SEARCH · Search PubMed

Results for “MASSAGE”

Search indexed PubMed citations on genomics, clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health. Explore titles, authors and supplied subject terms, then open the PubMed record.

SourceResearch connectionFrom yearThrough year

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 109 records · Page 6Linked to original sources

PubMed2000

Evaluation of massage with essential oils on childhood atopic eczema.

Childhood atopic eczema is an increasingly common condition in young children. As well as being irritating to the child, it causes sleepless nights for both the child and the family and leads to difficulties in parental relationships and can have severe effects on employment. A group of eight children, born to professional working mothers were studied to test the hypothesis that massage with essential oils (aromatherapy) used as a complementary therapy in conjunction with normal medical treatment, would help to alleviate the symptoms of childhood atopic eczema. The children were randomly allocated to the massage with essential oils group and both counselled and massaged with a mixture of essential oils by the therapist once a week and the mother every day over a period of 8 weeks. The preferred essential oils, chosen by the mothers for their child, from 36 commonly used aromatherapy oils, were: sweet marjoram, frankinsence, German chamomile, myrrh, thyme, benzoin, spike lavender and Litsea cubeba. A control group of children received the counselling and massage without essential oils. The treatments were evaluated by means of daily day-time irritation scores and night time disturbance scores, determined by the mother before and during the treatment, both over an 8 week period; finally general improvement scores were allocated 2 weeks after the treatment by the therapist, the general practitioner and the mother. The study employed a single case experimental design across subjects, such that there were both a within-subject control and between-subjects control, through the interventions being introduced at different times. The results showed a significant improvement in the eczema in the two groups of children following therapy, but there was no significant difference in improvement shown between the aromatherapy massage and massage only group. Thus there is evidence that tactile contact between mother and child benefits the symptoms of atopic eczema but there is no proof that adding essential oils is more beneficial than massage alone. Further studies on the essential oil massage group showed a deterioration in the eczematous condition after two further 8 week periods of therapy, following a period of rest after the initial period of contact. This may have been due to a decline in the novelty of the treatment, or, it strongly suggests possible allergic contact dermatitis provoked by the essential oils themselves. The results of this study indicate the necessity of prolonged studies with novel plant extracts as short-term beneficial results could be overturned by adverse effects after repeated usage.

Aromatherapy↗

PubMed2004

Aromatherapy and massage for symptom relief in patients with cancer.

BACKGROUND: Aromatherapy massage is a commonly used complementary therapy, and is employed in cancer and palliative care largely to improve quality of life and reduce psychological distress. OBJECTIVES: To investigate whether aromatherapy and/or massage decreases psychological morbidity, lessens symptom distress and/or improves the quality of life in patients with a diagnosis of cancer. SEARCH STRATEGY: We searched CENTRAL (Cochrane Library Issue 1 2002), MEDLINE (1966 to May week 3 2002), CINAHL (1982 to April 2002), British Nursing Index (1994 to April 2002), EMBASE (1980 to Week 25 2002), AMED (1985 to April 2002), PsycINFO (1887 to April week 4 2002), SIGLE (1980 to March 2002), CancerLit (1975 to April 2002) and Dissertation Abstracts International (1861 to March 2002). Reference lists of relevant articles were searched for additional studies. SELECTION CRITERIA: We sought randomised controlled trials; controlled before and after studies; and interrupted time series studies of aromatherapy and/or massage for patients with cancer, that measured changes in patient-reported levels of physical or psychological distress or quality of life using reliable and valid tools. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two reviewers independently assessed trials for inclusion in the review, assessed study quality and extracted data. Study authors were contacted where information was unclear. MAIN RESULTS: The search strategy retrieved 1322 references. Ten reports met the inclusion criteria and these represented eight RCTs (357 patients). The most consistently found effect of massage or aromatherapy massage was on anxiety. Four trials (207 patients) measuring anxiety detected a reduction post intervention, with benefits of 19-32% reported. Contradictory evidence exists as to any additional benefit on anxiety conferred by the addition of aromatherapy. The evidence for the impact of massage/aromatherapy on depression was variable. Of the three trials (120 patients) that assessed depression in cancer patients, only one found any significant differences in this symptom. Three studies (117 patients) found a reduction in pain following intervention, and two (71 patients) found a reduction in nausea. Although several of the trials measured changes in other symptoms such as fatigue, anger, hostility, communication and digestive problems, none of these assessments was replicated. REVIEWERS' CONCLUSIONS: Massage and aromatherapy massage confer short term benefits on psychological wellbeing, with the effect on anxiety supported by limited evidence. Effects on physical symptoms may also occur. Evidence is mixed as to whether aromatherapy enhances the effects of massage. Replication, longer follow up, and larger trials are need to accrue the necessary evidence.

