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PubMed2006

Prior leg massage decreases pain responses to heel stick in preterm babies.

AIM: Leg massage could inhibit the transmission of pain by 'closing the gate' or by activating the endogenous opioid pathway to decrease nociceptive transmission of pain associated with heel stick. The aim of this study is to determine the effects of massage therapy prior to heel stick on responses assessed by the Neonatal Infant Pain Scale (NIPS) (primary outcome), heart rate, respiratory rate and oxygen saturation (secondary outcomes) in infants who required a heel stick for blood sampling. METHODS: This randomised, double-blind, crossover trial with infants from 1 to 7 days post birth excluded those with prior surgery, septicaemia, current assisted ventilation or an analgesic within 48 h. After informed consent, 13 infants received a 2-min massage of the ipsilateral leg prior to heel stick on the first study sampling and no massage on the next sampling 2-7 days later and 10 infants had the reverse order. The bedside nurse, blinded to the intervention, measured NIPS, heart rate, respiratory rate, and oxygen saturation prior to massage, after massage, and 5 min after heel stick. Serum cortisol was measured with the blood sampling. RESULTS: In 23 infants (birthweight 795-2507 g), there were no adverse physiologic effects of massage. After heel stick, NIPS (P < 0.001) and heart rate (P = 0.03) were increased in the no-massage group compared with the massage group. Respiratory rate, oxygen saturation and serum cortisol were not significantly different. CONCLUSION: Gentle massage of the leg prior to heel stick is safe and decreases pain responses in preterm infants.

Blood Specimen Collection↗
PubMed2004

Effect of massage of the hamstring muscle group on performance of the sit and reach test.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate if a single massage of the hamstring muscle group would alter the performance of the sit and reach test. METHODS: Before treatment, each of 11 male subjects performed the sit and reach test. The treatment consisted of either massage of the hamstring muscle group (both legs, total time about 15 minutes) or supine rest with no massage. Performance of the sit and reach test was repeated after treatment. Each subject returned the subsequent week to perform the tests again, receiving the alternative treatment relative to their initial visit. Mean percentage changes in sit and reach scores after treatment were calculated for the massage and no massage treatments, and analysed using Student's t tests. RESULTS: Mean (SD) percentage changes in sit and reach scores after massage and no massage were small (6.0 (4.3)% and 4.6 (4.8)% respectively) and not significantly different for subjects with relatively high (15 cm and above) values before treatment. Mean percentage changes in sit and reach scores for subjects with relatively low values before treatment (below 15 cm) were large (18.2 (8.2)% and 15.5 (16.2)% respectively), but no significant differences were found between the massage and no massage groups. CONCLUSIONS: A single massage of the hamstring muscle group was not associated with any significant increase in sit and reach performance immediately after treatment in physically active young men.

Adult↗
PubMed1988

Clinical experiences using pneumatic massage therapy for edematous limbs over the last 10 years.

UNLABELLED: A pneumatic massage apparatus has been developed for the treatment of peripheral lymphedema. The stagnant lymph and venous blood are displaced toward the heart by this pneumatic massage. It has been applied to more than 650 patients with edematous limbs in the authors' Hadomer clinic over the last ten years. Satisfactory results were obtained, including decrease in swelling, pain, and induration. The authors' clinical experiences and statistical analysis of the patients are reported here. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: 9 primary (4 males and 5 females) and 646 secondary (28 males and 618 females) patients with lymphatic edema of extremities have been treated. The majority of the patients had postmastectomy edema of the upper extremity. CLINICAL STUDIES: The circumference of the edematous limb was measured before and after pneumatic massage treatment of forty to sixty minutes, daily or every second day. (Formula: see text). The rate of swelling was calculated by the formula described above. Twenty-six cases, treated with pneumatic massage for more than fifteen months, have been investigated. A decrease in the rate of swelling was observed in 14 cases (54%), there was no change in 7 (27%), and an increase was seen in 5 (19%). Electric impedance plethysmographic analysis of peripheral lymph volume and blood flow indicated that pneumatic massage was effective in the treatment of edema of the limbs, and its effectiveness was confirmed also by core temperature measurement of the hand during pneumatic massage. The decreased circumference of the edematous limb was kept constant for a long period of time by daily repeated pneumatic massage and ordinary conservative treatments. In conclusion, most lymphedema is of a secondary type. Pneumatic massage was effective in the treatment of peripheral lymph edema, and the improvement was maintained by repeated daily pneumatic massage and ordinary conservative treatment. Therefore, before it becomes worse, lymphedema of the limb should be treated by use of conservative treatments, including pneumatic massage continued as a long-term schedule.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Dissociation of insulin absorption and blood flow during massage of a subcutaneous injection site.

