Growing evidence suggests that chronic health conditions and disability act as reliable predictors of complementary/ alternative medicine (CAM) use. Such use may have the potential for some to increase independence and quality of life. Moreover, research indicates that older people are significant consumers of CAM services. Yet, understanding profiles of older individuals of these services continues to remain under researched. Here, a widely used type of CAM was considered – massage therapy (MT). Towards better understanding MT user profiles, this study tested a modified version of the Andersen Health Behavior Model to help ascertain if it is useful towards understanding factors associated with massage therapy (MT) utilization. Respondents represented an elderly sample (aged 60+) that resided within a large urban city in Ontario Canada (Toronto). Eligible respondents at the time of the study were non-institutionalized and self-reported having one of more current chronic illness conditions which they have had for six months or more, and had been diagnosed by a medical doctor. Using a quantitative method, retrospective data were gathered using a pre-tested English-only mail questionnaire, developed specifically for this study. Data were gathered over a period of 6 months, between late 2000 to mid 2001. Bivariate analysis suggests that inequity exists whereby the ability to access massage therapy varies according to one’s socioeconomic status. This is further supported using backwards step-wise regression analysis, whereby one’s total annual household income was a strong predictor of MT use status. One’s CAM-related health and social network as well as having back problems also emerged as strong predictors of MT use. Overall findings suggest that a modified Andersen model as used in this study does have utility in relation to helping to identify potential factors associated with the utilization of massage therapy. Based on regression analysis, findings here suggest, for example, that those with higher incomes are 1.5 times more likely to use MT. This provides support that there are existing inequities regarding access to rehabilitation-oriented health care services. With population aging and rising numbers of people needing restorative and rehabilitation services, study findings will increasingly have important public health as well as health care policy related implications.

The focus of the study is on the effect of massage on an infant's stress level, development and the emotional bond between the infant and the mother. Eight mother-infants dyads were recruited and the infants were between the ages of 3 to 9 months. The dyads were paired to ensure similarity of the groups and divided into an experimental and control group. The research made use of a multi-method, pre and post-test design. The measures used during the pre and post-testing included a biographical questionnaire, the Griffiths Mental Development Scales, the Parenting Stress Index and the Mother-to-lnfant Bonding Scale. Personal interviews were conducted with each mother as part of the post-test procedures. Saliva samples from every mother and infant were retrieved on three separate occasions to determine cortisol levels before, during and after the intervention. The experimental group's mothers received training to perform infant massage and were requested to massage their infants at least four times a week for the duration of four months. The data was processed by the Statistical Consultation Service of the Northwest University at Potchefstroom. The non-parametric test, Mann-Whitney U Test, was used to determine any statistical and/or practical significant differences between the experimental and control group before and after implementation of the intervention. The non-parametric test, Wilcoxon Matched-Pairs Signed Rank T-Test, was used to determine the differences within both the experimental and control group. Friedman's ANOVA was used to determine the changes within the groups regarding cortisol levels. As the sample size for this study is small and the possibility of determining statistical significance was slight, the effect sizes were considered for this study. The study had six aims. The first aim focused on the effect of infant massage on the infants' stress levels as measured through cortisol. No statistical significance could be found and the results revealed that the experimental group's infants' stress levels did not decrease. The second aim investigated the effect of infant massage on the mothers' stress levels as measured on the Parenting Stress Index and cortisol levels. No statistical significance could be determined but practical significant differences on the Parenting Stress Index indicated decreased maternal stress levels in the experimental group. These results differ from the cortisol levels that revealed the experimental group's mothers to experience higher levels of stress. The third aim focused on the effect of infant massage on the bond between mother and infant and found that the bond improved due to the intervention. The fourth aim investigated the effect of massage on the infants' development and although no statistical significance could be determined, practical significance could be found, indicating improvements on the motor scales for the experimental group. The fifth aim explored the mothers' subjective experience of infant massage as reported through qualitative measures. The sixth aim compared the mothers as participants' experience of infant massage as reported through quantitative measures and through qualitative measures. Strengths of the study included making use of a multi-method design and following a multi-disciplinary approach. Limitations of the study included a small sample size, the participants' restricted background and difficulty to ensure that the participants comply with the instructions for sampling saliva. Based on the results from the study, it can be concluded that infant massage have an effect on the mother-infant relationship, the mothers' subjective view of their stress levels and specified areas of the infants' development. According to the results from this study infant massage did not have an effect on the infants and mothers' stress levels as measured through cortisol. / Thesis (M.Sc. (Psychology))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2009.