Anxiety↗

PubMed2006

Massage and touch for dementia.

BACKGROUND: Massage and touch have been suggested as a non-pharmacological alternative or supplement to other treatments offered in order to reduce or manage a range of conditions associated with dementia such as anxiety, agitated behaviour and depression. It has also been suggested that massage and touch may counteract cognitive decline. OBJECTIVES: To assess the effects of a range of massage and touch therapies on conditions associated with dementia, such as anxiety, agitated behaviour and depression, identify any adverse effects, and provide recommendations about future trials. SEARCH STRATEGY: We identified trials from a search of the Specialized Register of the Cochrane Dementia and Cognitive Improvement Group on 12 July 2005 using the terms massage, reflexology, touch and shiatsu. This Register contains records from all major healthcare databases and many ongoing trials databases and is updated regularly. In addition, general and specific literature databases were searched and patient and therapist organizations contacted. SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in which a massage or touch intervention was given to persons suffering from dementia of any type, compared with other treatments or no treatment, and in which effect parameters included measures of behavioural problems, caregiver burden, emotional distress or cognitive abilities, were eligible for inclusion. Furthermore, we employed a set of minimal methodological quality criteria as a selection filter. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: We identified 34 references in the initial searches. Of these, seven were actual or possible RCTs, but only two were found to meet the requirements of the set of minimal methodological criteria. MAIN RESULTS: The very limited amount of reliable evidence available is in favour of massage and touch interventions for problems associated with dementia. However, this evidence addresses only two specific applications: hand massage for the immediate or short-term reduction of agitated behaviour, and the addition of touch to verbal encouragement to eat for the normalization of nutritional intake. The existing evidence does not support general conclusions about the effect or possible side effects of such interventions. No severe side effects were identified. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: Massage and touch may serve as alternatives or complements to other therapies for the management of behavioural, emotional and perhaps other conditions associated with dementia. More research is needed, however, to provide definitive evidence about the benefits of these interventions.

Anxiety↗

PubMed1978

Massage parlors and their customers.

Journalistic and sociological studies of massage parlors and massage parlor customers do not serve the development of scientifically sound generalizations. They begin with the assumptions that massage parlors are brothels renamed and that the customers are problematic individuals seeking impersonal sexual exchanges. This standard view of the parlors and customers is here challenged and an alternative approach suggested. The results of an empirical examination of the customers of a West Coast massage parlor are summarized. Data were obtained by a massage parlor worker--an unnamed coauthor--who recorded information about every personal customer during her initial period of work. Both demographic and voluntaristic factors are specified. Included are ethnic origin and occupation, the proposition, the offer of financial reward, the sexual activity desired, and the sexual activity that resulted. A comparison of two views on the nature of the customer demonstrates the limitations the standard view imposes on the potential examination of massage parlors in general. Massage parlors are not brothels renamed and the massage parlor customers are not sex-seeking problematic individuals. Given the results of the empirical examination, the basic complexity of the parlors and their customers is seen as the key aspect on which scientifically sound generalization may be built.