Nine healthy volunteers with normal body weights were injected subcutaneously with 125I-labeled soluble human insulin (10 U) in one thigh and 133Xe in the contralateral thigh for the measurement of subcutaneous blood flow on 2 consecutive mornings. On one of the days, standardized massage of both injection sites was performed for 30 min starting 30 min after insulin injection. Serum insulin and plasma glucose were determined intermittently before, during, and after massage, and elimination of radioactivities was monitored continuously by external detectors. During massage, the first-order elimination rate constants of 125I increased approximately sixfold compared with the rise during control (0.19 +/- 0.04 to 0.88 +/- 0.15%/min during the last 15 min of the massage vs. 0.21 +/- 0.03 to 0.32 +/- 0.03%/min during control). Serum insulin increased from 13.8 +/- 1.8 mU/L before massage to a maximal value of 56.4 +/- 8.7 mU/L 10 min after massage (vs. 15.3 +/- 3.0 and 19.7 +/- 2.2 mU/L during control). Plasma glucose fell significantly faster on the massage day, from 10 min after massage onward. No significant alteration in the subcutaneous blood flow was found during or after massage. The results suggest that the pronounced enhancement of insulin absorption induced by massage of the injection site is mainly not blood flow mediated.

Absorption↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Do cutaneous receptors contribute to the changes in the amplitude of the H-reflex during massage?

Massage is known to produce a reduction in spinal reflex excitability. However, the mechanisms subserving this phenomenon have yet to be elucidated. This study was undertaken to determine the role of superficial cutaneoreceptors overlying the triceps surae during the application of a massage. Twelve neurologically healthy volunteers were subjected to an interrupted repeated measures design consisting of eight conditions. Each condition was comprised of eleven H-reflex recordings obtained from the right soleus muscle. Six conditions served to establish baseline control levels, while the remaining two conditions consisted of reflex recordings obtained simultaneous to the application of the massage. During the first massage condition, subjects were at rest while a three minute petrissage was applied to the right triceps surae muscle group. The second massage condition was always preceded by the application of a topical anaesthetic to abolish the sensation to touch and pin-prick to the skin area that was to be massaged. It was expected that the cutaneous afferents would not play any major role in the changes associated with the application of the massage. H-reflex amplitudes recorded during each massage condition (1.20 mV +/- 0.30 SEM, 1.05 mV +/- 0.23 SEM, respectively) were significantly reduced (F7.77 = 26.048, p < 0.01) in contrast to all control conditions (range: 2.21 to 2.63 mV). However, no difference was observed between the two massage conditions. The inhibitory effects of massage on the soleus H-reflex do not appear to originate from mechanical stimulation of cutaneous mechanoreceptors. It seems more likely that deep mechanoreceptors are involved.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

