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Background: Women worldwide experience perinatal mood, anxiety, and pain contributing to pregnancy and birth challenges, maternal and infant bonding, and childhood development. Perinatal women seek massage therapy for relax-ation, pain management, and emotional support, but may encounter socioeconomic barriers. Prior studies demonstrated improved perinatal health by teaching partners of pregnant women a side-lying massage. Purpose: This study examined health effects to perinatal mood, anxiety, and pain, by teaching partners of pregnant (PG) women a chair massage. Setting: Participant’s homes in Tucson, Ari-zona, USA. Participants: Twelve PG women with minor mood, anxiety, and pain: 67% white, 33% His-panic, college educated, married, aged 32 years (± 3.86 SD), 67% expecting a first child, annual incomes ? $50,000 (33%), > $50,000 (67%).Research Design: A pre/postintervention pilot study in a single group for eight weeks.Intervention: Twice weekly partner-delivered chair massage and its relation to perinatal mood, anxiety, and pain.Main Outcome Measures: Pre/poststudy peri-natal massage effects were measured with the Edinburgh Depression Scale (mood), the STAI-AD (anxiety), and the VAS (pain). Weekly text messag-ing tracked dose and frequency, follow-up surveys measured sustainability, and birth outcomes were acquired by texting. Results: Study retention was 86%, protocol compliance 94%, with couples averaging 10-min-ute, twice weekly chair massage over the eight-week study period. Paired-sample t tests indicated statistically significant improvements to perinatal mood and anxiety, Cohen’s d, a large strength of effect size (p = .012, d = 0.87; p = .004, d = 1.03). A trend was observed for reduced pain, with a medium strength of effect size (p = .071; d = 0.58). Follow-up surveys indicated most couples were sustaining at least weekly massage. Birth outcomes showed healthy infants with no complications, mean birth weight of 7.26 pounds, and mean ges-tation of 39 weeks.Conclusion: This is the first evidence of partner chair massage as safe and effective complementary home management of perinatal mood, anxiety, and pain.

Objective To describe novel methods of stress management for support staff during electronic health record transition. Methods During the electronic health record transition, a variety of Integrative stress management offerings were made available to the support staff. Participants were surveyed regarding stress pre and post intervention on a scale of 1-10. Results 450 members of the support staff were eligible and 151 surveys were returned. The chair massage was the most utilized offering for which results were analyzed. Pre-intervention average stress was reported at 7.4, and the post-intervention stress levels were 3.6, a reduction of 51% which was statistically significant (p Discussion We recommend that stress management resources be available during all EHR implementations and transitions. These management resources should be discussed during the planning phase, and the resources should be tailored to the time available to the staff to step away from their desks, and space restrictions.

This pilot study examined 186 healthy adults who received a 20-min full-body massage in a robotic massage chair. The majority of the participants rated the experience to be highly pleasurable, and this evaluation was influenced by age and life satisfaction. Large changes in pre- to post-massage symptoms of anxiety and tranquillity were also observed. These preliminary findings support the psychological effectiveness of robotic chair massage which can be readily used by lay people and professionals alike to promote mental health and well-being.

BACKGROUND Accumulation of musculoskeletal overload experienced daily over a long period, for months or even years may lead to serious health problems. Simple, quick and easy-to-administer prophylactic and therapeutic interventions not involving complicated medical procedures can bring tangible benefits for sufferers. The aim of the study was to evaluate the efficacy and effects of a massage programme performed during breaks at work among persons exposed to long-term overload of the spinal column and areas around the spine. MATERIAL AND METHODS We studied 50 office workers (20 women and 30 men, mean age 34.04 years). The subjects were randomly divided into an experimental group (massage, 25 people) and a control group (25 people). The study was completed in four weeks, during which 8 massage sessions took place (twice a week for 15 minutes). Subjective assessment tools were used, namely the IPAQ-short version for evaluation of physical activity, Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaire (CMDQ) for assessment of musculoskeletal pain and a survey to assess the participants' satisfaction with the massage programme. An objective assessment tool was an algometric evaluation of the pain threshold (kg/cm2) in selected muscle trigger points. Statistical significance of differences was set at p

This study assessed feasibility and effect of weekly, 15-min chair massages during work for 38 nurses. Mean Perceived Stress Scale-14 (PSS-14), Smith Anxiety Scale (SAS), linear analog self-assessment scale (LASA), and symptom visual analog scale (SX-VAS) scores were tracked at baseline, 5 weeks, and 10 weeks. Of 400 available massage appointments, 329 were used. At 10 weeks, mean PSS-14 score decreased from 17.85 to 14.92 (P = .002); mean SAS score, from 49.45 to 40.95 (P < .001). Mean LASA score increased from 42.39 to 44.84 (P = .006); mean SX-VAS score, from 65.03 to 74.47 (P < .001). Massages for nurses during work hours reduced stress-related symptoms.

