Primal Reflex Release Technique for Stress

Overseen By CJ Brush, PhD

Age: 18 - 65

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: University of Idaho

Must not be taking: Beta blockers

Disqualifiers: Caffeine use, others

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

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 3

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial explores whether the Primal Reflex Release Technique (PRRT), a hands-on therapy, can reduce stress and its effects on the body and mind. PRRT involves gentle touches on the head and face, which may improve heart rate variability (a measure of how the heart responds to stress) and overall well-being. Participants will either receive PRRT or watch a calming video. Ideal candidates can avoid caffeine for six hours before the trial, are not taking beta blockers, and are comfortable with facial and head touch therapy. As an unphased trial, this study offers a unique opportunity to explore innovative stress-reduction techniques.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

If you are currently taking beta blockers, you will need to stop taking them to participate in this trial. The trial does not specify any other medication restrictions.

What prior data suggests that the Primal Reflex Release Technique is safe for stress management?

Research has shown that the Primal Reflex Release Technique (PRRT) reduces pain and improves movement. Participants in these studies reported less pain and improved movement. Although these studies primarily focused on pain relief, they suggest that the treatment is generally well-tolerated.

The available studies do not report any serious side effects. However, because this study is not linked to a specific phase, direct evidence about its safety for managing stress may be limited. Overall, PRRT has been used safely in other contexts, but further research could clarify its safety for stress-related outcomes. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about the Primal Reflex Release Technique (PRRT) because it offers a hands-on approach to stress relief that differs from traditional methods like medication or cognitive behavioral therapy. The technique focuses on physical touch and manipulations, such as gentle pulling and flicking motions, to release tension and reflexes in the body. This method is non-invasive and could provide immediate relaxation without the need for drugs, making it an appealing alternative for those seeking a natural way to manage stress.

What evidence suggests that the Primal Reflex Release Technique is effective for stress?

Research has shown that the Primal Reflex Release Technique (PRRT), which participants in this trial may receive, can help reduce pain and stress. Studies have found that PRRT leads to lasting improvements in symptoms, suggesting its effectiveness in managing stress. This technique helps the body adjust and improve its response to stress, potentially enhancing heart rate variability (HRV) and overall well-being. While most research has focused on pain reduction, the mechanism of PRRT suggests it could also address stress-related issues. Early findings indicate it might help people feel more relaxed and prepared for evaluation or treatment. ^{1 2 3 4 6}

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for individuals experiencing stress. Participants should be interested in trying a new manual therapy called Primal Reflex Release Technique (PRRT) to manage their stress levels.

Inclusion Criteria

I am not currently taking any beta blockers.

Subject can refrain from caffeinated beverages in the 6 hours prior to data collection

I am comfortable with a therapist touching my face and head.

Exclusion Criteria

Subject has had caffeine within 6 hours

I am currently taking beta blockers.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Pre-intervention

Participants watch a 5-minute video of aquatic nature scenes to establish a resting baseline

5 minutes

1 visit (in-person)

Intervention

Participants receive 5 minutes of targeted spinal manipulation PRRT protocol or continue relaxation video viewing for control group

5 minutes

1 visit (in-person)

Post-intervention

Participants watch a repeat of the standardized video to assess changes after PRRT session

5 minutes

1 visit (in-person)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment

6 months

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Primal Reflex Release Technique (PRRT)

Trial Overview The study tests the effectiveness of PRRT on improving indicators of stress, such as heart rate variability and patient-reported outcomes. It aims to see if this technique can help maintain well-being and prevent health issues related to chronic stress.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Primal Reflex Release Technique Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

The subject will lay on their back with their eyes closed. Palmar Reflex Release The subject will actively raise arms overhead (palm facing the floor) with a pen squeezed between their fingers. Epicranial Release The clinician will grasp the subject's hair near the front of the hairline with one hand, just above the ear on the right side and gently pull. Frontalis Release The clinician will instruct the subject to raise their eyebrows and keep them raised. The clinician will use their thumbs to gently flick downward on the inside portion of the subject's eyebrows. Orbicularis Oculi Release The clinician will place their thumb below the eye resting on the cheek bone and with the other hand will lightly rest on the subject's eyelid The clinician will then gently and lightly attempt to quickly open the subject's eyelids Suboccipital Release The participant will rest their head in clinicians hands while they provide a slight traction at the base of the skull

Group II: Control Active Control 1 Intervention

For the control, the subject will watch another 5-minute video of fish in an aquarium.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of Idaho

Lead Sponsor

Trials

21

Recruited

2,800+

Jayme Baker

Collaborator

Trials

1

Recruited

30+

Sydney Leverett

Collaborator

Trials

1

Recruited

30+

CJ Brush

Collaborator

Trials

1

Recruited

30+

Citations

1. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4595922/

EFFECTS OF PRIMAL REFLEX RELEASE TECHNIQUE: A ... The use of the PRRT treatment resulted in an average reduction in plantar fascia pain across all subjects that was both statistically significant and clinically ...

2. clinicaltrials.gov clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT07079566

Effect of Primal Reflex Release Technique on Pain and ... Patient outcomes from PRRT showed lasting improvements during both the initial follow-up and the two-week check-up, indicating the effectiveness ...

3. scholars.indianastate.edu scholars.indianastate.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1232&context=clinat

The Use of Primal Reflex Release Technique to Address Pain ... The results support our hypothesis that PRRT can reduce pain and stress by optimizing the patient's readiness for evaluation or treatment.

4. irj.uswr.ac.ir irj.uswr.ac.ir/article-1-1710-en.pdf

Comparing Primal Reflex Release Technique and ... The primal reflex release technique proved to be more effective for reducing pain, improving functional performance, and pain- free sitting ...

5. scholars.indianastate.edu scholars.indianastate.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1223&context=clinat

Treating Type II Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome with Primal ... Primal Reflex Release Technique (PRRT) is a treatment paradigm that can be used to reduce pain and dysfunction by identifying and recalibrating ...

6. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7134355/

AN EXPLORATORY CASE SERIES ANALYSIS OF THE ... In this case series, the use of PRRT™ resulted in decreased pain, increased function, and increased range of motion, as well as resolved SJD. The Primal Reflex ...