Effectiveness of massage therapy for subacute low-back pain: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: The effectiveness of massage therapy for low-back pain has not been documented. This randomized controlled trial compared comprehensive massage therapy (soft-tissue manipulation, remedial exercise and posture education), 2 components of massage therapy and placebo in the treatment of subacute (between 1 week and 8 months) low-back pain. METHODS: Subjects with subacute low-back pain were randomly assigned to 1 of 4 groups: comprehensive massage therapy (n = 25), soft-tissue manipulation only (n = 25), remedial exercise with posture education only (n = 22) or a placebo of sham laser therapy (n = 26). Each subject received 6 treatments within approximately 1 month. Outcome measures obtained at baseline, after treatment and at 1-month follow-up consisted of the Roland Disability Questionnaire (RDQ), the McGill Pain Questionnaire (PPI and PRI), the State Anxiety Index and the Modified Schober test (lumbar range of motion). RESULTS: Of the 107 subjects who passed screening, 98 (92%) completed post-treatment tests and 91 (85%) completed follow-up tests. Statistically significant differences were noted after treatment and at follow-up. The comprehensive massage therapy group had improved function (mean RDQ score 1.54 v. 2.86-6.5, p < 0.001), less intense pain (mean PPI score 0.42 v. 1.18-1.75, p < 0.001) and a decrease in the quality of pain (mean PRI score 2.29 v. 4.55-7.71, p = 0.006) compared with the other 3 groups. Clinical significance was evident for the comprehensive massage therapy group and the soft-tissue manipulation group on the measure of function. At 1-month follow-up 63% of subjects in the comprehensive massage therapy group reported no pain as compared with 27% of the soft-tissue manipulation group, 14% of the remedial exercise group and 0% of the sham laser therapy group. INTERPRETATION: Patients with subacute low-back pain were shown to benefit from massage therapy, as regulated by the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario and delivered by experienced massage therapists.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Massage therapy for patients undergoing cardiac catheterization.

CONTEXT: Anxiety and its pharmacological treatment can interfere with cardiac catheterization. Massage therapy has been used primarily in nonmedical settings for relaxation and stress reduction, and some research demonstrates its efficacy in medical environments. OBJECTIVE: First, to determine whether massage could be administered under "normal" conditions in an interventional cardiology center. Second, to evaluate the efficacy of massage in reducing anxiety before, during, and after a cardiac catheterization procedure. DESIGN: A prospective, randomized, controlled, single-masked, pilot study. SETTING: An interventional cardiology center at an urban hospital in New York, NY PATIENTS: Seventy-eight patients (59 men, 19 women), with a mean age of 60.1 years who were scheduled for an elective, diagnostic catheterization based on routine clinical practices. INTERVENTION: Treatment subjects received a standardized, 10-minute massage. Control subjects spent 10 minutes of quiet time with a massage therapist. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: We evaluated the feasibility of incorporating massage into the time period between the patient's arrival at the hospital and catheterization, patient interest in receiving massage, and staff support of this complementary therapy. We further evaluated self-ratings of anxiety and pain or discomfort on visual analog scales, vital signs, cortisol levels, and analgesic or anxiolytic intake. RESULTS: A 10-minute massage was feasibly incorporated before catheterization. Seventy percent of the patients consented to participate, and staff supported the intervention. Mean anxiety scores on a 166 mm visual analog scale dropped by 16.2 mm (SD, 24.6) in the massaged group and by 6.8 mm (SD, 17.3) in the control group (P = .081). No statistically significant results were found in pain or discomfort visual analog scale scores (P =.491), blood pressure (P = .827), heart rate (P = .935), respiration rate (P=.916), or analgesic and anxiolytic usage (P > or = .252). Cortisol levels are discussed as exploratory, data. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the study suggest that a 10-minute massage before an invasive cardiac procedure is insufficient to decrease stress measurably.

Adaptation, Psychological↗
PubMed2004

Effect of massage on blood flow and muscle fatigue following isometric lumbar exercise.