Humans↗

PubMedDate not supplied

The effect of effleurage massage in recovery from fatigue in the adductor muscles of the thumb.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of local effleurage massage on the recovery from fatigue in the small hand muscles. METHODS: This study was a within-subject repeated measure design. Twelve healthy, right-handed volunteer male subjects with a mean age of 25 +/- 2.8 years were recruited into the study from a university population. Subjects were randomly allocated to a rest or massage protocol. Subjects undertook the alternate protocol at a subsequent session. All subjects underwent baseline dynamometry testing of isometric thumb adduction (nondominant hand) before undertaking a fatigue-inducing task of the thumb adductors. Subjects then underwent either 5 minutes of massage applied to the first dorsal interspace or 5 minutes of rest. Subjects were then retested. RESULTS: The maximal force recorded after the massage protocol was not significantly different from the maximal force recorded after the rest protocol, with a mean difference of only 0.63 N (95% confidence interval, -12.55 to 13.80 N; P = .92). The maximal gradient of force development after the massage protocol was not significantly different from the maximal gradient recorded after the rest protocol, with a mean decrease in gradient of 19.48 N/s (95% confidence interval, -117.33 to 156.30 N; P = .77). CONCLUSIONS: Effleurage massage was not an effective intervention for enhancing the restoration of postfatigue F(max) and G(max) in the small muscles of the hand. The wide variation in response to this massage protocol may support the notion that there is no universal effect of effleurage massage in enhancing recovery from fatigue.

Adult↗

PubMed2004

Breast cancer patients have improved immune and neuroendocrine functions following massage therapy.

OBJECTIVES: Women with breast cancer are at risk for elevated depression, anxiety, and decreased natural killer (NK) cell number. Stress has been linked to increased tumor development by decreasing NK cell activity. The objectives of this study included examining massage therapy for women with breast cancer for (1) improving mood and biological measures associated with mood enhancement (serotonin, dopamine), (2) reducing stress and stress hormone levels, and (3) boosting immune measures. METHODS: Thirty-four women (M age=53) diagnosed with Stage 1 or 2 breast cancer were randomly assigned postsurgery to a massage therapy group (to receive 30-min massages three times per week for 5 weeks) or a control group. The massage consisted of stroking, squeezing, and stretching techniques to the head, arms, legs/feet, and back. On the first and last day of the study, the women were assessed on (1) immediate effects measures of anxiety, depressed mood, and vigor and (2) longer term effects on depression, anxiety and hostility, functioning, body image, and avoidant versus intrusive coping style, in addition to urinary catecholamines (norepinephrine, epinephrine, and dopamine) and serotonin levels. A subset of 27 women (n=15 massage) had blood drawn to assay immune measures. RESULTS: The immediate massage therapy effects included reduced anxiety, depressed mood, and anger. The longer term massage effects included reduced depression and hostility and increased urinary dopamine, serotonin values, NK cell number, and lymphocytes. CONCLUSIONS: Women with Stage 1 and 2 breast cancer may benefit from thrice-weekly massage therapy for reducing depressed mood, anxiety, and anger and for enhancing dopamine, serotonin, and NK cell number and lymphocytes.

Affect↗

PubMed1984

Improved resuscitation from cardiac arrest with open-chest massage.

A study was done to assess the effect of open-chest massage on resuscitation from cardiac arrest. Ten mongrel dogs weighing 20.3 +/- 3.2 kg were fibrillated electrically. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) was initiated and continued for 15 minutes. Half the dogs with coronary perfusion pressures less than 30 mm Hg underwent thoracotomy and internal cardiac massage for three minutes. Closed-chest massage was continued with the other dogs. All dogs were defibrillated at 19 minutes, and resuscitation was determined at 20 minutes after defibrillation. None of the dogs in the closed-chest massage group was resuscitated successfully. Four of the five dogs that underwent open cardiac massage were resuscitated. Significant differences in aortic pressures and coronary perfusion pressures were noted for the first two minutes of open-chest massage (P less than .05). The results of this study indicate that resuscitation may be improved using open-chest massage when closed-chest massage fails to produce an adequate coronary perfusion pressure.

