This reference file was created as part of the Massage Medical Applications Project (MMAP). Not all references may be pertinent to the professional provision of massage. Some references are included to facilitate sociological research. In general, only references with abstracts have been included. Links to the journal title will do a Google search on the title. Most doi, uri, and url links will successfully link to the article online. This file contains references for 2005-2006, last modified 21 January 2006. Fatih Tarhan author Asuman Orçun author İnci Küçükercan author Nazan Çamursoy author Uğur Kuyumcuoğlu author 2005-Dec text continuing periodical academic journal 1527-9995 2005-Dec 66 6 1234 1238 OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effects of prostatic massage on the serum complexed PSA (cPSA) concentration in various prostatic diseases. METHODS: A total of 51 men who presented to our outpatient clinic for the first time with symptoms of lower urinary outflow obstruction were included in this study. Blood samples were obtained from each patient before and 30 minutes after prostatic massage. Total PSA (tPSA), free PSA (fPSA), and cPSA levels were measured using a chemiluminescent enzyme immunoassay. RESULTS: After prostatic massage, the tPSA and fPSA levels and fPSA/tPSA ratio increased significantly (P < 0.0001), and the increase in cPSA was minimal but statistically significant (P = 0.047). In patients with prostate cancer, no significant increase occurred in the mean forms of PSA (tPSA, cPSA, and fPSA/tPSA ratio), except for fPSA, after prostatic massage. We observed a greater increase in all PSA forms in the chronic prostatitis group. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, prostatic massage increased serum cPSA concentration, but to a lesser extent than tPSA and fPSA. Tarhan2005 10.1016/j.urology.2005.06.077 Monalisa de Cássia Fogaça author Werther Brunow Carvalho author Clóvis de Araújo Peres author Mayra Ivanoff Lora author Lilian Fukusima Hayashi author Ieda Therezinha do Nascimento Verreschi author 2005-Sep-01 text continuing periodical academic journal 1516-3180 2005-Sep-1 123 5 215 218 CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE: The evaluation of adrenocortical function with the use of therapeutic massage has been little studied in Brazil. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the salivary cortisol levels before and after Shantala massage therapy on healthy infants. DESIGN AND SETTING: Prospective case series, in a public nursery, in São Paulo. METHODS: Saliva was obtained from 11 infants at the times of 8:00-9:00 a.m. and 4:00-5:00 p.m. in a nursery and 9:00-10:00 p.m. at home. They received a 15-minute therapeutic massage on two consecutive days, and saliva was collected before and after the massage. The procedure was repeated after a one-week interval. Cortisol values (intra-assay < 5%; inter-assay < 10%) at different times of the day were compared by ANOVA. RESULTS: The mean cortisol values (nmol/l +/- SD) on the first day were: morning (M) = 14.1 +/- 5.7, afternoon (A) = 8.3 +/- 2.7, night (N) = 3.3 +/- 1.1; after two consecutive days of therapeutic massage: M = 22.3 +/- 13.5, A = 13.4 +/- 6.0, N = 5.8 +/- 3.5; after a one-week interval: M = 15.8 +/- 7.7, A = 14.3 +/- 7.7, N = 3.4 +/- 2.0. CONCLUSION: There was a modification in the salivary cortisol values following massage, thus reflecting possible adaptation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. Fogaça2005 http://www.scielo.br/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S1516-31802005000500003&lng=en&nrm=iso Jyoti Arora author Ajay Kumar author Siddharth Ramji author 2005-Nov text continuing periodical academic journal 0019-6061 2005-Nov 42 11 1092 1100 OBJECTIVE: To study the effect of oil massage on growth and neurobehavior in preterm babies less than 1500 g. DESIGN: Randomized Controlled Trial. SETTING: Tertiary level neonatal unit of a teaching hospital. Subjects: Neonates with birth weight <1500 grams, gestation >37 weeks, receiving enteral feeds of at least 100 mL/kg/day and less than 10 days of age. OUTCOME VARIABLES: Primary-Weight gain 28 days after enrolment. Secondary-Neonatal neurobehavior, change in other anthropometry and serum triglycerides. METHODS: Eligible neonates were randomized to one of the three groups (a) massage with oil (b) massage without oil and (c) no massage. Weight, length, head circumference and triceps skin fold thickness were measured in the three groups at regular intervals. Serum triglyceride levels were measured at enrolment and at completion. Neurobehavior using Brazeltons Neonatal Behavior Assessment Scale (NBAS) was assessed at enrolment and after 10 days of intervention. RESULTS: Weight gain in the oil massage group (365.8 +/- 165.2g) was higher compared to the only massage group (290.0 +/- 150.2g) and no massage group (285.0 +/- 170.4g). This difference and the difference in other anthropometric parameters was not statistically significant. Serum triglycerides and neonatal neurobehavior were comparable in the three groups. CONCLUSION: Oil application may have a potential to improve weight gain among preterm very low birth weight neonates. Arora2005 http://www.indianpediatrics.net/nov2005/nov-1092-1100.htm Ryan Young author Boris Gutnik author Robert W Moran author Rex W Thomson author text continuing periodical academic journal 1532-6586 2005 28 9 696 696 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. Young2005 10.1016/j.jmpt.2005.09.015 G Howatson author D Gaze author K A van Someren author 2005-Dec text continuing periodical academic journal 0905-7188 2005-Dec 15 6 416 422 The purpose of this investigation was to, firstly, examine the effects of repeated applications of ice massage on the indirect markers associated with muscle damage using a within-subjects cross-over design and secondly, to examine how ice massage affects muscle function in both static and dynamic contractions following unaccustomed eccentric exercise. Twelve males performed damaging exercise on two separate occasions. The protocol consisted of three sets of 10 maximal eccentric repetitions of the elbow flexors using isokinetic dynamometry. Subjects were randomly assigned to an ice massage group or placebo group and received treatments immediately post-exercise, 24 and 48 h post-exercise. Muscle function (maximal isometric, slow and fast isokinetic contractions), creatine kinase, myoglobin, muscle soreness, limb girth and range of motion were measured pre, immediately post, 24, 48, 72 and 96 h post-exercise. Significant time effects were observed for all dependent variables (P<0.05). There were no significant differences between treatments. Ice massage is ineffective in reducing the indirect markers associated with exercise-induced muscle damage and enhancing recovery of muscle function in male exercisers unaccustomed to eccentric biased exercise. Howatson2005 10.1111/j.1600-0838.2005.00437.x Moa Aourell author Martina Skoog author J Carleson author 2005-Nov text continuing periodical academic journal 1744-3881 2005-Nov 11 4 242 246 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. Aourell2005 10.1016/j.ctcp.2005.02.008 Kevin D Willison author Gavin J Andrews author William C Cockerham author 2005-Nov text continuing periodical academic journal 1744-3881 2005-Nov 11 4 232 241 The characteristics of those who use complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), as an approach to chronic disease management, are poorly understood. They may however be important to nurses and other health professionals given that CAM is increasingly used by their patients with chronic disorders. In these contexts, the purpose of this study was to ascertain unique life chance population characteristics which significantly influence the use of Swedish massage therapy (SMT), a popular form of CAM, by older adults with chronic health dysfunctions. A multi-site and cross-sectional design was used, as well as a pre-tested postal questionnaire. One hundred forty-one (141) urban, non-institutionalized, English-speaking older persons participated, ranging in age from 60 to 94 years. Findings denote the essential role life chances have on individuals accessing alternative forms of care. Willison2005 10.1016/j.ctcp.2004.10.003 Joseph M Hart author C Buz Swanik author Ryan T Tierney author 2005-Jul text continuing periodical academic journal 1062-6050 2005-Jul 40 3 181 185 Context: Sport massage is often used to help prepare for exercise, expedite recovery from muscle soreness, and enhance athletic performance. However, the effect of sport massage on recovery from delayed-onset muscle soreness is unknown.Objective: To determine the effect of a short sport massage treatment on intramuscular swelling and pain in response to eccentric exercise.Design: We used a 2 x 8 (treatment x time) repeated-measures design to compare triceps surae muscle girth and pain ratings over the 72 hours after eccentric exercise.Setting: University research laboratory.Patients or Other Participants: Nineteen healthy, college-aged subjects.Intervention(s): Delayed-onset muscle soreness was induced with several sets of eccentric triceps surae contractions at 90% of the estimated concentric, 1-repetition maximum weight. Subjects returned on 3 consecutive days after eccentric exercise with a cycle ergometer for active rest treatments. In addition, 1 leg received the sport massage.Main Outcome Measure(s): Girth measurements were taken at 5.08 cm (2 in), 10.16 cm (4 in), 15.24 cm (6 in), and 20.32 cm (8 in) below the knee joint line, and pain was assessed with a visual analog scale before and after all 4 sessions.Results: No interaction was noted between treatment and time for any girth or pain measurements, and no main effect was seen for treatment.Conclusions: Sport massage did not reduce girth or pain in the lower leg after eccentric exercise within 72 hours. Hart2005 