The focus of the study is on the effect of massage on an infant's stress level, development and the emotional bond between the infant and the mother. Eight mother-infants dyads were recruited and the infants were between the ages of 3 to 9 months. The dyads were paired to ensure similarity of the groups and divided into an experimental and control group. The research made use of a multi-method, pre and post-test design. The measures used during the pre and post-testing included a biographical questionnaire, the Griffiths Mental Development Scales, the Parenting Stress Index and the Mother-to-lnfant Bonding Scale. Personal interviews were conducted with each mother as part of the post-test procedures. Saliva samples from every mother and infant were retrieved on three separate occasions to determine cortisol levels before, during and after the intervention. The experimental group's mothers received training to perform infant massage and were requested to massage their infants at least four times a week for the duration of four months. The data was processed by the Statistical Consultation Service of the Northwest University at Potchefstroom. The non-parametric test, Mann-Whitney U Test, was used to determine any statistical and/or practical significant differences between the experimental and control group before and after implementation of the intervention. The non-parametric test, Wilcoxon Matched-Pairs Signed Rank T-Test, was used to determine the differences within both the experimental and control group. Friedman's ANOVA was used to determine the changes within the groups regarding cortisol levels. As the sample size for this study is small and the possibility of determining statistical significance was slight, the effect sizes were considered for this study. The study had six aims. The first aim focused on the effect of infant massage on the infants' stress levels as measured through cortisol. No statistical significance could be found and the results revealed that the experimental group's infants' stress levels did not decrease. The second aim investigated the effect of infant massage on the mothers' stress levels as measured on the Parenting Stress Index and cortisol levels. No statistical significance could be determined but practical significant differences on the Parenting Stress Index indicated decreased maternal stress levels in the experimental group. These results differ from the cortisol levels that revealed the experimental group's mothers to experience higher levels of stress. The third aim focused on the effect of infant massage on the bond between mother and infant and found that the bond improved due to the intervention. The fourth aim investigated the effect of massage on the infants' development and although no statistical significance could be determined, practical significance could be found, indicating improvements on the motor scales for the experimental group. The fifth aim explored the mothers' subjective experience of infant massage as reported through qualitative measures. The sixth aim compared the mothers as participants' experience of infant massage as reported through quantitative measures and through qualitative measures. Strengths of the study included making use of a multi-method design and following a multi-disciplinary approach. Limitations of the study included a small sample size, the participants' restricted background and difficulty to ensure that the participants comply with the instructions for sampling saliva. Based on the results from the study, it can be concluded that infant massage have an effect on the mother-infant relationship, the mothers' subjective view of their stress levels and specified areas of the infants' development. According to the results from this study infant massage did not have an effect on the infants and mothers' stress levels as measured through cortisol. / Thesis (M.Sc. (Psychology))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2009.