In the present study, the authors evaluate the effectiveness of a mechanical massage chair in reducing stress for people with serious and persistent mental illness. This preliminary investigation involves the use of massage therapy for 19 people with serious mental illness, using a standardized massage protocol. Stress levels were assessed using a 7-point Likert scale, administered before and after each treatment session. Self-reported stress was found to be significantly reduced, with participants reporting an average stress reduction of 1.48. This preliminary investigation demonstrates that use of a mechanical massage chair can significantly reduce self-identified stress levels in persons with serious mental illness.

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of workplace manual technique interventions for female participants on the degree of joint range of motion and on the level of musculoskeletal ache, pain, or discomfort experienced when performing workplace responsibilities.Nineteen (19) female volunteers were given chair massages on-site twice per week for 1 month.Participants included individuals in administration and management from a company in Ljubljana, Slovenia.A total of 19 female volunteers 40-54 years of age enrolled for this study. Fifteen (15) of them completed all measurements.The Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaire was used, and range-of-motion measurements in degrees were taken.Subjects completed a series of self-report questionnaires that asked for information concerning musculoskeletal discomfort for the neck, upper back, and lower back in the form of a body diagram. A range-of-motion test (to compare the change in joint angles) was performed with a goniometer to assess cervical lateral flexion, cervical flexion, cervical extension, lumbar flexion, and lumbar extension.Between the first and the last measurements, a significant difference (p0.05) was found in increased range of motion for cervical lateral flexion (28.8%). Wilcoxon signed rank test showed a significant increase (p0.05) in range of motion for cervical lateral flexion (42.4±6.3 to 48.3±7.3), cervical extension (63.2±12.4 to 67.2±12.3), and a significant decrease (p0.05) in the Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaire values for the neck (2.7±0.8 to 1.9±0.6) and the upper back (2.7±0.7 to 2.2±0.8) from the phase 2 to 3. Significant reductions were also shown in the Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaire values for the neck (2.8±0.8 to 1.9±0.6) and the upper back (2.7±0.8 to 2.2±0.8) from the phase 1 to 3.On-site massage sessions twice per week for 1 month are the most effective interventions (compared to one session or no massage intervention) for decreasing the duration of musculoskeletal ache, pain, or discomfort and for increasing range of motion.

Summary Objective To evaluate the effectiveness of a 10 min chair massage on the stress perception of hospital nurses in comparison to a routine “coffee break” during a working shift. Methods Eighty-two bedside nurses, ( M = 4 ; F = 7 8 ), mean age of 34.77±9.32, within a small, suburban hospital, participated in this study to determine the effect a 10-min on-site chair massage ( n = 4 1 ) had on their stress perception in comparison to a 10-min “coffee break” ( n = 4 1 ). The feasibility of incorporating a massage into their workload during a shift was also considered. Using the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), stress perception was assessed in an experimental pre-test–post-test design and analyzed using t-tests for dependent samples. Results Stress perception was significantly lower in the massage group ( P . 0 5 ) and was not significantly changed in the control group. Also, 86% of the nurses scheduled to participate in the study were able to do so within their normal workday. Conclusion Incorporating chair massage into a nurse's hospital shift is feasible and a 10 min session reduces the stress perception of the nurse more so than the standard “coffee break”. This study focused on a one-time intervention for the 82 nurses enrolled. Further study on the longer term feasibility and effects of chair massage on this population and others in high stress professions is warranted.

A multiteam effort was designed to provide chair massage and aromatherapy to alleviate the physical and mental stressors and respiratory complications encountered by the people involved in multiple aspects of the recovery process from the devastation and grief following the attack on the World Trade Centre on 11 September 2001.

This study evaluated the effectiveness of an on-site chair massage therapy program in reducing anxiety levels of employees. A quasi-experimental pretest/posttest control group design was used to determine changes in anxiety levels due to the massage therapy intervention. Eighteen subjects participated in the chair massage therapy program for 6 weeks. Fifteen control group subjects participated in break therapy. For 15 minutes weekly, subjects either received a massage or were allowed a break, depending on their assignment to either the treatment or control condition. Participants' stress levels were measured with the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory Self-Assessment Questionnaire. This measure was administered twice during pretest, posttest, and delayed posttest to achieve stable measures. Significant reductions in anxiety levels were found for the massage group. Future research and implications for management are discussed.