http://www.nata.org/jat/readers/archives/40.3/i1062-6050-40-3-181.pdf Zainal Zainuddin author Mike Newton author Paul Sacco author Kazunori Nosaka author 2005-Jul text continuing periodical academic journal 1062-6050 2005-Jul 40 3 174 180 Context: Delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS) describes muscle pain and tenderness that typically develop several hours postexercise and consist of predominantly eccentric muscle actions, especially if the exercise is unfamiliar. Although DOMS is likely a symptom of eccentric-exercise-induced muscle damage, it does not necessarily reflect muscle damage. Some prophylactic or therapeutic modalities may be effective only for alleviating DOMS, whereas others may enhance recovery of muscle function without affecting DOMS.Objective: To test the hypothesis that massage applied after eccentric exercise would effectively alleviate DOMS without affecting muscle function.Design: We used an arm-to-arm comparison model with 2 independent variables (control and massage) and 6 dependent variables (maximal isometric and isokinetic voluntary strength, range of motion, upper arm circumference, plasma creatine kinase activity, and muscle soreness). A 2-way repeated-measures analysis of variance and paired t tests were used to examine differences in changes of the dependent variable over time (before, immediately and 30 minutes after exercise, and 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 10, and 14 days postexercise) between control and massage conditions.Setting: University laboratory.Patients or Other Participants: Ten healthy subjects (5 men and 5 women) with no history of upper arm injury and no experience in resistance training.Intervention(s): Subjects performed 10 sets of 6 maximal isokinetic (90 degrees .s) eccentric actions of the elbow flexors with each arm on a dynamometer, separated by 2 weeks. One arm received 10 minutes of massage 3 hours after eccentric exercise; the contralateral arm received no treatment.Main Outcome Measure(s): Maximal voluntary isometric and isokinetic elbow flexor strength, range of motion, upper arm circumference, plasma creatine kinase activity, and muscle soreness.Results: Delayed-onset muscle soreness was significantly less for the massage condition for peak soreness in extending the elbow joint and palpating the brachioradialis muscle (P < .05). Soreness while flexing the elbow joint (P = .07) and palpating the brachialis muscle (P = .06) was also less with massage. Massage treatment had significant effects on plasma creatine kinase activity, with a significantly lower peak value at 4 days postexercise (P < .05), and upper arm circumference, with a significantly smaller increase than the control at 3 and 4 days postexercise (P < .05). However, no significant effects of massage on recovery of muscle strength and ROM were evident.Conclusions: Massage was effective in alleviating DOMS by approximately 30% and reducing swelling, but it had no effects on muscle function. Zainuddin2005 http://www.nata.org/jat/readers/archives/40.3/i1062-6050-40-3-174.pdf Lesley A Cullen-Powell author Julie H Barlow author Delia Cushway author 2005-Dec text continuing periodical academic journal 1367-4935 2005-Dec 9 4 245 255 This exploratory study aimed to address two questions: (1) What does touch mean between parents and their children with autism on completion of a massage intervention? (2) Do parents feel that their relationship with their children has changed on completion of a massage intervention? Fourteen parents agreed to be interviewed. Data were collected before the massage intervention (baseline), immediately after the massage intervention and 16 weeks from baseline and were analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis. At baseline, parents felt distressed that they felt unable to get 'close' to their children. After the intervention, parents reported feeling physically and emotionally closer to their children. Children expressed a range of cues to initiate massage at home. These benefits were maintained at follow-up for parents who continued to use massage at home. In conclusion, giving massage to children with autism may help to enhance the emotional bond between parent and child. Cullen-Powell2005 10.1177/1367493505056479 Christine M Olney author 2005-Oct text continuing periodical academic journal 1099-8004 2005-Oct 7 2 98 98 Hypertension, one of the most pervasive disease processes in the United States, can lead to target organ damage. Although there is no one cause of primary hypertension, the theory of an unchecked long-term stress response continues to be a valid argument. Conversely, eliciting the relaxation response may alter the course of the unchecked stress response. Massage therapists have suggested that their therapy elicits the relaxation response and therefore can decrease blood pressure (BP) and hypertension. This preliminary study tested the effects of a regularly applied back massage on the BP of patients with clinically diagnosed hypertension. In this experimental, pretest-posttest study, a 10-min back massage was given to the experimental group (n = 8), three times a week for 10 sessions. The control group (n = 6) relaxed in the same environment for 10 min, three times a week for 10 sessions. Analysis of variance determined systolic BP changed significantly, F(1, 12) = 17.90, p = .001, between groups over time as did the diastolic BP, F(1, 12) = 8.34, p = .014. Effect size was 2.25 for systolic pressure and 1.56 for diastolic pressure (alpha of .05 and power at .80). This preliminary study suggests that regular massage may lower BP in hypertensive persons. Olney2005 10.1177/1099800405280827 Tooru Nemoto author Mariko Iwamoto author Hyun Joo Oh author Serena Wong author Hongmai Nguyen author 2005-Oct text continuing periodical academic journal 0899-9546 2005-Oct 17 5 444 456 This study investigates cognitive, cultural, and contextual factors that influence HIV-related risk behaviors among Asian women who engage in sex work at massage parlors in San Francisco. Focus groups and qualitative interviews were conducted for Vietnamese and Thai masseuses and massage parlor owners/managers. Economic pressure as well as subjective evaluation of customers for the risk of HIV/STD infection increase unprotected sexual behaviors among Asian masseuses. Massage parlor owners/managers do not establish a clear policy for condom use at their parlors. Consequently, male customers often manipulate their intention not to use a condom while negotiating with masseuses. HIV/STD prevention intervention programs should address specific risks and needs for Asian masseuses, owners/managers, and male customers in order to promote health and well being among Asian masseuses who have been neglected by public health and social services. Nemoto2005 10.1521/aeap.2005.17.5.444 Nicholls author Cheek author 2005-Oct-24 text continuing periodical academic journal 0277-9536 2005-Oct-24 In 1894 the Society of Trained Masseuses (STM) formed in response to massage scandals published by the British Medical Journal (BMJ). The Society's founders acted to legitimise massage, which had become sullied by its association with prostitution. This study analyses the discourses that influenced the founders of the Society and reflects upon the social and political conditions that enabled the STM to emerge and prosper. The founders established a clear practice model for massage which effectively regulated the sensual elements of contact between therapist and patient. Massage practices were regulated through clearly defined curricula, examinations and the surveillance of the Society's members. A biomechanical model of physical rehabilitation was adopted to enable masseuses to view the body as a machine rather than as a sensual being. Medical patronage of the Society was courted enabling the Society to prosper amongst competing organisations. Using Foucault's work on power we explore the contingent nature of these events, seeing the massage scandals in context with broader questions of sexual morality, professionalisation and expertise in the late nineteenth century society. We argue that many of the technologies developed by the founders resonate with physiotherapy practice today and enable us to critically analyse the continued relevance of the profession to contemporary healthcare. Nicholls2005 10.1016/j.socscimed.2005.09.010 Anna-Leila Williams author Peter A Selwyn author Lauren Liberti author Susan Molde author Valentine Yanchou Njike author Ruth McCorkle author Daniel Zelterman author David L Katz author 2005-Oct text continuing periodical academic journal 1096-6218 2005-Oct 8 5 939 952 CONTEXT: Certain meditation practices may effectively address spiritual needs near end-of-life, an often overlooked aspect of quality of life (QOL). Among people subject to physical isolation, meditation benefits may be blunted unless physical contact is also addressed. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate independent and interactive effects of Metta meditation and massage on QOL in people with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). DESIGN: Randomized controlled blinded factorial pilot trial conducted from November 2001 to September 2003. SETTING: An AIDS-dedicated skilled nursing facility in New Haven, Connecticut. PARTICIPANTS: Fifty-eight residents (43% women) with late stage disease (AIDS or comorbidity). INTERVENTIONS: Residents were randomized to 1 month of meditation, massage, combined meditation and massage, or standard care. The meditation group received instruction, then self-administered a meditation audiocassette daily. A certified massage therapist provided the massage intervention 30 minutes per day 5 days per week. OUTCOME MEASURE: Changes on Missoula-Vitas QOL Index overall and transcendent (spiritual) scores at 8 weeks. Results: The combined group showed improvement in overall (p = 0.005) and transcendent (p = 0.01) scores from baseline to 8 weeks, a change significantly greater (p < 0.05) than the meditation, massage, and control groups. CONCLUSIONS: The combination of meditation and massage has a significantly favorable influence on overall and spiritual QOL in late-stage disease relative to standard care, or either intervention component alone. Williams2005b 10.1089/jpm.2005.8.939 A Moraska author 2005-Sep text continuing periodical academic journal 0022-4707 2005-Sep 45 3 370 380 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. Moraska2005 http://tinyurl.com/9xs42 K Sankaranarayanan author J A Mondkar author M M Chauhan author B M Mascarenhas author A R Mainkar author R Y Salvi author 2005-Sep text continuing periodical academic journal 0019-6061 2005-Sep 42 9 877 884 INTRODUCTION: Oil massage for newborns is reported to improve weight gain by better thermoregulation. A role for transcutaneous absorption has also been suggested. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: This study was undertaken to compare the effect of massage with coconut oil versus mineral oil and placebo (powder) on growth velocity and neuro-behavior in well term and preterm babies. STUDY DESIGN: Open Randomized Controlled trial. SETTING: The Premature unit and the postnatal wards of a major teaching hospital in a metropolitan city. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Intramural preterm appropriate for gestational age babies weighing between 1500 to 2000 grams and term births weighing more than 2500 grams fulfilling the inclusion criteria constituted the two gestation age categories studied. Babies in each group were randomized to receive massage with either coconut oil, mineral oil or with placebo. Oil massage was given by a trained person from day 2 of life till discharge, and thereafter by the mother until 31 days of age, four times a day. Babies were followed up daily till discharge and every week after discharge for anthropometry. Neuro-behavioral outcome was assessed by the Brazelton Score at baseline, day 7 and on day 31. RESULTS: Coconut oil massage resulted in significantly greater weight gain velocity as compared to mineral oil and placebo in the preterm babies group; and in the term baby group, as compared to the placebo. Preterm infants receiving coconut oil massage also showed a greater length gain velocity compared to placebo group. No statistically significant difference was observed in the neurobehavioral assessment between all three subgroups in term babies as well as in preterm babies. Sankaranarayanan2005 http://www.indianpediatrics.net/sep2005/sep-877-884.htm Tiffany Field author Maria Hernandez-Reif author Miguel Diego author Saul Schanberg author Cynthia Kuhn author 2005-Oct text continuing periodical academic journal 0020-7454 2005-Oct 115 10 1397 1413 In this article the positive effects of massage therapy on biochemistry are reviewed including decreased levels of cortisol and increased levels of serotonin and dopamine. The research reviewed includes studies on depression (including sex abuse and eating disorder studies), pain syndrome studies, research on auto-immune conditions (including asthma and chronic fatigue), immune studies (including HIV and breast cancer), and studies on the reduction of stress on the job, the stress of aging, and pregnancy stress. In studies in which cortisol was assayed either in saliva or in urine, significant decreases were noted in cortisol levels (averaging decreases 31%). In studies in which the activating neurotransmitters (serotonin and dopamine) were assayed in urine, an average increase of 28% was noted for serotonin and an average increase of 31% was noted for dopamine. These studies combined suggest the stress-alleviating effects (decreased cortisol) and the activating effects (increased serotonin and dopamine) of massage therapy on a variety of medical conditions and stressful experiences. Field2005b 10.1080/00207450590956459 Mizue Iwasaki author 2005 text continuing periodical academic journal 0023-5679 2005 52 1-2 19 19 The study objective was to clarify the effect of massage on mothers caring for their hospitalized children. We conducted a comparative analysis of whether palm and shoulder massage could mitigate the physical and mental exhaustion experienced by such mothers. Subjects were 68 mothers whose children were admitted to the Department of Pediatrics, Kurume University Hospital with illnesses of varying severity. Twenty mothers living in Kurume City with healthy children were used as controls. A Japanese version of the Profile of Mood States (POMS) was employed as a mental index. Deep body temperature (frontal and palmar), systolic/diastolic blood pressure and heart rate were measured as physical indices before and after massage. The POMS scores for "Tension-Anxiety (T-A)", "Depression-Dejection (D)", "Anger-Hostility (A-H)", "Fatigue (F)" and "Confusion (C)" were significantly higher, and for "Vigor (V)" were significantly lower in mothers with hospitalized children than in the control group. Systolic blood pressures were also lower than those in the control group. After massage, T-A, D, A-H, F and C scores in the mothers with hospitalized children decreased and their V scores increased significantly. However, improvement in overall POMS scores was less than in the control group. And also improvement in each of the POMS scales was less than in the control group. Moreover, T-A scores in mothers of children with cancer were significantly higher than those in mothers of children suffering from other types of diseases. Our study demonstrated that mothers with hospitalized children were much more stressed than those with healthy children. The difference in the child's illness tended to exacerbate the degree of the mothers' mental fatigue. Massage has a favorable effect on stressed mothers and may be expected to serve as a useful supporting tool. Iwasaki2005 Beata Zielnik-Jurkiewicz author Olga Olszewska-SosiÅ„ska author 2005 text continuing periodical academic journal 0030-6657 2005 59 3 399 399 Otitis media with effusion and eustachitis occur very often in childhood. In dependence on advanced of otitis media with effusion and eustachitis, we use surgical and nonsurgical treatment. In short-term otitis media with effusion and eustachitis performs tympanotomy, insufflation of the Eustachian tube by Politzer and Valsava's methods and vibro-pressure massage AMSA. The aim of this study is estimation of efficacy vibro-pressure massage AMSA in otitis media with effusion and eustachitis in children. The study population consisted of 34 children and youth aged between 3-17 years with otitis media with effusion or eustachitis. In all people we performed 10 procedures of vibro-pressure massage AMSA administered 4 mg dexamethasone in vibro-aerosol. Efficiency of treatment was estimated by comparison otolaryngology examination, pure tone audiometry and tympanometry. In 76.7% ears with eustachitis we observed correct results of examinations of hearing acuity after treatment. It was more two times better then in children with otitis media with effusion. Vibro-pressure massage AMSA 10 times with 4 mg dexamethasone in vibro-aerosol is good method in treatment of eustachitis. In otitis media with effusion isn't efficacious enough. In this case we recommended tympanostomy tube. Zielnik-Jurkiewicz2005 Tiffany Field author 2005-Oct text continuing periodical academic journal 0733-8635 2005-Oct 23 4 717 721 Two studies are reviewed that highlight the positive effects of massage therapy on skin conditions in young children. In the first study children being treated on a burn trauma unit received 30-minute massages before debridement or dressing change. The children who received massage therapy were more relaxed during the procedure. In the study on children with eczema, those who were massaged during the application of their skin medication showed less anxiety after the massage sessions. Across the massage period the children also showed an improved clinical condition including less redness, lichenification, scaling, excoriation, and pruritus. Field2005a 10.1016/j.det.2005.05.009 Inge G P Duimel-Peeters author Ruud J G Halfens author Martijn P F Berger author Luc H E H Snoeckx author 2005-Apr text continuing periodical academic journal 0889-5899 2005-Apr 51 4 70 70 General information about the effects of massage to prevent pressure ulcers is limited. A literature search was conducted to provide more detailed knowledge about the effects of massage in general and in preventing the development of pressure ulcers in particular. Using the keywords massage, rubbing, prevention of pressure ulcers/pressure ulcers, and paying particular attention to referenced articles yielded a summary of different manual massage techniques and indications/contraindications of this intervention for both healthy tissues and tissues in patients at risk for developing pressure ulcers. A careful review of this information; the clinical, physical, and pathophysiological aspects of pressure ulcers, including extrinsic and intrinsic factor; and the time-pressure relationship suggests that one type of massage may be beneficial for persons who are at risk for developing pressure ulcers. Specifically, effleurage applied with moderate pressure is the most preferred massage in the treatment of pressure ulcers, although based on currently existing studies, it cannot be proven statistically that massage is an adequate preventive method for pressure ulcers. Although many guidelines advised against use of massage in people at risk for pressure ulcers, current evidence suggests that research to increase knowledge about the mechanism behind the effects of massage as part of an individualized prevention and treatment plan should be conducted. Duimel-Peeters2005 http://www.o-wm.com/owm/displayArticle.cfm?articleID=article4029 Lisa Corbin author 2005-Jul text continuing periodical academic