed massage therapist. Techniques include kneading, gliding, and tapping of soft tissues, focusing on the back, shoulders, and neck. The massage is designed to promote relaxation and modulate stress-related biological systems

Study Objectives

Primary Objectives

Secondary Objectives

Study Centers

These are the hospitals, clinics, or research facilities where the trial is being conducted. You can find the location closest to you and its status.

This study has 1 location

Suspended

Peter Johansson

Norrköping, SwedenOpen Peter Johansson in Google Maps
Recruiting soonOne Study Center
TOHCD-D | Swedish Massage Effects in Adults with Type 1 Diabetes | PatLynk