Twenty-six adults were given a chair massage and 24 control group adults were asked to relax in the massage chair for 15 minutes, two times per week for five weeks. On the first and last days of the study they were monitored for EEG, before, during and after the sessions. In addition, before and after the sessions they performed math computations, they completed POMS Depression and State Anxiety Scales and they provided a saliva sample for cortisol. At the beginning of the sessions they completed Life Events, Job Stress and Chronic POMS Depression Scales. Group by repeated measures and post hoc analyses revealed the following: 1) frontal delta power increased for both groups, suggesting relaxation; 2) the massage group showed decreased frontal alpha and beta power (suggesting enhanced alertness); while the control group showed increased alpha and beta power; 3) the massage group showed increased speed and accuracy on math computations while the control group did not change; 4) anxiety levels were lower following the massage but not the control sessions, although mood state was less depressed following both the massage and control sessions; 5) salivary cortisol levels were lower following the massage but not the control sessions but only on the first day; and 6) at the end of the 5 week period depression scores were lower for both groups but job stress score were lower only for the massage group.

Background and Objectives: There is limited access to health care in rural Ghana and virtually no rehabilitative services available. This situation presents a unique opportunity to utilizechair massage in addressing women’s health in rural Ghana, particularly when it comes to muscle pain and fatigue from heavy labor. The objective of this case report is to determine the results of chair massage as a strategy to reduce neck, shoulder, and back pain, while increasing range of motion.Case Presentation: The patient is a 63-year old Ghanaian female, who was struck by a public transport van while carrying a 30–50 pound load on her head, two years prior. The accident resulted in a broken right humerus and soft tissue pain. A traditional medicine practitioner set the bone, however there was no post-accident rehabilitation available. At the time of referral, she presented complaints of shoulder, elbow, and wrist pain. In addition, she was unable to raise her right hand to hermouth for food intake.Results: The results of this case report include an increase in range of motion, as well as elimination of pain in the right shoulder, elbow, and hand. Visual assessments showed an approximate increase of ROM within the ranges of 45–65 degrees in the right arm, as well as 10–15 degrees in 4th and 5th fingers. There was also a decrease in muscle hypertonicity in the thoracic and cervical areas, and a profound increase in quality of life for the patient.Discussion: This case report illustrates how therapeutic chair massage was utilized to address a common health concern for one woman in rural Ghana. It also demonstrates that pre-existing musculoskeletal disorders and pain may be eliminated with massage intervention. Massage therapy may be important to ameliorating certain types of health problems in remote rural villages in low income countries.

Massage is one of the effective techniques used to relieve pain, reduce stress, and increase relaxation. Nowadays, massage methods have varied to an easier way by electronic massage chair massage which is able to control the massage mode according to specifications. Commercial massage chair can only be used on normal healthy people with no health complication, such as diabetes, heart problem or blood pressure problem. The purpose of this study is to develop a system of more advanced massage chair where it can have an impact on user health based on blood pressure and heart rate. The proposed massage chair equipped with blood pressure and heart rate sensors, where the therapy will automatically configured according to individual's blood pressure and heart rate readings. The proposed control system developed using the artificial intelligent of fuzzy logic for data classification. The complete model of this massage control system is then developed using SIMULINK software to simulate the whole system operation and verify the function as programmed. Upon the success of the investigation, the findings will be useful for rapid advances in the existing technology.

Background Cardiac sonographers frequently have work-related muscular discomfort. We aimed to assess the feasibility of having sonographers receive massages during working hours in an area adjacent to an echocardiography laboratory and to assess relief of discomfort with use of the massages with or without stretching exercises. Methods A group of 45 full-time sonographers was randomly assigned to receive weekly 30-minute massage sessions, massages plus stretching exercises to be performed twice a day, or no intervention. Outcome measures were scores of the Quick DASH instrument and its associated work module at baseline and at 10 weeks of intervention. Data were analyzed with standard descriptive statistics and the separation test for early-phase comparative trials. Results Forty-four participants completed the study: 15 in the control group, 14 in the massage group, and 15 in the massage plus stretches group. Some improvement was seen in work-related discomfort by the Quick DASH scores and work module scores in the 2 intervention groups. The separation test showed separation in favor of the 2 interventions. Conclusion On the basis of the results of this pilot study, larger trials are warranted to evaluate the effect of massages with or without stretching on work-related discomfort in cardiac sonographers. Trial Registration NCT00975026 ClinicalTrials.gov

Methods Single arm study performed between 10/15/2010 and 12/ 24/2010 at an academic medical center. A mass e-mail was sent to all nurses working in an inpatient psychiatric and an outpatient pain rehabilitation unit. The first 40 respondents were enrolled; two were excluded due to missing enrollment data. A 15 minute chair massage once a week for 10 weeks was provided by one of three Certified Massage Therapists available 3 days a week. Instruments used included the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-14), Smith Anxiety Scale (SAS), and Linear Analogue Scale Assessment (LASA) scale. Mean and standard deviations of PSS-14, SAS and LASA scores at baseline and at 10 weeks were calculated and analyzed with the paired t-test. Any p-value