BACKGROUND: This study attempted to investigate the influence of massage on the skin and the intramuscular circulatory changes associated with localized muscle fatigue. MATERIAL/METHODS: Twenty-nine healthy male subjects participated in two experimental sessions (massage and rest conditions). Subjects lay prone on the table and were instructed to extend their trunks until the inferior portion of their rib cage no longer rested on the table. Subjects held this position for 90 seconds (Load I). Subjects then either received massage on the lumbar region or rested for 5 minutes, then repeated the same load (Load II). Skin blood flow (SBF), muscle blood volume (MBV), skin temperature (ST), and subjects' subjective feelings of fatigue were evaluated using Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). RESULTS: An increase of MBV between pre- and post-load II periods was higher after massage than after rest (p<0.05). An increase of SBF at pre- and post-load II was observed only under massage condition. An increase of SBF between post-load I and pre-load II periods was higher after massage than after rest (p<0.05). An increase of ST between post-load I and post-load II periods was greater after massage than after rest (p<0.05). The VAS score was lower with massage than with rest in the post-treatment period (p<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: A significant difference was observed between massage and rest condition on VAS for muscle fatigue. Lumbar massage administration also appeared to have some effect on increasing skin temperature and enhancement of blood flow in local regions.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1992

Abdominal wall massage: effect on colonic function in healthy volunteers and in patients with chronic constipation.

Colonic massage has been claimed to be an efficacious treatment for chronic constipation, though there are no studies to prove this. We therefore investigated the effect of abdominal wall massage on stool frequency and colonic transit time of radiopaque markers in 9 constipated patients (68 +/- 5 years, 5 female, colonic transit greater than 60 h) and in 7 healthy male volunteers (27 +/- 1.2 years) in a control phase and during a three week treatment phase with 9 sessions. Massage was performed as propulsive abdominal wall massage along the presumed course of the colon in an aboral direction (each session 20 min). Stool frequency did not change significantly from control to massage, neither in patients [0.59 +/- 0.08 to 0.68 +/- 0.09 defaecations per day, 95% CI control-massage (-0.23; 0.04)] nor in healthy volunteers 1.11 +/- 0.11 to 0.86 +/- 0.13, 95% CI (-0.01; 0.53)]. Total colonic transit times remained similar during the control and massage phase in patients (126 +/- 19 and 111 +/- 17 h, 95% CI (-11; 41)] and in healthy volunteers (40 +/- 7 and 38 +/- 6 h, 95% CI (-8; 13)]. Even when patients and healthy volunteers were statistically evaluated together, control and massage did not differ significantly. In patients, scores of well-being and stool consistency did not differ significantly during control and massage periods. So colonic massage does not change parameters of colonic function to a clinically relevant degree in healthy volunteers and constipated patients of the investigated age-groups.

Abdominal Muscles↗
PubMed2005

Sports massage. A comprehensive review.

The science of sports massage is of interest to many populations including athletes, athletic trainers, coaches, as well as sports physiologists. While evidence to support or refute the effects of massage on sports performance is insufficient to make definitive statements, new reports and trends within data help formulate an understanding of sports massage. This article will review sports massage research on topics including lactate clearance, delayed onset of muscle soreness (DOMS), muscle fatigue, the psychological effect of massage, and injury prevention and treatment. Articles referenced in Medline, Cochrane Database, the authors library, and references from articles are included in this review. Most studies contain methodological limitations including inadequate therapist training, insufficient duration of treatment, few subjects, or over or under working of muscles that limit a practical conclusion. Muscle soreness associated with DOMS is reduced with massage, although whether force recovers more quickly is still unclear. The research literature to date is insufficient to conclude whether massage facilitates recovery from a fatiguing effort. Both tissue healing and a psychological effect of massage are areas that may prove promising with further research. Results from published literature support a positive trend for massage to benefit athletic recovery and performance; a need for further research into sports massage, especially well-designed studies utilizing therapists specifically trained to administer this type of therapy, is warranted.

Humans↗
PubMed1995

CHROMASSI: a therapy advice system based on chrono-massage and acupression using the method of ZiWuLiuZhu.