journal 1073-2748 2005-Jul 12 3 158 164 BACKGROUND: As the popularity of complementary/alternative medicine (CAM) grows, patients are incorporating more CAM therapies into their conventional cancer care. Massage therapy, a CAM therapy known primarily for its use in relaxation, may also benefit patients with cancer in other ways. Massage can also be associated with risks in the oncology population. Risks can be minimized and benefits maximized when the clinician feels comfortable discussing CAM with his or her patients. This article reviews and summarizes the literature on massage and cancer to help provide the clinician with information to help facilitate discussions with patients. METHODS: MEDLINE and CINAHL databases were searched to identify relevant articles. These were reviewed for content and other pertinent references. RESULTS: Significant information was extracted from these resources to provide this overview of the use of massage for patients with cancer. CONCLUSIONS: Conventional care for patients with cancer can safely incorporate massage therapy, although cancer patients may be at higher risk of rare adverse events. The strongest evidence for benefits of massage is for stress and anxiety reduction, although research for pain control and management of other symptoms common to patients with cancer, including pain, is promising. The oncologist should feel comfortable discussing massage therapy with patients and be able to refer patients to a qualified massage therapist as appropriate. Corbin2005 http://www.moffitt.usf.edu/pubs/ccj/v12n3/PDF/158.pdf H L Williams author L A Cullen author J H Barlow author 2005-Jun text continuing periodical academic journal 0965-2299 2005-Jun 13 2 107 114 Objectives: The Training and Support Programme (TSP) is an 8-week programme in which carers of children with disabilities receive instruction in simple massage techniques to use with their child. The aims of the present study were firstly to compare, adherers and non-adherers on measures of psychological well-being and self-efficacy and secondly, to examine whether, for adherers, the positive benefits of attending the TSP reported immediately after the Programme were maintained at 12-month follow-up. Design: Eighty-two carers took part in the study. Data were collected 12-months after completion of the TSP by self-report questionnaires mailed to carers. For comparisons between adherers and non-adherers at 12-month follow-up a between-groups design was used. For comparisons over time, a within-subjects design was used. Results: Adherers had significantly higher levels of self-efficacy for managing their child's psychosocial well-being, self-efficacy for carrying out the massage, and significantly better psychological well-being at follow-up compared to non-adherers. Furthermore, there were no significant differences over time on self-efficacy for managing their child's psychosocial well-being, self-efficacy for giving massage and levels of anxiety and depression at 12-month follow-up for adherers, suggesting that their improvements noted immediately post-programme were maintained at follow-up. Significant decreases on self-efficacy and depression were noted for non-adherers and there was a trend towards deterioration in anxious mood. Conclusion: In conclusion, the present study suggests that the positive benefits the TSP has for carers of children with disabilities can be maintained if carers continue to practise the massage at home with their child. (C) 2005 Williams2005a 10.1016/j.ctim.2005.03.007 Charlotte Paterson author Jeffrey A Allen author Margaret Browning author Gillian Barlow author Paul Ewings author 2005-Aug text continuing periodical academic journal 1744-3881 2005-Aug 11 3 161 171 OBJECTIVE: To carry out a pilot study, with particular attention to adequacy of outcome measures. DESIGN: Observational study and user participation. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: A local user group selected seven participants with a wide range of illness severity. INTERVENTION: A course of eight 1hr sessions of deep whole body (therapeutic) massage over 8 weeks. OUTCOME MEASURES: The Parkinson's Disease Questionnaire (PDQ-39), the Measure Yourself Medical Outcome Profile (MYMOP), and the Medication Change Questionnaire (MCQ). Semi-structured interviews, before and after the intervention. RESULTS: In addition to enjoying the massage, individuals showed improvement in self-confidence, well-being, walking and activities of daily living. There was good agreement between data from the outcome questionnaires, interviews and clinical notes. User involvement highlighted issues that would otherwise have been ignored. CONCLUSIONS: The study confirms the benefits of involving users in the research process and makes recommendations concerning the design of any future randomised trial. Paterson2005 10.1016/j.ctcp.2004.12.008 Karen J Sherman author Daniel C Cherkin author Janet Kahn author Janet Erro author Andrea Hrbek author Richard A Deyo author David M Eisenberg author 2005-Jun-14 text continuing periodical academic journal 1472-6882 2005-Jun-14 5 13 BACKGROUND: Despite the growing popularity of therapeutic massage in the US, little is known about the training or practice characteristics of massage therapists. The objective of this study was to describe these characteristics. METHODS: As part of a study of random samples of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) practitioners, we interviewed 226 massage therapists licensed in Connecticut and Washington state by telephone in 1998 and 1999 (85% of those contacted) and then asked a sample of them to record information on 20 consecutive visits to their practices (total of 2005 consecutive visits). RESULTS: Most massage therapists were women (85%), white (95%), and had completed some continuing education training (79% in Connecticut and 52% in Washington). They treated a limited number of conditions, most commonly musculoskeletal (59% and 63%) (especially back, neck, and shoulder problems), wellness care (20% and 19%), and psychological complaints (9% and 6%) (especially anxiety and depression). Practitioners commonly used one or more assessment techniques (67% and 74%) and gave a massage emphasizing Swedish (81% and 77%), deep tissue (63% and 65%), and trigger/pressure point techniques (52% and 46%). Self-care recommendations, including increasing water intake, body awareness, and specific forms of movement, were made as part of more than 80% of visits. Although most patients self-referred to massage, more than one-quarter were receiving concomitant care for the same problem from a physician. Massage therapists rarely communicated with these physicians. CONCLUSION: This study provides new information about licensed massage therapists that should be useful to physicians and other healthcare providers interested in learning about massage therapy in order to advise their patients about this popular CAM therapy. Sherman2005 10.1186/1472-6882-5-13 Peter Mackereth author Paola Sylt author Ashley Weinberg author Gwynneth Campbell author 2005-Jun text continuing periodical academic journal 1462-3889 2005-Jun 9 2 167 179 The Chair Massage service considered in this evaluation study was provided to carers, visiting in-patients at a major cancer hospital in the UK. The two-stage evaluation comprised: firstly, a retrospective review of treatment records for the previous 12 months (n=182), and secondly, a prospective study, gathering data by interview and a 'next-day' questionnaire from carers (n=34), during 1 week of service delivery. The study at both stages sought to identify who used the service, post-treatment comments and changes in scores using a Feeling Good Thermometer (Field, T., 2000. Touch Therapy. Churchill Livingstone, London). During the second stage the carers were also asked about their concerns and worries, and to report changes in physical and emotional states using visual scales. Findings included significant improvements in physical and psychological scores; these were retained through to the next day. The next-day questionnaire also reported improved sleep for the majority of carers. A number of concerns and worries were raised at interview, notably anxieties about the patient and uncertainty about the future, family and financial worries. Overall, the service was well evaluated with parents and in particular female carers appearing to gain the most from the intervention. Mackereth2005 10.1016/j.ejon.2005.03.005 Kuriyama author Watanabe author Nakaya author Shigemori author Kita author Yoshida author Masaki author Tadai author Ozasa author Fukui author Imanishi author 2005-Jun-27 text continuing periodical academic journal 1741-427X 2005-Jun-27 2 2 179 179 This preliminary investigation compares peripheral blood cell counts including red blood cells (RBCs), white blood cells (WBCs), neutrophils, peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBLs), CD4(+), CD8(+) and CD16(+) lymphocytes, CD4(+)/CD8(+) ratio, hematocrit, humoral parameters including serum interferon-gamma and interleukin-6, salivary secretory immunoglobulin A (IgA). Psychological measures including the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) questionnaire and the Self-rating Depression Scale (SDS) between recipients (n = 11) of carrier oil massage and aromatherapy massage, which includes sweet almond oil, lavender oil, cypress oil and sweet marjoram oil. Though both STAI and SDS showed a significant reduction (P < 0.01) after treatment with aromatherapy and carrier massage, no difference between the aromatherapy and control massage was observed for STAI and SDS. Aromatherapy, in contrast to control massage, did not significantly reduce RBC count or hematocrit. However, aromatherapy massage showed a significant (P > 0.05) increase in PBLs, possibly due to an increase in CD8(+) and CD16(+) lymphocytes, which had significantly increased post-treatment (P < 0.01). Consequently, the CD4(+)/CD8(+) ratio decreased significantly (P < 0.01). The paucity of such differences after carrier oil massage suggests that aromatherapy massage could be beneficial in disease states that require augmentation of CD8(+) lymphocytes. While this study identifies the immunological benefits of aromatherapy massage, there is a need to validate the findings prospectively in a larger cohort of patients. Kuriyama2005 10.1093/ecam/neh087 Sarah Holst author Irene Lund author Maria Petersson author Kerstin UvnÀs-Moberg author 2005-Jun-15 text continuing periodical academic journal 1566-0702 2005-Jun-15 120 1-2 73 79 The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of repeated massage-like stroking on plasma levels of some gastrointestinal hormones, insulin included, glucose and weight gain. For this purpose, male rats were exposed to stroking on the ventral side of the abdomen for 3 or 14 times. The treatments were given every second day. Control rats were picked up at the same time but received no stroking. Body weight was measured regularly. Rats were decapitated 10 min after the last treatment. Hormone levels were radioimmunoassayed and glucose was measured by spectrophotometry. In rats exposed to 3 sessions of massage-like stroking plasma levels of insulin (p<0.05) and somatostatin (p<0.01) were significantly decreased 10 min after the last treatment. After 14 treatments of massage-like stroking, decreased plasma levels of insulin (p<0.01) and gastrin (p<0.01) as well as increased glucose levels (p<0.01) were observed 10 min after the last treatment. In addition, weight gain was significantly increased (ANOVA p<0.0001) in rats exposed to 14 treatments. In conclusion, repeated massage-like stroking decreased plasma levels of gastrin, insulin and somatostatin, increased plasma levels of glucose and promoted weight gain. The effects were influenced by the number of treatments. Holst2005 10.1016/j.autneu.2005.04.007 Bryan Melancon author Lucy H Miller author text continuing periodical academic journal 0887-9311 2005 19 3 116 121 This study explored whether there is a significant difference in perceived low back pain relief between patients receiving massage versus traditional therapy, using a 2-variable by 3-variable fully crossed, factorial, comparative research design. Statistical results showed slightly more efficacy for traditional therapy; however, the additional benefits of massage add to its value for holistic nursing practice. Melancon2005 Anne-Maria Laukkanen author Kirsti LeppÀnen author Jaana Tyrmi author Erkki Vilkman author text continuing periodical academic journal 1021-7762 2005 57 3 163 172 'Voice massage' (VM) treatment includes manipulation of muscles related to speech production and voice and breathing exercises. This study investigated the effects of VM in 10 healthy subjects (5 females, 5 males). They recorded repetitions of the word 'paappa' at normal loudness and as softly as possible and read a text sample before and after 1-hour (1) VM treatment, (2) fast walking, (3) sitting in a library and (4) lying on a bed. Subglottic pressure was estimated from oral pressure during [p]. Transglottal flow and glottal resistance were measured. Voice production was studied with electroglottography. Fundamental frequency, sound pressure level (SPL) and alpha ratio [(SPL of the range 1-5 kHz) - (SPL of the range 50 Hz-1 kHz)] were calculated from text samples, which were also evaluated by 7 voice experts. A questionnaire was used to record subjects' sensations. Changes after lying and sitting suggest lowered effort in phonatory muscles, while after fast walking effort seemed to increase. After VM no significant changes were observed in voice parameters or perceptual quality, but ease of phonation and reduced tension in the neck, shoulders and back were reported. The effects of VM may be partly psychological, partly related to a search of phonatory balance. Laukkanen2005 10.1159/000084136 Margaret Reader author Ross Young author Jason P Connor author 2005-Apr text continuing periodical academic journal 1075-5535 2005-Apr 11 2 311 313 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. Reader2005 10.1089/acm.2005.11.311 M Bernas author M Witte author B Kriederman author P Summers author C Witte author 2005-MAR-APR text continuing periodical academic journal Bernas2005 10.1109/MEMB.2005.1411350 2005-MAR-APR 24 2 58 68 Lymphedema (LE) afflicts hundreds of millions people worldwide. Manual lymph drainage, a specialized form of massage therapy, is an integral component - along with compression bandaging (CB) - of combined physical therapy (CPT), an internationally recommended optimal treatment. Experimental data from a rat model of obstructive LE suggests that massage alone can reduce LE volume as effectively as CB and CPT, at least early in the pathologic process. In a preliminary retrospective clinical study, it was also found that massage alone in a cohort of patients with mild stable upper-limb LE was as effective as CPT in volume reduction (massage 80.6 /spl plusmn/ 0.2% decrease compared to CPT 72.6 /spl plusmn/ 0.2%, mean /spl plusmn/ standard deviation, not significant). These initial studies lay the groundwork and evidence-based rationale for the design and implementation of the expanded, prospective randomized clinical trial of massage alone in various types and stages of LE in children and adults. Maria Hernandez-Reif author Tiffany Field author Gail Ironson author Julia Beutler author Yanexy Vera author Judith Hurley author Mary Ann Fletcher author Saul Schanberg author Cynthia Kuhn author Monica Fraser author 2005-Apr text continuing periodical academic journal 0020-7454 2005-Apr 115 4 495 495 Women diagnosed with breast cancer received massage therapy or practiced progressive muscle relaxation (PMR) for 30-min sessions 3 times a week for 5 weeks or received standard treatment. The massage therapy and relaxation groups reported less depressed mood, anxiety, and pain immediately after their first and last sessions. By the end of the study, however, only the massage therapy group reported being less depressed and less angry and having more vigor. Dopamine levels, Natural Killer cells, and lymphocytes also increased from the first to the last day of the study for the massage therapy group. These findings highlight the benefit of these complementary therapies, most particularly massage therapy, for women with breast cancer. Hernandez-Reif2005 10.1080/00207450590523080 Sue McVerry author Edward Lindop author 2005-Feb text continuing periodical academic journal 0739-9332 2005-Feb 26 2 108 117 The small exploratory study was conducted in a heavily populated urban area in the Midlands region of England. Through semistructured interviews with women working in massage parlours, we investigated the health risks inherent in the work and the strategies adopted by the women to overcome these, as well as examining circumstances where theses strategies could be compromised. The effects of working in the sex industry on women's relationships and lives outside also emerged as the research progressed. We found that, in addition to preserving their sexual health, women's main concern was with the separation of home and work. McVerry2005 10.1080/07399330590905567 Dein Vindigni author Lynne Parkinson author Bruce Walker author Darren A Rivett author Steve Blunden author Janice Perkins author 2005-Apr text continuing periodical academic journal 1038-5282 2005-Apr 13 2 111 115 OBJECTIVE: To pilot a community-based and owned sports massage course for Aboriginal health workers (AHWs). DESIGN: Descriptive, pilot educational intervention study. SETTING: Rural, Indigenous Australian community. SUBJECTS: AHWs working in a rural community. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Cultural and logistical acceptability of the program to AHWs. RESULTS: The course was delivered within a culturally acceptable framework with applicability for the evaluation of sports massage skills and knowledge changes in a larger sample. CONCLUSION: The sports massage course demonstrated its applicability in this rural Aboriginal community and it has the potential to be adapted and adopted in other similar settings. Vindigni2005 10.1111/j.1440-1854.2005.00664.x Oumeish Youssef Oumeish author text continuing periodical academic journal 1540-9740 2005 4 2 93 93 Integrative medicine is becoming more popular, not only in developing nations, but also in countries such as the United States. Acupuncture, which is practiced more than any other kind of alternative medicine, is based on the philosophy and culture of old Chinese healing. Pressure, massage, and touch healing depend on stimulation by the fingers rather than needles, although they are based on acupuncture principles. Touch has social, educational, cultural, and humanitarian aspects. Touch therapy has been shown to have excellent effects on children's growth, development, and emotional well-being. In adults, a 15-minute rubdown by fingertips can lead to relaxation and sleep. It is also useful for premature babies. Such therapies were practiced in the Old World, but have been rediscovered in the New World. They represent some aspects of the old, noble art of healing. Oumeish2005 http://www.lejacq.com/Search_articleDetail.cfm?aid=SM3294%2DOumeish%2Epdf Soon Yang Jeon author Hyang Mi Jung author 2005-Feb text continuing periodical academic journal 1598-2874 2005-Feb 35 1 135 142 PURPOSE: This study was aimed at developing an efficient nursing method for the management of constipation by comparing the effects of abdominal meridian massage on the symptoms of constipation. METHOD: The subjects were determined by the Rome II criteria and the Constipation Assessment Scale from Aug 30 through Sep 26, 2002. They were randomly divided into two groups: one experimental group of 16, another control group of 15. Abdominal meridian massage was given to