Ultrasound Spa for Aging

Overseen By Tiffany Cortes, MD

Age: 65+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio

Disqualifiers: Obesity, Incontinence, Hypertension, Diabetes, Infection, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 26

Duration: 8 weeks

20 Participants Needed

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial explores how a special ultrasound bath, known as the "ultrasound spa," might aid healthy aging. Researchers examine its effects on muscle strength, cognitive skills, the immune system, and body composition. Participants will sit in either an ultrasound bath or plain water for 45 minutes, three times a week, over eight weeks. This trial suits individuals aged 70 and up who can climb stairs, enter and exit a bath, and commit to regular participation. As an unphased trial, it offers participants the chance to contribute to groundbreaking research on innovative wellness treatments.

Do I have to stop taking my current medications for the trial?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It's best to discuss this with the trial coordinators or your doctor.

What prior data suggests that this ultrasound bath device is safe for healthy aging?

Research has shown that low-frequency ultrasound is generally safe for treatments. Doctors commonly use it because it doesn't break the skin, reducing the risk of harm compared to methods that might damage the skin.

In cosmetic treatments, ultrasound is usually well-tolerated and has been safely used for skin tightening. Although high-intensity ultrasound can cause tissue damage if misused, the low-frequency ultrasound in this trial is designed to be gentle and safe.

Overall, using low-frequency ultrasound in a spa setting has proven safe when done correctly. Participants can feel reassured about its safety based on existing research. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about the ultrasound spa treatment because it introduces a novel, non-invasive way to potentially rejuvenate aging skin. Unlike traditional anti-aging treatments such as topical creams, injections, or surgical procedures, this method uses low-frequency ultrasound delivered through water immersion. This unique delivery method could stimulate skin repair and regeneration without the need for chemicals or invasive techniques. Additionally, the soothing nature of spa immersion may enhance relaxation and well-being, making it a pleasant experience for participants.

What evidence suggests that this ultrasound spa is effective for healthy aging?

Studies have shown that low-frequency ultrasound can enhance the appearance and texture of the skin. Research indicates it can make skin appear tighter and more youthful. One study found that ultrasound treatments refresh the skin, leading to noticeable changes in just a few weeks. These treatments are precise and safe, providing consistent results. While most studies focus on facial skin, this technology also shows promise for improving overall skin health. Overall, early findings suggest ultrasound may benefit healthy aging. In this trial, participants in the Ultrasound Spa Group will receive water-based delivery of low-frequency ultrasound, while those in the Spa Only Group will experience spa immersion without ultrasound. ^{2 5 6 7 8}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Blake Rasmussen, PhD

Principal Investigator

The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for individuals interested in exploring non-invasive treatments to promote healthy aging. Specific eligibility criteria are not provided, but typically participants should be in good health with no conditions that would interfere with the study.

Inclusion Criteria

BMI <40 kg/m2

I am 70 years old or older.

I can walk up stairs and a short ladder.

Exclusion Criteria

Glycated Hemoglobin (Hgb) A1c level >8.5%

I have had issues with my leg wounds not healing well in the last 2 years.

I need tools to help me walk.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Baseline Assessment

Participants undergo baseline testing for muscle function, cognitive function, immune aging, and body composition

1 week

1 visit (in-person)

Treatment

Participants receive ultrasound or sham treatment in a bathtub for 45 minutes, 3 times per week for 8 weeks

8 weeks

24 visits (in-person)

Post-treatment Assessment

Post-testing for muscle, cognitive, immune aging function, and body composition

1 week

1 visit (in-person)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment

4 weeks

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Ultrasound spa

Trial Overview The trial is testing the effects of a low-frequency ultrasound bath device on healthy aging. Participants will either receive real ultrasound treatments or sham (fake) treatments in a bathtub setting, three times a week for eight weeks.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Ultrasound Spa Group Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Sessions will take place three times per week, with water-based delivery of low-frequency ultrasound lasting 45 minutes each, for a total of eight weeks.

Group II: Spa Only Group without ultrasound Placebo Group 1 Intervention

Sessions will take place three times per week, with spa immersion with no ultrasound lasting 45 minutes each, for a total of eight weeks.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio

Lead Sponsor

Trials

486

Recruited

92,500+

Xprize Foundation

Collaborator

Citations

1. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11626351/

Ultrasound rejuvenation for upper facial skin The effectiveness of the outcomes was more pronounced at 90‐day posttreatment compared to 180 days (p < 0.01). The skin in forehead appeared ...

2. shahfacialplastics.com shahfacialplastics.com/articles/effects-low-frequency-ultrasound-epidermal-dermal-structures-clinical-histological-study/

Effects of Low Frequency Ultrasound on Epidermal This study examined an ultrasound delivery system with and without the use of a mild exfoliating agent on the epidermal and dermal response.

3. sofwave.com sofwave.com/blog/what-is-the-best-med-spa-equipment-for-maximizing-roi-in-skin-regeneration-treatments-in-2025

The Evolution of Non-Invasive Skin Lifting Ultrasound is the front-runner, offering precision, safety, and consistent outcomes that earlier devices couldn't match.

4. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10584894/

High-frequency ultrasound in anti-aging skin therapy monitoring In this paper, being the first in this area, we discuss the usability of HFUS in anti-aging skin therapy assessment.

5. webmd.com webmd.com/beauty/what-to-know-about-ultrasound-for-face

What to Know About Ultrasound for Face Ultrasound for face tightening is a fairly new treatment option for people with loose and sagging skin. The procedure helps rejuvenate the skin around the face.

6. aium.org aium.org/resources/official-statements/view/statement-on-the-safety-of-cosmetic-ultrasound

Statement on the Safety of Cosmetic Ultrasound High-intensity focused ultrasound and MFU can cause undesired tissue damage if applied for an excessive duration or if they include unintended ...

7. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12365734/

Efficacy and Safety of Radiofrequency and Focused ... Radiofrequency (RF) and focused ultrasound (FU) are commonly used non‐invasive methods for skin tightening that can be safely applied to any ...

8. vibrantsalonandspa.com vibrantsalonandspa.com/post/is-ultrasonic-facial-treatment-safe

Is Ultrasonic Facial Treatment Safe? Unlike other facial treatments that break the skin barrier, ultrasound facial therapy works through sound waves. This makes it particularly safe ...