Massage and Acupression have a history of many years of use by the Vietnamese people in the treatment of diseases, and they can give wonderful therapeutic effects in painful syndromes and chronic diseases, etc. On the other hand, some methods of Chrono-Acupuncture based on chronobiological theory and the holistic concept of traditional medicine are studied and applied in clinical applications. This paper presents the therapy advice system based on Chrono-Massage and Acupression using the method of ZiWuLiuZhu called CHROMASSI. The system includes four major parts. Massage and Acupression Teaching: This part can provide the user with some background in Massage and Acupression theory such as the pathology of the meridians, the classification of points and their function, the therapeutic properties of points, the methods of Massage and Acupression (including Pression, Friction, Rubbing, Light Massage, Petrissage, Rolling and Rubbing, Percussion and Vibration), and the direction of the meridians circulation, displaying AcuPoints represented by color pictures of the 12 main meridians and 2 vessels. More than 330 popular AcuPoints are used in the system. Open AcuPoint Calculating: This module can help us to calculate open AcuPoints based on data about days, months, years and hours using the special method of ZiWuLiuZhu. The Points adopted by ZiWuLiuZhu are the Five Shu Points and Source Points including 66 points (all of them are located below the elbows and knees). The effectiveness of these points becomes particularly evident when they are needled or punctured at optimum time intervals. For example, at 9:00 a.m., September 22, 1994, the open Points by the ZiWuLiuZhu method will be the points K2 (Nhien Coc) and K10 (Am Coc). According to the chronotherapeutic method, first we have to pressure (or puncture) the above points in order to attain the sensation RDac KhiS (arrival of energy), then pressure the other treating points as in ordinary Massage and Acupression. Therapy Consultation: Knowledge of the system was provided by Prof. Nguyen Van Thang and Doctor Nguyen Nhu Oanh at the Vietnam National Institute of Oriental Medicine. CHROMASSI is able to advise on ways to treat about 153 diseases and symptoms in the following fields: Aches and Pains, Insomnia, Common Cold and Influenza, Sexual Disturbances, Medical Aesthetics in Face, Breast and Buttock, Hygiene, Cardio-Vascular Tract, Digestive Tract, Urinary Tract, Respiratory Tract, Genital Tract, Ear-Nose-Throat Tract, Nervous Tract. The system can provide information about Remarks, Acupoints formulas for treating by Massage and Acupression with colour pictures of meridians. Explanation: The CHROMASSI system can explain why the AcuPoints are used for treating diseases based on the theoretical bases of traditional Vietnamese medicine and on the meridians and collaterals system theory. The colour pictures representing the circulation of vital energy in the meridians are used for explanation. The CHROMASSI system was developed in TURBO-PROLOG and TURBO-PASCAL and can run on IBM PC/AT computers and compatibles. The system can be used for teaching and for clinics of Massage and Acupression combined with Chronotherapeutics. At present the system is used by some physicians for clinical applications. The first results indicate that, in 20 cases of generalized headache compared with the control group, the combining of chronoacupression using the ZiWuLiuZhu method and ordinary Massage and Acupression gave better effects than that obtained by either method alone.

Acupressure↗
PubMed1998

Physicians' perspectives on massage therapy.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the knowledge, opinions, and referral behaviour of family physicians with respect to massage therapy and to explore factors associated with referral. DESIGN: A random, cross-sectional mailed survey. SETTING: Alberta family practices. PARTICIPANTS: Family physicians (n = 300). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: A self-report survey was developed for the study. This survey contained questions about sociodemographic and practice characteristics, perceived knowledge of massage therapy, opinions about the usefulness and legislation (government regulations) of massage therapy, and referral behaviour. RESULTS: Fifty-four percent of physicians (n = 161) completed the questionnaire. Sixty-eight percent of respondents indicated they had minimal or no knowledge of massage therapy. Despite this low level of knowledge, most (83%) believed massage therapy was a useful adjunct to their own practice. Moreover, 71% had referred patients to massage therapists and most (72%) perceived increasing demand from their patients for massage therapy. Approximately half of physicians surveyed supported government regulation of massage therapy. CONCLUSIONS: Physicians demonstrated a discrepancy between their knowledge of massage therapy and their opinions of, and referrals to, the profession. Physicians who referred patients to massage therapists generally held more positive opinions and had more knowledge of the discipline.

