Mechanical Massage Research Articles

Skin microincision technique to enhance drug penetration for the treatment of keloid and hypertrophic scars.

The synergistic effect of corticosteroids and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) for the treatment of pathological scarring is widely documented. While topical administration can be a painless, convenient way to convey the two active ingredients, physical enhancement techniques such as microneedling are required to deepen their skin penetration and achieve therapeutic effects. A novel approach to keloid and scar treatment is given by microincision, i.e., micrometric-sized columnar perforations which allow the drugs to diffuse into the skin and promote tissue proliferation in a more physiological structure. Combining the delivery of triamcinolone acetonide (TAC) and 5-FU with microincision is an innovative approach that could improve the speed and efficacy of regenerative treatments. This study evaluated the effectiveness of the skin treatment with a device combining microincisions and photobiomodulation, in the skin permeation of a combination of TAC and 5-FU. Increasing treatment times (4, 6, and 8 min) led to higher drug penetration compared to intact skin, with a more noticeable effect for 5-FU compared to TAC. Specifically, all treatment durations were significantly more effective (p < 0.05) than the control for 5-FU, while TAC showed less variation between treatments. Moreover, it was shown that in-vitro the permeation improvement given by the red-light treatment was mainly due to the mechanical massage which pushed the actives into the microchannels created by the treatment. The application of prolonged skin microincision times ensured much higher skin permeation of both TAC and 5-FU compared to microneedling on healthy excised skin.

Randomized, controlled, within-patient, single-blinded pilot study to evaluate the efficacy of 12-weeks of endermotherapy with adult burn survivors

BackgroundVacuum massage, or endermotherapy, is applied to scar tissue with the primary therapeutic goal of promoting structural or physiological changes. These changes are intended to enhance pliability, enabling the skin to possess the strength and elasticity required for normal mobility. The advantage of vacuum massage compared to therapist-generated manual massage is that it provides a standardized dosage using rollers and suction valves to mobilize the tissue. However, research documenting and supporting its impact on post-burn hypertrophic scar is lacking. Thus, this study was designed to objectively characterize the changes in scar elasticity, erythema, melanin, thickness, and transepidermal water loss immediately after a vacuum massage session and after a 12-week course of treatment compared to intra-individual matched control scars. MethodsWe conducted a prospective, randomized, controlled, within-patient, single-blinded clinical trial, initially designed as a fully-powered study but limited to a pilot study due to COVID-19 restrictions. Nineteen burn survivors consented to participate and 16 completed the study. Two homogeneous, intra-individual scars were randomized to usual care control or vacuum massage therapy plus usual care. Vacuum massage interventions were provided by a certified massage therapist three times per week for 12 weeks. Scar characteristics were evaluated every four weeks immediately before and after mechanical massage treatment. The evaluations included measurements of elasticity (Cutometer), erythema and melanin (Mexameter), transepidermal water loss (TEWL) (Tewameter), and thickness (high-frequency ultrasound). Linear mixed-model analyses were performed to test for immediate and long-term treatment effects. ResultsThe ANOVA analyses revealed a non-significant time:treatment interaction for elasticity, erythema, melanin, thickness, or TEWL. There was a significant increase in elasticity and erythema and a decrease in TEWL in both the control and treatment sites over time with consistent standard care. However, there was no statistically significant immediate or long-term treatment effect for any of the skin characteristics. Nonetheless, the mean participant satisfaction was 4/5 (SD = 1.5) and the mean participant perception of effectiveness was 8/10 (SD = 1.9). ConclusionsThis pilot study did not find a treatment benefit of vacuum massage therapy for elasticity, erythema, melanin, thickness or TEWL, but it did find an improvement with time in elasticity, erythema and TEWL. Despite the lack of objective improvement of the treated scar site, participants were satisfied with the results and believed vacuum massage was very effective. Further high-quality research is required to better inform clinicians patient education and treatment decisions for this costly, burdensome treatment approach that has high participant satisfaction.

Perceptions of Mechanical Massage Chair and Mindfulness for Stress Relief: A Qualitative Study

Perceptions of Mechanical Massage Chair and Mindfulness for Stress Relief: A Qualitative Study

Electric massage chairs reduce labor pain in nulliparous patients: a randomized crossover trial