Bakgrund: Beröring är nödvändig för hälsan och välmående. Beröringssinnet är det sinne som utvecklas först och som lämnar kroppen sist i livet. Mjuk massage är en etablerad metod inom delar av sjukvården sedan början av 1990-talet. Syfte: Syftet med litteraturöversikten var att belysa patienters upplevelser och effekter av mjuk massage. Metod: Studien är en litteraturöversikt baserad på fem kvalitativa och elva kvantitativa artiklar. Resultat: Resultatet visade att mjuk massage upplevdes som en stunds avkoppling där patienterna drömde sig bort till en tidlös plats. De negativa tankarna försvann och de kände ett inre lugn. Patienterna kände sig bekräftade och självförtroendet ökade. Symtom som smärta och ångest minskade, sömnkvaliteten och rörligheten förbättrades. Diskussion: Trots att effekten av mjuk massage inte sitter i så länge är det en positiv upplevelse för patienten. Avslappning är en stor effekt som ger följdeffekter och påverkar andra delar av kroppen positivt. Många patienter behöver flera behandlingar för att det ska ha någon effekt. Det har påvisats att tidsbrist kan vara en orsak till att mjuk massage inte används. Slutsats: Resultatet visar att mjuk massage ger positiva effekter under den period massagebehandlingen pågår och även under en viss tid efteråt.

Thesis (M.Ost.)--Unitec New Zealand, 2009. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 97-107).

Föreliggande systematiska litteraturstudie syftade till att kartlägga vad som fanns beskrivet i litteraturen om effekter av massage/beröring hos dementa respektive icke dementa äldre personer. Syftet var även att kartlägga personalens inställning till massage/beröring och denna omvårdnads- åtgärds effekter empiriskt. Artiklarna har sökts i Högskolan Dalarnas fulltextdatabas ELIN för vidare granskning. Artiklarna som valdes var från åren 1999-2009. Sökorden som användes var massage, older, elder, old*, geriatric, demen*, touch, effects, tactil. Av resultatet framkom att i större delen av studierna har massage/beröring en positiv effekt på välmående hos äldre dementa och icke dementa människor. Särskilt kunde noteras att massage kunde vara en metod att minska agiterat beteende och vandrande hos dementa personer. Personalens inställning till massage/beröring sågs som positiv i den bemärkelsen att massage/beröring gynnade patientens välmående och att personalen kunde interagera med patienten på ett mer positivt sätt. I det empiriska tillägget var huvudfyndet att massage/ beröring hade bättre effekt för sömnen för dementa än för icke dementa. Uttryckt i Martinsens omvårdnadsteoretiska termer måste omvårdnaden ha som utgångspunkt den andres bästa. För att komma fram till vad som är bäst för den andre måste man vara öppen och närvarande hos honom samt sträva efter att tolka hans situation och behov. Föreliggande studies resultat bidrar till kunskap om massage/beröring som metod för äldre med särskild betoning på demens.

Dissertation submitted in partial compliance with the requirements for the Master’s Degree in Technology: Chiropractic, Durban University of Technology, 2008. / There are mechanical loads applied to the patella tendon in almost all sporting activities and as a result is commonly injured (Peterson and Renström, 2003:321). Patellar tendinopathy is a common chronic tendinopathy (Hamilton and Purdman, 2004) and occurs commonly in athletes who impose rapid eccentric loading of the knee extensor mechanism (Norris, 2004:246). Deep Transverse Friction Massage (DTFM) and soft tissue mobilization are the two most common forms of manual therapy used to treat patellar tendinopathy (Rees et al., 2006). DTFM is considered the most effective treatment for patellar tendinopathy (Brunker and Khan, 2002:487). It is theorised that DTFM causes the softening of scar tissue and the breakdown of adhesions, promoting the realignment of disrupted connective tissue fibrils within the affected tendon (Stasinopoulos and Johnson, 2007). Graston Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (GIASTM) consists of a set of stainless steel instruments (Carey 2003:2) and is an advanced form of soft tissue mobilization used in detecting and releasing scar tissue, adhesions and fascial restrictions (Carey, 2003:7). The controlled microtrauma created by these instruments is hypothesised to create a localised inflammatory response (Hammer, 2004) in a similar mechanism to that of DTFM. The aim of this study was to determine the relative effectiveness of GIASTM versus DTFM in treating patellar tendinopathy. The study included a total of twenty-six knees among twenty-one patients. Patients were placed randomly into either the GIASTM group or the DTFM group. Each patient received a total of twelve treatments over a three month period. Algometer and inclinometer readings were recorded at set intervals and compromised objective measures. Two questionnaires and a numerical pain rating scale (NRS) were administered at set intervals and compromised subjective measures. SPSS version 13.0 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, Illinois, USA) was used to analyse the data. Repeated measures ANOVA was used to examine changes in quantitative outcomes over the time points (intragroup analysis) and a treatment effect (intergroup analysis). To control for the partial pairing in the intergroup analysis, a variable which classified each subject as paired (both left and right knee used in study) or non-paired (only used once in study) was used as a factor in the model. Correlations between the intragroup changes in the various outcome variables were assessed using Pearson’s correlation coefficients. Statistical analysis of both objective and subjective data revealed significant improvements for most outcome measures in the study. Findings imply that GIASTM is as effective as DTFM in treating patellar tendinopathy.