Adult↗
PubMed2026

Effects of automated massage chair therapy on mental health and physical health: A comprehensive study.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Automated massage chair therapy is a non-pharmacological intervention widely believed to enhance wellness, yet evidence regarding its effects remains limited. This 3-part study evaluated the effects of automated massage chair therapy on mental and physical health. METHODS: In Part 1, 20 moderately stressed students were randomized to receive a 20-minute automated massage chair therapy session followed by a 20-minute control session, or vice versa, with a 48-hour washout period. Blood pressure (BP), heart rate (HR), electroencephalogram (EEG), State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), and Visual Analog Scale (VAS) were measured. In Part 2, 20 hypertensive hospital staff received three 20-minute automated massage chair therapy sessions on alternate days. BP, HR, and skin blood flow (SBF) were measured. In Part 3, 20 hospital staff with chronic low back pain received three 20-minute automated massage chair therapy sessions on alternate days. Electromyogram (EMG) and VAS were measured. RESULTS: Automated massage chair therapy significantly reduced diastolic blood pressure (DBP), HR, stress, and anxiety among moderately stressed students. In hospital staff with hypertension, SBF did not change significantly, whereas BP and HR decreased significantly after automated massage chair therapy. In hospital staff with chronic low back pain, low back function improved, and pain was significantly reduced after automated massage chair therapy. CONCLUSION: These findings indicate that automated massage chair therapy may help reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and alleviate low back pain.

Humans↗
PubMed2001

Randomized trial comparing traditional Chinese medical acupuncture, therapeutic massage, and self-care education for chronic low back pain.

BACKGROUND: Because the value of popular forms of alternative care for chronic back pain remains uncertain, we compared the effectiveness of acupuncture, therapeutic massage, and self-care education for persistent back pain. METHODS: We randomized 262 patients aged 20 to 70 years who had persistent back pain to receive Traditional Chinese Medical acupuncture (n = 94), therapeutic massage (n = 78), or self-care educational materials (n = 90). Up to 10 massage or acupuncture visits were permitted over 10 weeks. Symptoms (0-10 scale) and dysfunction (0-23 scale) were assessed by telephone interviewers masked to treatment group. Follow-up was available for 95% of patients after 4, 10, and 52 weeks, and none withdrew for adverse effects. RESULTS: Treatment groups were compared after adjustment for prerandomization covariates using an intent-to-treat analysis. At 10 weeks, massage was superior to self-care on the symptom scale (3.41 vs 4.71, respectively; P =.01) and the disability scale (5.88 vs 8.92, respectively; P<.001). Massage was also superior to acupuncture on the disability scale (5.89 vs 8.25, respectively; P =.01). After 1 year, massage was not better than self-care but was better than acupuncture (symptom scale: 3.08 vs 4.74, respectively; P =.002; dysfunction scale: 6.29 vs 8.21, respectively; P =.05). The massage group used the least medications (P<.05) and had the lowest costs of subsequent care. CONCLUSIONS: Therapeutic massage was effective for persistent low back pain, apparently providing long-lasting benefits. Traditional Chinese Medical acupuncture was relatively ineffective. Massage might be an effective alternative to conventional medical care for persistent back pain.

Acupuncture Therapy↗
PubMed2005

Effects of Swedish massage on blood pressure.

Swedish massage technique includes mechanically activated muscular tissue and also skin, tendons, fascias, and connected tissue, which indirectly regulates the tonus of the autonomous nervous system. This study set out to examine the effects of Swedish massage on blood pressure. Healthy males were given massage treatment at the Karolinska Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden. Treatment was over a 12-week period divided into three parts, each consisting of 4 weeks. Two treatment periods contained massage treatment either on back, neck and chest (BNC), or leg, arm and face (LAF), with an in between washout period. The first treatment period with massage decreased systolic blood pressure directly after treatment (BNC: P<0.005, LAF: P<0.01), but no significant changes were seen in diastolic blood pressure. In the second period, BNC massage decreased systolic (P<0.005) and diastolic (P<0.005) blood pressure whereas LAF massage (P<0.05) increased systolic blood pressure. Swedish massage on the BNC resulted in a minor decrease in blood pressure possibly due to sympathetic inhibition. It may be suggested that massage may be tried as a complementary therapy in patients suffering from increased blood pressure due to stress.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

Vagal activity, gastric motility, and weight gain in massaged preterm neonates.