Animals↗

PubMed1997

Open-chest cardiac massage without major thoracotomy: metabolic indicators of coronary and cerebral perfusion.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the coronary and cerebral perfusion achieved using a novel method of minimally-invasive, direct cardiac massage to that obtained using bimanual, open-chest cardiac massage. DESIGN: Prospective, controlled animal study with repeated measures. SETTING: University research laboratory. SUBJECTS: Large domestic swine. INTERVENTIONS: Aortic, coronary sinus, jugular venous and pulmonary artery catheters were placed. Following an equilibration period, ventricular fibrillation was induced. After 4 min of untreated ventricular fibrillation, animals underwent bimanual, open-chest cardiac massage (N = 6) or minimally-invasive, direct cardiac massage using a novel device for direct cardiac compression (N = 6). Adrenaline was administered at a dose of 1 mg intravenously every 5 min. MEASUREMENTS: Systemic metabolic parameters, (arterial PO2, PCO2 and lactate concentration) and coronary sinus and jugular venous metabolic parameters (pH, PVO2, SVO2, PVCO2 and lactate concentration) were measured and calculated (coronary sinus/jugular-arterial SVO2, coronary sinus/jugular-arterial PCO2 and lactate differences) at baseline and at 10, 20 and 30 min following induction of ventricular fibrillation. Animals were euthanised after 30 min with no attempt at defibrillation. MAIN RESULTS: Oxygen tension and oxygen saturation of coronary sinus blood declined significantly during the experimental period, but no differences were noted between treatment groups. The coronary sinus-arterial oxygen saturation difference increased during the study with no significant differences between groups. Coronary sinus PCO2 and the coronary sinus-arterial PCO2 difference increased significantly in both experimental groups during cardiac massage. No inter-group differences were noted. A similar relationship was noted in coronary sinus lactate values. The coronary sinus-arterial lactate difference displayed a positive balance at all intervals with no differences noted between group values. The oxygen tension and oxygen saturation of jugular venous blood, were reduced from baseline levels with both treatments. The jugular-arterial oxygen saturation difference increased in both groups compared to baseline values. Between group values were significantly different only at the 20 min interval. Both the jugular venous PCO2 and the jugular-arterial PCO2 gradient were elevated at all intervals, but no inter-group differences were noted. Jugular venous lactate concentration rose steadily with time in both groups. No significant increase in the jugular-arterial lactate gradient was noted at any time point. CONCLUSIONS: Minimally-invasive, direct cardiac massage provides coronary and cerebral perfusion similar to that achieved using standard open-chest cardiac massage. This method may provide a more effective substitute for standard, closed-chest cardiac massage in cases of refractory cardiac arrest.

Animals↗

PubMed2001

Effects of hand massage on anxiety in cataract surgery using local anesthesia.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effects of hand massage on patient anxiety during cataract surgery. SETTING: Kangnam St. Mary's Hospital, Seoul, Korea. METHODS: This study comprised 59 patients having cataract surgery from December 11, 1996, to February 12, 1997. The patients were divided into those having a hand massage 5 minutes before surgery (experimental group, n = 29) and those not receiving a hand massage (control group, n = 30). Patients' anxiety levels were measured using the Visual Analog Scale and by assessing the systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, and pulse rate before and after the hand massage and 5 minutes before the end of surgery. Epinephrine, norepinephrine, cortisol, blood sugar levels, neutrophil, and lymphocyte percentages in white blood cells were also measured. RESULTS: After the hand massage, the psychological anxiety levels, systolic and diastolic blood pressures, and pulse rate were significantly lower than before the massage. The hand massage significantly decreased epinephrine and norepinephrine levels in the experimental group. Epinephrine, norepinephrine, and cortisol levels increased in the control group. The differences between groups were significant. There were no significant between-group differences in blood sugar levels or neutrophil and lymphocyte percentages in white blood cells. CONCLUSION: The findings indicate that hand massage decreases the psychological and physiological anxiety levels in patients having cataract surgery under local anesthesia.

Adult↗

PubMed1990

The effect of massage on pain in cancer patients.