the experimental group and no massage was given to the control group. The frequency of defecation and severity of constipation by CAS were measured. The data was analyzed with the t-test, chi(2)-test, and repeated measures ANOVA. RESULTS: There was a significant improvement in frequency of defecation, and severity of constipation in the experimental group compared to the control group. CONCLUSION: Abdominal meridian massage can be considered an effective nursing method for the management of constipation among CVA patients. Jeon2005 Myung Ae Kim author Jung Kyu Sakong author Eun Jin Kim author Eun Ha Kim author 2005-Feb text continuing periodical academic journal 1598-2874 2005-Feb 35 1 56 56 PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to verify the effect of aromatherapy massage on constipation in the elderly. METHOD: This study for 10 day, employed a randomized control group pretest-posttest design. The experimental group received abdominal massage using essential oils with Rosemary, Lemon, and Peppermint, and the control group received a placebo massage. To evaluate the effect of aromatherapy, the degree of constipation was measured using the CAS(constipation assessment scale) and the number of bowel movements per week. Data was analyzed by repeated measures of ANOVA using the SPSS program. RESULT: The score of CAS of the experimental group was significantly lower than that of the control group. In addition the average number of bowel movements in the experimental group was higher than that of the control group. The effect of aromatherapy lasted 2 weeks after treatment, while the placebo effect lasted 7~10 days after treatment. CONCLUSION: The finding of this study showed that aromatherapy helps relieve constipation in the elderly. Kim2005 Pornratshanee Weerapong author Patria A Hume author Gregory S Kolt author 2005 text continuing periodical academic journal 0112-1642 2005 35 3 235 256 Many coaches, athletes and sports medicine personnel hold the belief, based on observations and experiences, that massage can provide several benefits to the body such as increased blood flow, reduced muscle tension and neurological excitability, and an increased sense of well-being. Massage can produce mechanical pressure, which is expected to increase muscle compliance resulting in increased range of joint motion, decreased passive stiffness and decreased active stiffness (biomechanical mechanisms). Mechanical pressure might help to increase blood flow by increasing the arteriolar pressure, as well as increasing muscle temperature from rubbing. Depending on the massage technique, mechanical pressure on the muscle is expected to increase or decrease neural excitability as measured by the Hoffman reflex (neurological mechanisms). Changes in parasympathetic activity (as measured by heart rate, blood pressure and heart rate variability) and hormonal levels (as measured by cortisol levels) following massage result in a relaxation response (physiological mechanisms). A reduction in anxiety and an improvement in mood state also cause relaxation (psychological mechanisms) after massage. Therefore, these benefits of massage are expected to help athletes by enhancing performance and reducing injury risk. However, limited research has investigated the effects of pre-exercise massage on performance and injury prevention. Massage between events is widely investigated because it is believed that massage might help to enhance recovery and prepare athletes for the next event. Unfortunately, very little scientific data has supported this claim. The majority of research on psychological effects of massage has concluded that massage produces positive effects on recovery (psychological mechanisms). Post-exercise massage has been shown to reduce the severity of muscle soreness but massage has no effects on muscle functional loss. Notwithstanding the belief that massage has benefits for athletes, the effects of different types of massage (e.g. petrissage, effleurage, friction) or the appropriate timing of massage (pre-exercise vs post-exercise) on performance, recovery from injury, or as an injury prevention method are not clear. Explanations are lacking, as the mechanisms of each massage technique have not been widely investigated. Therefore, this article discusses the possible mechanisms of massage and provides a discussion of the limited evidence of massage on performance, recovery and muscle injury prevention. The limitations of previous research are described and further research is recommended. Weerapong2005 S Hafner author 2005-FEB text continuing periodical academic journal In a historical overview it is shown how the German physician Georg Groddeck (1866-1934) combined psychotherapy and massage techniques in the treatment Of Very ill psychosomatic patients in a very ingenious way more than 100 years ago. For Groddeck massage was a polysensoric meeting with the patient during which he was carefully watching changes in breathing. So lie was able to reintegrate the body into psychic healing processes. Massages were a means to deal with the psychosomatic aspects of the diseases of many of his patients. Verbal interventions during the massage enabled Groddeck via the somatic treatment to find a way into the depths of the soul of his patients and to discover new possibilities for psychoanalytic diagnosis and therapy. Historical reports of patients reflect the subjective way of feeling of this unique treatment in the history of medicine and show the importance of a combination of psychosomatic medicine and naturopathy for conternporary medicine, too. Hafner2005 10.1055/s-2004-828498 2005-FEB 15 1 39 43 Hae Kyung Lee author 2005-Dec text continuing periodical academic journal 1598-2874 2005-Dec 35 8 1451 1460 PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the premature infants' responses to infant massage (tactile and kinesthetic stimulation). These responses measured by weight, physiological (vagal tone, heart rate, oxygen saturation) and behavioral responses (behavioral states, motor activities, and behavioral distress). METHODS: This study was conducted using an equivalent control pretest-posttest design. The sample was divided into two groups of 13 infants with gestational age less than 36 weeks at birth, birth weight less than 2000g, and no congenital anomalies. The experimental group received the massage intervention twice daily for 10 days. The data were collected for 10 minutes prior to and 10 minutes after the massage. RESULTS: The vagal tone was significantly higher after massage than before massage in the experimental group, while no change in the control group. The experimental group had significantly higher scores for awake state and motor activity than the control group. Significantly greater awake state, more fidgeting or crying, and increased motor activity were reported after massage than before massage. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study showed that massage therapy might enhance optimal physiological responses and behavioral organization of premature infants. Nursing staff in the NICU can use massage to promote the infant's capability to respond positively to his environment and to provide developmental support for healthy premature infants. Lee2005 a pilot study Cesar Fernandez-de-las-Penas author Cristina Alonso-Blanco author Josue Fernandez-Carnero author Juan Carlos Miangolarra-Page author 2006-01 text continuing periodical academic journal The aim of this pilot study was to compare the effects of a single treatment of the ischemic compression technique with transverse friction massage for myofascial trigger point (MTrP) tenderness. Forty subjects, 17 men and 23 women, aged 19-38 years old, presenting with mechanical neck pain and diagnosed with MTrPs in the upper trapezius muscle, according to the diagnostic criteria described by Simons and by Gerwin, participated in this pilot study. Subjects were divided randomly into two groups: group A which was treated with the ischemic compression technique, and group B which was treated with a transverse friction massage. The outcome measures were the pressure pain threshold (PPT) in the MTrP, and a visual analogue scale assessing local pain evoked by a second application of 2.5 kg/cm2 of pressure on the MTrP. These outcomes were assessed pre-treatment and 2 min post-treatment by an assessor blinded to the treatment allocation of the subject. The results showed a significant improvement in the PPT (P=0.03), and a significant decrease in the visual analogue scores (P=0.04) within each group. No differences were found between the improvement in both groups (P=0.4). Ischemic compression technique and transverse friction massage were equally effective in reducing tenderness in MTrPs. Fernandez-de-las-Penas2006 10.1016/j.jbmt.2005.05.003 2006-1 10 1 3 9 Scoliosis, costovertebral dysfunction, and thoracic outlet syndrome Michael Hamm author 2006-01 text continuing periodical academic journal Objectives: To investigate the efficacy of massage therapy in the concurrent treatment of three related, but discrete, disorders: scoliosis, costovertebral dysfunction, and thoracic outlet syndrome.MethodsA 34-year-old female subject reported steadily increasing pain in the right shoulder over the previous 8 months. Chiropractic diagnosis and assessment by the author's clinical supervisor had identified these three conditions. Massage therapy was administered twice weekly for a total of 8 sessions. Each 75-min session included 15 min of intake and assessment, during which pain levels (PLs), sleep patterns, and functional limitations were recorded. Treatment was applied in the remaining 60 min, and consisted of Deep Tissue, Neuromuscular, and Muscle Energy techniques. The clinical supervisor conducted three extended assessments, which were performed prior to, halfway through, and after the treatment series.ResultsReported PLs, sleep patterns, and