OBJECTIVE: Multiple studies have documented an increase in weight gain after 5 to 10 days of massage therapy for preterm neonates. The massaged preterm neonates did not consume more calories than the control neonates. One potential mechanism for these effects might involve massage-induced increases in vagal activity, which in turn may lead to increased gastric motility and thereby weight gain. STUDY DESIGN: The present randomized study explored this potential underlying mechanism by assessing gastric motility and sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system activity in response to massage therapy (moderate pressure) versus sham massage (light pressure) and control conditions in a group of preterm neonates. RESULTS: Compared with preterm neonates receiving sham massage, preterm neonates receiving massage therapy exhibited greater weight gain and increased vagal tone and gastric motility during and immediately after treatment. Gastric motility and vagal tone during massage therapy were significantly related to weight gain. CONCLUSION: The weight gain experienced by preterm neonates receiving moderate-pressure massage therapy may be mediated by increased vagal activity and gastric motility.

Analysis of Variance↗
PubMed1999

Massage therapy for patients undergoing autologous bone marrow transplantation.

The purpose of the current study was to examine the impact of massage therapy on psychological, physical, and psychophysiological measures in patients undergoing autologous bone marrow transplantation (BMT). Patients scheduled to undergo BMT were randomly assigned to receive either (a) massage therapy, consisting of 20-minute sessions of shoulder, neck, head, and facial massage, or (b) standard treatment. Overall effects of massage therapy on anxiety, depression, and mood were assessed pretreatment, midtreatment, and prior to discharge using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, Beck Depression Inventory, and Brief Profile of Mood States, respectively. The immediate effects of massage were measured via the State Anxiety Inventory, Numerical Scales of Distress, Fatigue, Nausea, and Pain and indices of psychophysiological arousal (heart rate, blood pressure, and respiration rate), collected prior to and following patients' first, fifth, and final massage (on Days--7, midtreatment, and predischarge). Analysis of the data evaluating the immediate effects of massage showed that patients in the massage therapy group demonstrated significantly larger reductions in distress, fatigue, nausea, and State Anxiety than the standard treatment group at Day-7, in State Anxiety at midtreatment, and in fatigue at the predischarge assessment. The overall measures of psychological symptoms measured at pretreatment, midtreatment, and prior to discharge showed no overall group differences, although the massage group scored significantly lower on the State Anxiety Inventory than the standard care group at the midtreatment assessment. The two groups together showed significant declines through time on scores from the Profile of Mood States and State and Trait Anxiety Inventories.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

Massage as an orthodox medical treatment past and future.

Massage has had a long history within orthodox medicine and is not an unknown, untried therapy of dubious origin. Writers on massage usually refer to its long history in ancient cultures but stop with Ling, to whom they attribute the development of modern massage in the early 19th century. Little attention is given to the rich massage literature of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, which reveals massage to have been an orthodox medical therapy practised by doctors and nurses. Analysis of that literature shows massage to have been significantly different in its application to most of today's practice, despite similarity of definition and terminology. Lack of detailed specification of a massage is a limitation of much current research, and this paper suggests a framework, or template, for that specification based on the earlier literature, so that future massages used in research can be replicated and implemented more reliably than at present. Massage as an orthodox therapy almost disappeared after WWII, but has recently reemerged as a complementary therapy which requires a full re-evaluation and audit. The template for its specification, together with the utilization and reconsideration of earlier modes of delivery, offers significant research opportunities for nurses and midwives of today.

Forecasting↗