Thesis (M. Tech. Somatology) -- Tshwane University of Technology 2013. / Discusses the development a training framework for a somatology-based specialisation in stress relief and relaxation therapy in South Africa. Such a specialist qualification will fulfil a niche area in the CAM discipline that can be advantageous to both health care professionals who provide cognitive-behavioural therapy and professional somatologists who focus on stress relief and relaxation therapies.

The purpose of this study was to determine which MT techniques current licensed massage therapists practicing sports massage are using to treat delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) by conducting an anonymous online survey of practicing sports massage therapists. The secondary purpose was to determine if previous sports massage research protocols match current practices in sports massage to treat DOMS. There were 85 anonymous respondents ranging in age from 24 to 74 years with a mean age of 44.5 years. Participants included 55 female (65.5%) and 29 male (34.5%) therapists. Professional experience ranged from 4 years or less to more than 20 years, and the majority reported having training specific to sports massage. Previous research methods have placed an overwhelming emphasis on effleurage and petrissage in the treatment protocols to test the effects of massage on DOMS. However, practicing therapists rely on many more techniques and modalities when giving sports massage treatments for DOMS. On a scale of 1 to 5 respondents rated the importance of effleurage strokes in their sports massage treatment at 3.3, petrissage strokes averaged 3.4, friction 3.3, and tapotement ranked slightly lower with a weighted average of 2.1. Sixty six percent of respondents reported that they use stretching techniques often or always. Myofascial release techniques are used sometimes or often for 65% of the respondents, but fewer utilize manual lymphatic drainage in their sports massage. Additional techniques besides those mentioned in the survey are used by 64% of the respondents.

SAMMANFATTNING  Taktil massage är ingen djupgående massage, den verkar främst genom beröring på huden. Genom beröringen frisläpps hormon i kroppen som bidrar till att människan känner välbehag. Beröringens betydelse är viktig för att stärka vårdrelationer, lindra lidande och på så sätt få patienterna att känna välbefinnande. I palliativ vård uppstår ofta beröringsbrist, det är då viktigt som vårdpersonal att veta betydelsen av beröring. Syftet med studien är att belysa upplevelsen av taktil massage som ett komplement i det palliativa vårdandet. Metoden utgick från kvalitativ ansats och genomfördes som en litteraturstudie utifrån sex artiklar. Artiklarnas kvalitet granskades utifrån en kvalitativ granskningsmall och analyserades utifrån Graneheim och Lundmans (2004) innehållsanalys. Resultatet visade att taktil massage i palliativ vård skapade osynliga band mellan vårdare och patient. Taktil massage lindrade oro, dödsångest och rädsla för vad som komma skall. Patienterna kände känslan av att vara i nuet, ett existentiellt andrum. Kroppsliga symtom minskade så som smärta, sömnproblem, förstoppning, hjärtklappning och skakningar. Resultatet av litteraturstudien är informativ för all vårdpersonal eftersom taktil massage kan användas på alla patienter som så önskar. Taktil massage bidrar till ett nytt redskap för vårdandet som inbringar goda effekter.