Effects of Traditional Malay Massage on Muscle Tone, Muscle Function and Physical Performance in Patients with Stroke

Abstract

Traditional Malay Massage (TMM), although is not the standard of care in the Malaysia Stroke Clinical Practice Guidelines, is common among stroke patients. This is despite the availability of clear evidence on the benefits of TMM in this population. The present study aims to investigate the effects of TMM on muscle tone, muscle function and physical performance in stroke patients. We found that as short as two weeks of TMM improved motor function and physical performance in subacute stroke patients. No change was observed on muscle tone. Future larger scale study is warranted to validate this finding.