functional limitations all showed substantial improvements over the course of treatment, despite a re-injury to the affected shoulder before the seventh session. Assessment by the Clinical Supervisor confirmed these results.ConclusionsMassage therapy is an appropriate tool for the concurrent treatment of these three conditions. Further research should focus on the ability of massage to address pathologies normally dealt with as separate entities. Hamm2006 10.1016/j.jbmt.2005.10.002 2006-1 10 1 12 20 A pilot-test comparison Cynthia Price author 2006-01 text continuing periodical academic journal The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of body-oriented therapy, as an adjunct to psychotherapy, for women in recovery from childhood sexual abuse. A two-group randomized design was employed. Eight women were recruited from a community sample and randomly assigned to an experimental group or wait-list control group. The experimental condition involved eight 1-h weekly sessions of body-oriented therapy, a combination of bodywork and the emotional processing of psychotherapy. The study examined changes in somatic and psychological symptoms, and the subjective experience of the intervention using a mixed method approach. Methods included interview, written questionnaire, and self-report outcome measures of psychological symptoms, dissociation, post-traumatic stress, and physical symptoms. Pre-post comparison of the two groups revealed remarkable decreases on SCL-90 global score, PTSD, number and severity of physical symptoms, and a trend toward decreased dissociation for the experimental compared to the control group. Qualitative results revealed the positive impact of body-oriented therapy on sense of inner security and psychotherapeutic progress. Price2006 10.1016/j.jbmt.2005.03.001 2006-1 10 1 58 64 Surussawadi Mackawan author Wichi Eungpinichpong author Rungthip Pantumethakul author Uraiwon Chatchawan author Tokamol Hunsawong author Pricha Arayawichanon author text continuing periodical academic journal Although both Traditional Thai Massage (TTM) and joint mobilization have been practiced in Thailand to reduce musculoskeletal pain, a comparative study of these in relieving pain is not been found in the literature. The purpose of this study was to examine the immediate effects of TTM versus joint mobilization on substance P and pain perception in patients with non-specific low back pain. Sixty-seven adults with non-specific low back pain were randomly assigned to receive either TTM (35 people) or joint mobilization (32 people). The duration of each treatment was 10 min. The levels of substance P in saliva and a visual analog scale (VAS) were measured before and 5 min after each treatment. Paired t-test was used to compare outcome variables at baseline with outcome measures 5 min after each treatment. An analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was performed to compare the difference between groups. Both groups showed a decrease in the level of substance P after treatment when compared with levels pre-treatment (73.86[plus-or-minus sign]62.31 pg/ml versus 50.43[plus-or-minus sign]64.39 pg/ml in TTM and 80.61[plus-or-minus sign]85.26 pg/ml versus 56.27[plus-or-minus sign]72.77 pg/ml in joint mobilization; p=0.019 and 0.006; 95%CI: 4.03-42.82 and 7.48-41.19, respectively). Additionally, there was a marked decrease in VAS after treatment in both groups (4.22[plus-or-minus sign]1.98 versus 2.45[plus-or-minus sign]1.75 in Thai massage and 4.35[plus-or-minus sign]1.71 versus 3.39[plus-or-minus sign]1.66 in joint mobilization; p=0.000 and 0.002, 95%CI: 1.12-2.40 and 0.37-1.55, respectively). There was no significant difference in the substance P level after treatment between the two groups. However, the VAS pain score was slightly different between the groups after treatment (0.88; 95% CI: 0.16-1.59; p=0.017), where the TTM group reported less pain than the joint mobilization group (2.48[plus-or-minus sign]0.25 versus 3.36[plus-or-minus sign]0.25 VAS, respectively). Both TTM and joint mobilization can relieve pain in patients with non-specific low back pain. However, TTM yields slightly more beneficial effects than joint mobilization. Mackawan2006 10.1016/j.jbmt.2005.11.001 2006 In Press, Corrected Proof Virginia S Cowen author Lee Burkett author Joshua Bredimus author Daniel R Evans author Sandra Lamey author Theresa Neuhauser author Lawdan Shojaee author text continuing periodical academic journal Many cultures have a massage or touch-based therapy that has been influenced by the development of culture over time. The origins of Thai massage (TM) can be traced to oriental medicine and yoga. Swedish massage (SM), the most popular type of massage practiced in the US, is based on anatomy learned from dissection. To date TM has been largely unexplored. The purpose of this study was to compare and contrast a single general massage treatment, using one of two different styles of massage, on physiological and psychological outcomes.Fifty-three participants enrolled in the study and were randomly assigned to receive one TM or SM treatment. Dependent variables included blood pressure, heart rate, range-of-motion, perceived anxiety, and mood. Physiological assessments (blood pressure, heart rate, range of motion) were conducted immediately before (T1) and after the massage (T2). Psychological assessments (anxiety and mood) were conducted at T1, T2, and at 48-h follow-up (T3).A multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) revealed overall significant differences for the massage. However, there were no differences between the treatment groups. Repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) for individual dependent variables found significant improvement between T1 and T2 in resting heart rate, ankle plantar flexion, ankle dorsiflexion, and shoulder abduction/rotation. Significant overall improvement was noted in mood at T2, and in tension-anxiety as well as confusion-bewilderment at T2 and T3 compared to T1. The findings suggest that a single treatment of TM is as effective as SM on general physiological and psychological outcomes. Cowen2006 10.1016/j.jbmt.2005.08.006 2006 In Press, Corrected Proof Victoria Latifses author Debra Bendell Estroff author Tiffany Field author Joseph P Bush author 2005-10 text continuing periodical academic journal This study examined the effects of fathers massaging their pregnant wives and practicing relaxation with them. Participants were married American fathers who completed the Dyadic Adjustment Scale (DAS), the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), and the Paternal Fetal Attachment Scale. The fathers learned to massage their pregnant wives, learned relaxation techniques with their wives, or received no intervention. Massage therapy lowered the fathers' self-reported anxiety levels on the STAI and improved marital adjustment on the DAS. Latifses2005 10.1016/j.jbmt.2005.02.004 2005-10 9 4 277 282 Uraiwon Chatchawan author Bandit Thinkhamrop author Samerduen Kharmwan author Jacqueline Knowles author Wichai Eungpinichpong author 2005-10 text continuing periodical academic journal The aim of this study was to verify the effectiveness of traditional Thai massage (TTM) among patients with back pain associated with myofascial trigger points (MTrPs). Swedish massage (SM) was selected as the treatment for the comparison group. One hundred and eighty patients were randomly allocated to receive either TTM or SM for 6 sessions during a 3-4 week period, with follow-up 1 month later. Results indicated that pain intensity, assessed using the visual analog scale (VAS), among patients in both groups was reduced by more than half after 3 weeks of treatment and for up to one month afterwards (P) with no significant difference in VAS between the groups. Similar improvements were found for most other outcome measures. We conclude that TTM and SM are effective in reducing back pain among patients with MTrPs. We therefore suggest that massage therapy, and in particular Thai massage, be considered as an alternative primary health care treatment for this disorder. Chatchawan2005 10.1016/j.jbmt.2005.02.001 2005-10 9 4 298 309 Watsu and Aix massage Kieren Faull author 2005-07 text continuing periodical academic journal Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness on health outcomes of a proposed holistic therapy (Watsu, WATer shiatSU) as a possible intervention for people with fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) by comparing its effectiveness with the present water-based therapy, Aix massage.Methods: Thirteen females diagnosed with FMS completed Watsu and Aix treatments. Short-Form-36 General Health Survey (SF-36) data were collected at the start and completion of treatment in a two-condition, within-subject, reverse-order counterbalanced design. Each SF-36 subscale was tested with a two-way, repeated measure analysis of variance.Results: Significant change in treatment and interaction effects were found for Watsu on the SF-36 subscales of physical function, bodily pain, vitality and social function, but not for Aix treatment.Conclusions: Watsu was supported as an effective holistic intervention compared to Aix massage. Variables other than Watsu may have caused the significant result. A study with a larger sample and a control group is required before it can be inferred that the change is due to this therapy. Faull2005 10.1016/j.jbmt.2004.12.001 2005-7 9 3 202 210 Tanya Fry author John W Xerogeanes author William C Reeves author 2005-04 text continuing periodical academic journal Rupture of the quadriceps tendon is an uncommon but severe injury that has a long recovery period and risk of sequelae especially when repair is delayed. This article presents a case of ruptured quadriceps tendon complicated by a post-operative wound infection causing a six-month delay of definitive surgical treatment. This paper discusses