Evaluating the effectiveness of nursing interventions in decreasing pain is a top priority for clinical research. Unfortunately, most of the research on cancer pain relief has been limited to treatment studies involving the administration of analgesics. Research is needed to determine which nonanalgesic methods of pain control are effective and under what conditions. Consequently, an experimental study was designed to test the effectiveness of massage as an intervention for cancer pain. Twenty-eight patients were randomly assigned to a massage or control group. The patients in the massage group were given a 10 minute massage to the back; the patients in the control group were visited for 10 minutes. For males, there was a significant decrease in pain level immediately after the massage. For females, there was not a significant decrease in pain level immediately after the massage. There were no significant differences between pain 1 hour and 2 hours after the massage in comparison with the initial pain for males or females. Massage was shown to be an effective short-term nursing intervention for pain in males in this sample.

Adult↗

PubMed1999

Pain and tension are reduced among hospital nurses after on-site massage treatments: a pilot study.

Tension and pain are common occupational hazards of modern-day nursing, especially given recent changes to the health care system. The aims of the pilot study were (1) to evaluate the feasibility of carrying out a series of eight 15-minute workplace-based massage treatments, and (2) to determine whether massage therapy reduced pain and stress experienced by nursing staff at a large teaching hospital. Twelve hospital staff (10 registered nurses and 2 nonmedical ward staff) working in a large tertiary care center volunteered to participate. Participants received up to eight, workplace-based, 15-minute Swedish massage treatments provided by registered massage therapists. Pain, tension, relaxation, and the Profile of Mood States were measured before and after each massage session. Pain intensity and tension levels were significantly lower after massage (P < .01). In addition, relaxation levels and overall mood state improved significantly after treatments (P < .01). The results of this pilot study support the feasibility of an eight-session, workplace-based, massage therapy program for pain and tension experienced by nurses working in a large teaching hospital. Further research is warranted to study the efficacy of workplace massage in reducing stress and improving overall mood.

Adult↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Does mechanical massage of the abdominal wall after colectomy reduce postoperative pain and shorten the duration of ileus? Results of a randomized study.

The aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of mechanical abdominal massage on postoperative pain and ileus after colectomy. We hypothesized that parietal abdominal stimulation could counteract induced pain and postoperative ileus, through common spinal-sensitive pathways, with nociceptive visceral messages. After preoperative randomization, 25 patients (age 52 +/- 5 years) underwent active mechanical massage by intermittent negative pressure on the abdominal wall resulting in aspiration (Cellu M50 device, LPG, Valence, France), and 25 patients (age 60 +/- 6 years) did not receive active mechanical massage (placebo group). Massage sessions began the first day after colectomy and were performed daily until the seventh postoperative day. In the active-massage group, amplitude and frequency were used, which have been shown to be effective in reducing muscular pain, whereas in the placebo group, ineffective parameters were used. Visual analogue scale (VAS) pain scores, doses of analgesics (propacetamol), and delay between surgery and the time to first passage of flatus were assessed. Types and dosages of the anesthetic drugs and the duration of the surgical procedure did not differ between groups. From the second and third postoperative days, respectively, VAS pain scores (P < 0.001) and doses of analgesics (P < 0.05) were significantly lower in patients receiving active massage compared to the placebo group. Time to first passage of flatus was also significantly shorter in the active-massage group (1.8 +/- 0.3 days vs. 3.6 +/- 0.4 days, P < 0.01). No adverse effects were observed. These results suggest that mechanical massage of the abdominal wall may decrease postoperative pain and ileus after colectomy.

Abdominal Muscles↗

PubMed2003

A pilot study addressing the effect of aromatherapy massage on mood, anxiety and relaxation in adult mental health.

This study was carried out with eight subjects specifically referred for aromatherapy; each received a standardised aromatherapy massage weekly for 6 weeks. The subjects' levels of anxiety and depression were measured using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression (HAD) Scale prior to the first massage and after the final massage. The subjects' levels of mood, anxiety and relaxation were recorded using a visual analogue before and after each massage and then again 6 weeks after the last massage. Comparison was made between the HAD Scale results for each client and also the visual analogue scale results for before and after massage and also first massage and 6 weeks postmassage for the sample group. Improvements were shown in six out of eight subjects' HAD Scale results. Improvements were also shown in all areas when comparing the visual analogue scale results. The study was carried out over an 8-month period. To date there have been few studies addressing the effect of aromatherapy massage on mood, anxiety and relaxation (Therapist 9 (1996) 38). It is acknowledged that there may be a number of reasons for this such as factors related to obtaining a sample group, informed consent, the interaction of current medication regimes and so forth. It is acknowledged that whilst this is a small pilot study a number of methodological issues are raised concerning research into the use of aromatherapy in this clinical field. By reporting on this work, it is hoped that this paper will generate reflection, discussion and debate so forwarding the knowledge base in this discipline.

