Effects of Non-Invasive Superficial Craniocervical Lymphatic Drainage (NSCLD) on Memory and Cognitive Function in Adults With Sleep Deprivation: A Proof-of-Concept Study
NCT ID: NCT07084701
Last Updated: 2026-01-13
Study Results
The study team has not published outcome measurements, participant flow, or safety data for this trial yet. Check back later for updates.
Basic Information
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RECRUITING
NA
30 participants
INTERVENTIONAL
2025-09-15
2026-12-31
Brief Summary
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Detailed Description
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Currently, interventions targeting cognitive decline following sleep deprivation are limited. Common strategies primarily include medications (such as caffeine and modafinil) and restorative sleep. However, these methods have limitations in both clinical and real-life settings: on one hand, medications may lead to tolerance and side effects, and on the other hand, restorative sleep often cannot reverse cognitive impairment in the short term. Therefore, developing a safe, convenient, and rapidly effective non-pharmacological intervention is of great significance.
In recent years, the glymphatic system has garnered increasing attention. This system is believed to play a key role in clearing metabolic waste from the brain, regulating sleep structure, and maintaining neurocognitive function. Superficial craniocervical lymphatic drainage (SCLD) has been proposed as a potential mechanism to improve cognitive function by enhancing the flow of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and lymph, reducing neuroinflammation, and minimizing the accumulation of metabolic waste.
In June 2025, a study published in Nature provided the first in vivo evidence supporting this hypothesis. Researchers applied non-invasive mechanical stimulation to the superficial lymphatic system on the skin surface of the mouse neck, resulting in a doubling of CSF drainage efficiency to cervical lymph nodes and correction of impaired brain-lymphatic efflux function in aged mice. These findings provide direct mechanistic support for the potential application of non-invasive SCLD intervention in humans.
Therefore, this study aims to establish an acute sleep deprivation model in healthy adults and explore the immediate effects of NSCLD intervention on cognitive function, with the goal of providing preliminary clinical evidence for non-pharmacological intervention strategies related to the brain-lymphatic pathway.
Conditions
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Study Design
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RANDOMIZED
CROSSOVER
TREATMENT
NONE
Study Groups
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NSCLD group
NSCLD for 30 minutes, repeated after a 10-minute interval
Non-Invasive Superficial Craniocervical Lymphatic Drainage (NSCLD)
Participants will be randomly assigned to either an intervention group receiving NSCLD or a control group receiving a sham-intervention treatment. Cognitive function will be assessed using standardized tests before and after the intervention.
Control group
sham-intervention treatment
Participants will be randomly assigned to either an intervention group receiving NSCLD or a control group receiving a sham-intervention treatment. Cognitive function will be assessed using standardized tests before and after the intervention.
Interventions
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Non-Invasive Superficial Craniocervical Lymphatic Drainage (NSCLD)
Participants will be randomly assigned to either an intervention group receiving NSCLD or a control group receiving a sham-intervention treatment. Cognitive function will be assessed using standardized tests before and after the intervention.
sham-intervention treatment
Participants will be randomly assigned to either an intervention group receiving NSCLD or a control group receiving a sham-intervention treatment. Cognitive function will be assessed using standardized tests before and after the intervention.
Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria
* No failed exams during the course of study;
* Sleep deprivation;
* In good health, with no mental or psychological disorders;
* No recent use of medications that may affect memory and cognition;
* Voluntary participation and able to undergo cognitive function and memory testing;
* Informed consent provided
Exclusion Criteria
* Presence of acute or chronic medical conditions (e.g., severe hypertension, diabetes, cardiovascular disease) that could confound the results.
* History of craniocervical trauma or surgery.
* Current use of sedative or anxiolytic medications that could influence sleep or cognitive function.
* Participants who are unable to follow the procedures or complete the assessments
18 Years
ALL
Yes
Sponsors
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Tianjin Medical University General Hospital
OTHER
Xuanwu Hospital, Beijing
OTHER
Tao Liu
OTHER
Responsible Party
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Tao Liu
MD
Locations
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Tianjin Medical University General Hospital
Tianjin, , China
Countries
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Central Contacts
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Other Identifiers
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NSCLD
Identifier Type: -
Identifier Source: org_study_id
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