therapy following resolution of the wound infection (to prepare the patient for definitive repair) and therapy following repair (to restore the subject to previous levels of competitive activity). Fry2005 10.1016/j.jbmt.2004.06.005 2005-4 9 2 158 165 Glenn M Hymel author 2005-01 text continuing periodical academic journal The massage therapy profession is currently engaged in a competency-based education movement that has as one of its several focal points an emphasis on promoting massage therapy research competencies (MTRCs) at an introductory or entry level. One of several dimensions that must be seriously considered in advancing MTRCs in the profession is that of the curricular and instructional contexts for teaching these skills (see J. Bodywork Movement Ther. 2003, 7(3), 194). It is precisely this dimension to which this paper speaks in proposing a systems-based model for integrating research competencies in massage therapy education. Specifically, basic guidelines are suggested for preparing, implementing, and evaluating instruction at the unit or module level. An illustrative unit titled "The Experimental Research Process" is provided as an exemplar that could serve any one or more of the following functions: (a) an initial unit among several constituting a foundational core research course in a massage therapy school's curriculum; (b) a self-contained unit as part of a continuing education workshop or mini-course; and (c) a generic unit for a networking educational seminar among diverse health care professionals. Hymel2005 10.1016/j.jbmt.2004.03.006 2005-1 9 1 43 51 a pilot trial with a three-month follow-up Y Hirakawa author Y Masuda author T Kimata author K Uemura author M Kuzuya author A Iguchi author 2005-FEB text continuing periodical academic journal Objectives: To assess the effects of home massage rehabilitation therapy on the bed-ridden elderly. Design: Alternatively allocated trial. Setting: Subjects' homes, three home nursing stations, 13 visit care stations and one day service centre in Aichi prefecture, Japan. Subjects: Bed-ridden patients who were 65 years and above, no dementia, stable general condition, and receiving no rehabilitation therapy. Intervention: Thirty-minute sessions of home massage rehabilitation therapy by a massage practitioner 2 or 3 days a week for three consecutive months or usual care. Main measurements: Barthel Index (BI), Subjective Satisfaction and Refreshment Scale, Apathy Scale and Self-rating Depression Score. Results: Fifty-three subjects were recruited, 26 in the home massage rehabilitation group (HMG) and 27 in the routine care group without massage (RCG). The protocol was completed for 40 subjects, 22 in the HMG and 18 in the RCG. There were no significant differences between the baseline characteristics of both groups; age, presence of spouse, diseases associated with disabilities and use of day care rehabilitation (p = 0.76, 0.36, 0.94 and 0.71, respectively). The total BI score of the HMG (15.27+/-4.51) at baseline was nonsignificantly lower (p = 0.03) than those of the RCG (11.44+/-5.90). Subjective Satisfaction and Refreshment Scale, Apathy Scale and Self-rating Depression Score of both groups at baseline were matched (p = 0.12, 0.32 and 0.89, respectively). There were no statistical differences between the intergroup changes over time in BI, Subjective Satisfaction and Refreshment Scale, Apathy Scale and Self-rating Depression Score (p = 0.35, 0.08, 0.70 and 0.55, respectively). Conclusion: Home massage rehabilitation therapy did not show a positive effect on the bed-ridden elderly, either mentally or physically. We would require large-size trials to determine whether it is effective. Hirakawa2005 2005-FEB 19 1 20 27 D Hopper author M Conneely author F Chromiak author E Canini author J Berggren author K Briffa author 2005-AUG text continuing periodical academic journal Background: Massage is frequently used in prevention and management of soft tissue injuries in sport. There is little scientific evidence to support its use. Objective: The primary purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of dynamic soft tissue mobilisation (DSTM) in comparison with classic massage on hamstring muscle length in competitive female field hockey players. Design: A randomised, self-controlled comparative clinical trial, with a blinded measurer. Thirty-nine players were recruited and randomly allocated into two groups. One group received classic massage and the other DSTM. Outcome measures: Passive straight leg raise (PSLR) and passive knee extension (PKE) were used to measure indirect hamstring length, before, following and 24 h post-intervention. Result: The PKE test demonstrated a significant improvement in hamstring length immediately following massage in both groups (F=7.66, p=0.01). This increase was comparable between the two massage groups (F=0.164, p=0.69). Post-hoc linear contrast showed no maintenance over 24 h in either group, (classic F(1,18)=2.106, p=0.164, DSTM F (1,15)=0.599, p=0.451). Conclusion: Passive KE showed that both classic massage and DSTM had an immediate, significant effect on hamstring length in competitive female field hockey players. (c) 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. Hopper2005 2005-AUG 6 3 137 145 D Micklewright author M Griffin author V Gladwell author R Beneke author 2005-SEP text continuing periodical academic journal A within subjects experimental design (N = 16) was used where participants performed a 30-s Wingate anaerobic cycling test (WAnT) after 30-min rest and after 30-min back massage. Mood State was measured before and after each intervention and after the WAnTs. No significant change in mood was detected following rest or massage. However, WAnT performance was better following massage compared to rest. Mood disturbance increased following the WAnT in both the rest and massage conditions. The results suggest that preperformance massage had no effect on mood state yet seemed to facilitate enhanced WAnT performance. The relationship between massage and anaerobic performance remains unclear, however is almost certainly mediated by preperformance psychological factors other than mood state. Micklewright2005 2005-SEP 19 3 234 250 A pilot study evaluating mindfulness-based stress reduction and massage for the management of chronic pain M Plews-Ogan author J E Owens author M Goodman author P Wolfe author J Schorling author 2005-DEC text continuing periodical academic journal BACKGROUND: Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) and massage may be useful adjunctive therapies for chronic musculoskeletal pain. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the feasibility of studying MBSR and massage for the management of chronic pain and estimate their effects on pain and mood. DESIGN: Randomized trial comparing MBSR or massage with standard care. PARTICIPANTS: Thirty patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain. MEASUREMENTS: Pain was assessed with 0 to 10 numeric rating scales. Physical and mental health status was measured with the SF-12. RESULTS: The study completion rate was 76.7%. At week 8, the massage group had average difference scores for pain unpleasantness of 2.9 and mental health status of 13.6 compared with 0.13 (P <.05) and 3.9 (P <.04), respectively, for the standard care group. These differences were no longer significant at week 12. There were no significant differences in the pain outcomes for the MBSR group. At week 12, the mean change in mental health status for the MBSR group was 10.2 compared with -1.7 in the standard care group (P <.04). CONCLUSIONS: It is feasible to study MBSR and massage in patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain. Mindfulness-based stress reduction may be more effective and longer-lasting for mood improvement while massage may be more effective for reducing pain. Plews-Ogan2005 2005-DEC 20 12 1136 1138 S X Xu author L Ji author Q W Wang author 2005-JUN text continuing periodical academic journal The hemodynamic mechanism of rolling manipulation (RM) of traditional Chinese medical massage (TCMM) is investigated. An axisymmetrical nonlinear model and an arbitrary Lagrangian-Eulerian finite element method (ALE-FEM) with rezoning algorithm were introduced to study the viscous flow through an axisymmetrical rigid tube with axially moving stenosis to simulate the rolling manipulation. Flow rate and wall shear stress were obtained by solving complete Navier-Stokes equations numerically. The numerical results show that the stenosis moving frequency, namely the frequency of rolling manipulation, has great effect on the disturbance of flow and the wall shear stress. The stenosis coefficient, which characterizes the severity of the stenosis, another adjustable parameter in rolling manipulation, also shows the significant effect on flow rate and wall shear stress. These numerical results may provide some data that can be taken into consideration when massage is used in clinic. Xu2005 2005-JUN 26 6 753 760 H H Yi author S X Xu author Y H Qian author H P Fang author 2005-DEC text continuing periodical academic journal The rolling massage manipulation is a classic Chinese massage, which is expected to improve the circulation by pushing, pulling and kneading of the muscle. A model for the rolling massage manipulation is proposed and the lattice Boltzmann method is applied to study the blood flow in the blood vessels. The simulation results show that the blood flux is considerably modified by the rolling massage and the explicit value depends on the rolling frequency, the rolling depth, and the diameter of the vessel. The smaller the diameter of the blood vessel, the larger the enhancement of the blood flux by the rolling massage. The model, together with the simulation results, is expected to be helpful to understand the mechanism and further development of rolling massage techniques. Yi2005 2005-DEC 22 12 3210 3213