Adult↗

PubMed2005

Massage therapy improves the management of alcohol withdrawal syndrome.

OBJECTIVES: Massage therapy has promise as an adjunct to standard alcohol detoxification procedures but has not been investigated comprehensively. DESIGN: The study was a randomized controlled trial comparing massage therapy to a "rest" (control) condition in patients undergoing alcohol detoxification. SETTINGS/LOCATION: Hospital-based alcohol and drug detoxification clinic. SUBJECTS: Fifty (50) patients with alcohol dependence (41 males, 9 females). INTERVENTIONS: The massage intervention involved a seated back, shoulder, head, and neck massage. OUTCOME MEASURES: Alcohol Withdrawal Scale, respiration, pulse rate, and subjective patient evaluation. RESULTS: Those receiving massage generally showed reductions in pulse rate on 3 of the 4 days of treatment compared to the control group. Massage was also more effective in reducing Alcohol Withdrawal Scale scores in the early stages of the detoxification process. Respiration in the massage group was reduced toward the end of the detoxification admission. CONCLUSIONS: Massage shows promise as an adjunct to traditional medical detoxification for alcohol.

Adult↗

PubMed2000

Complications of carotid sinus massage--a prospective series of older patients.

BACKGROUND: there is a causal association between carotid sinus hypersensitivity, falls and syncope in elderly subjects. Neurological complications during carotid sinus massage have been reported in case studies and two retrospective series. Our aim was prospectively to ascertain the incidence of complications occurring after carotid sinus massage performed for diagnostic purposes in a consecutive series of patients. METHODS: 1000 consecutive subjects aged 50 years or over who attended the accident and emergency department with syncope or 'unexplained' falls had carotid sinus massage. Carotid sinus massage was performed for 5 s on the right and then left sides both supine and upright (70 degrees head-up tilt) with continuous heart rate and phasic blood pressure recording. Contraindications to carotid sinus massage were the presence of a carotid bruit, recent history of stroke or myocardial infarction or previous ventricular tachyarrhythmia. RESULTS: complications occurred in nine patients immediately after cessation of carotid sinus massage. Eight had transient neurological complications possibly attributable to carotid sinus massage: visual disturbance, 'pins and needles' and sensation of finger numbness in two cases each, leg weakness in one and sensation of 'being drunk' in one. All transient complications resolved within 24 h. In one patient mild weakness of the right hand persisted. CONCLUSIONS: no subjects had cardiac complications and 1% had possible neurological symptoms, which resolved in most cases. Persistent neurological complications are uncommon, occurring in 1:1000 patients (0.1%) or 1: 3805 episodes of carotid sinus massage (0.03%).

Accidental Falls↗

PubMed1994

The effect of therapeutic massage on H-reflex amplitude in persons with a spinal cord injury.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The effect of therapeutic massage on the H-reflex amplitude in persons without neurological impairment has been established. To investigate its effects in a sample of persons with a spinal cord injury (SCI), two independent but interrelated studies were undertaken. Study 1 investigated whether the recorded response (H-reflex amplitude) to massage with the subjects in the supine testing position was similar to that recorded in previous studies in which the subjects were tested in the prone position. This study was undertaken because the prone testing position was considered inappropriate for persons with SCI. In study 2, the therapeutic effect of massage (petrissage) on H-reflex amplitude in persons with SCI was examined. SUBJECTS: Seven persons without neurological impairment volunteered to participate in study 1, and 10 individuals with a traumatic SCI volunteered to participate in study 2. METHODS: The two studies shared many methodological features and involved the recording of 10 H-reflex and M-response peak-to-peak amplitudes from the triceps surae muscle during each of five sequential, 3-minute time periods. Massage treatment (MASS) was given during the third time period, and the premassage time periods (C1, C2) and postmassage time periods (C3, C4) served as control conditions. Study 2, in addition to recording the peak-to-peak amplitudes of the recorded responses, also included the recording of the H-reflex latencies. RESULTS: The results of study 1 showed that massage applied with the subjects in the supine position decreased the H-reflex amplitude during the massage. A 56% decrease in the H-reflex amplitude was recorded. Study 2 demonstrated a 27% mean group decrease in the H-reflex peak-to-peak amplitude during the massage for all subjects, with variations in individual responses ranging from an increase in the H-reflex amplitude of 20% to a decrease of 84%. An analysis of variance revealed that the H-reflex means of the five conditions were significantly different. Newman-Keuls post hoc analyses revealed that the mean of the MASS condition (2.01 mV) was significantly different from the means of C1, C2, and C4 (2.79, 2.81, 2.58 mV). The mean of C3 (2.42 mV) was not found to be statistically different from the means of the other conditions. These changes were noted against a stable M-response. CONCLUSION AND DISCUSSION: The results recorded in study 1 are comparable to those obtained with the subjects in the prone position. Based on these results, the supine position was adopted as the testing position for study 2. Study 2 further showed a decrease in H-reflex amplitude concomitant with massage in persons with SCI, but no long-term effects were noted.

Adult↗

PubMed2004

Effects of leg massage on recovery from high intensity cycling exercise.

BACKGROUND: The effect of massage on recovery from high intensity exercise is debatable. Many studies on massage suffer from methodological flaws such as poor standardisation of previous exercise, lack of dietary control, and inappropriate massage duration. OBJECTIVE: To examine the effects of leg massage compared with passive recovery on lactate clearance, muscular power output, and fatigue characteristics after repeated high intensity cycling exercise, with the conditions before the intervention controlled and standardised. METHODS: Nine male games players participated. They attended the laboratory on two occasions one week apart and at the same time of day. Dietary intake and activity were replicated for the two preceding days on each occasion. After baseline measurement of heart rate and blood lactate concentration, subjects performed a standardised warm up on the cycle ergometer. This was followed by six standardised 30 second high intensity exercise bouts, interspersed with 30 seconds of active recovery. After five minutes of active recovery and either 20 minutes of leg massage or supine passive rest, subjects performed a second standardised warm up and a 30 second Wingate test. Capillary blood samples were drawn at intervals, and heart rate, peak power, mean power, and fatigue index were recorded. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in mean power during the initial high intensity exercise bouts (p = 0.92). No main effect of massage was observed on blood lactate concentration between trials (p = 0.82) or heart rate (p = 0.81). There was no difference in the maximum power (p = 0.75) or mean power (p = 0.66) in the subsequent Wingate test, but a significantly lower fatigue index was observed in the massage trial (p = 0.04; mean (SD) fatigue index 30.2 (4.1)% v 34.2 (3.3)%). CONCLUSIONS: No measurable physiological effects of leg massage compared with passive recovery were observed on recovery from high intensity exercise, but the subsequent effect on fatigue index warrants further investigation.

Adult↗

PubMed1995

Massage by nurses in the United States and the People's Republic of China: a comparison.

Massage performed by a Chinese nurse is described as observed by the author. A brief history of both Eastern and Western massage is presented. A comparison of theory, indications, methods, and outcomes of massage as performed by nurses from the United States (U.S.) and the People's Republic of China is made. The comparison is based on nursing texts and journals printed in the U.S., the author's personal experience in the People's Republic of China, correspondence with a nurse from the People's Republic of China, and texts and journals printed in English in the People's Republic of China. Massage as a nursing intervention differed on many points of comparison between the two countries. Chinese nurses perform massage over the meridians which are the channels for Chi--the life force of energy. Nurses in the U.S. perform massage over tense muscles. Massage performed by U.S. nurses involves three to five strokes while Chinese nurses use dozens of strokes. In China, massage is considered curative; in the U.S. it is mostly palliative.

Acupressure↗