BACKGROUND: Labor pain varies significantly among pregnant women, ranging from mild to extremely distressing. Non-pharmacologic pain relief methods during vaginal birth are increasingly popular, either as a complement to pharmacologic agents or at times as the primary method of pain relief. Multiple trials have reported that manual or by-hand massage reduces labor pain. The effectiveness of full-body mechanical massage using electric massage chairs on labor pain remains unexplored.OBJECTIVE: To evaluate mechanical massage using electric massage chair on labor pain in nulliparous women.STUDY DESIGN: A randomized counterbalanced crossover trial was conducted in a university hospital in Malaysia from August 2022 to February 2023. Eligible nulliparas in labor with a minimum labor pain score of 5 (0-10 numerical rating scale) were enrolled. Participants were randomized to 30 minutes on the massage chair with mechanical massage followed by 30 minutes on the massage chair without mechanical massage, or the other way around in massage sequence. The primary outcome was change in pain score comparing pain with and without mechanical massage as a paired comparison for the entire trial participants. Secondary outcomes were across arms analyses of maternal and neonatal outcomes. The paired t-test, t test, Mann- Whitney U test, Chi square test and Fisher exact test were used as appropriate for the data.RESULTS: 208 women were randomized; 104 to each intervention. Data was available from 204 participants (103 randomized to massage first and 101 to no massage first). The primary outcome of change in labor pain score (0-10 Numerical Rating Scale, NRS) after massage and no massage (all participants included after crossover, paired t-test analysis) was mean±standard deviation 4.51±2.3 vs 5.38±2.1 mean difference - 0.87 (95% CI -1.14 to -0.59), p<0.001, a significant reduction in pain score after electric chair mechanical massage compared to no massage. On the across randomized arms secondary analyses, labor pain score after their first massage chair session was 4.35±2.52 (randomized to massage first, received massage as initial intervention) vs 5.66±1.73 p<0.001 (randomized to no massage first, received no massage as initial intervention) mean difference -1.31 (95% CI -1.91 to -0.748), a significant reduction after mechanical massage. Other distal maternal outcomes (mode of delivery, labor analgesia, duration of labor and maternal agreement that mechanical massage is effective for labor pain) and neonatal outcomes (Apgar score at 1 and 5 minutes, cord artery blood pH and base excess, and neonatal admission) were not different across randomized arms.CONCLUSION: Mechanical massage using an electric massage chair significantly reduces labor pain, offering a potential non-pharmacologic pain management option during labor.

Acute Effects of Short-Term Massage Procedures on Neuromechanical Contractile Properties of Rectus Femoris Muscle.

Background and Objectives: In many sports, maintaining muscle work at an optimal level despite fatigue is crucial. Therefore, it is essential to discover the most efficient way of recovery. This study aimed to evaluate and compare the acute effects of four different recovery methods on muscle neuromechanical properties. Materials and Methods: The research was conducted using a randomized, quasi-experimental, repeated-measures design. Fourteen healthy and active male students of the Faculty of Sport and Physical Education (age 25.1 ± 3.9 years) were included in this study. The tensiomyography was used to evaluate muscle responses after four different types of short-term recovery methods (passive rest, percussive mechanical, vibro-mechanical, and manual massage) on the rectus femoris muscle on four occasions: baseline, post fatigue, post recovery and prolonged recovery. Results: The ANOVA revealed that muscle fatigue decreased maximal vertical muscle displacement (Dm) and muscle contraction time (Tc) in post fatigue compared to the baseline. The most important finding shows that only the vibro-mechanical massage resulted in an increase in Tc in the prolonged recovery compared to the post fatigue (p = 0.028), whereas only manual massage showed no differences in Dm from the baseline in post-recovery (p = 0.148). Moreover, both manual and vibro-mechanical massages increased Dm and Tc in prolonged recovery, indicating no differences from the baseline (all p > 0.05), thus showing signs of muscle recovery. Percussion mechanical massage and passive rest did not show indices of muscle recovery. Conclusions: Manual massage could induce immediate positive changes in Dm by reducing muscle stiffness. In addition, vibro-mechanical and manual massage improved muscle tissue by rapidly returning Dm and Tc values to baseline at prolonged recovery measurement (5 min after the fatigue protocol). These findings can benefit sports practitioners, and physical therapists in developing the best recovery method after muscle fatigue.

Psychophysiological healing effects of mechanical massage and imagery music listening

This study was conducted to investigate the psychophysiological healing effect and physiological effects of mechanical massage using a massage chair and listening to imagery music reminiscent of nature or urban places. All participants received three different treatments, including sitting on the massage chair and resting for 3 minutes, receiving massage from the chair, and receiving massage while listening to imagery music. The time interval between each treatment was a minimum of 1 week. Not only psychological responses, including anxiety, stress, and depression, were measured using questionnaire scales before and after each treatment but also physiological responses were measured using Heart Rate Variability (HRV) and electroencephalogram (EEG). Although all treatments were designed to psychophysiologically relax the participants, they showed significantly more positive responses when receiving massage with imagery music compared to other treatments. The results of this study may suggest the potential application of massage and guided imagery music for psychophysiological restoration and could serve as foundational data for developing content for physical healing in individuals.

Use of prostaglandin E1 analog (misoprostol) to aid cervical dilation in birth induction (a case report)

The cervix is a barrier between the environment and the uterus, composed of longitudinal folds that continue along the uterine folds. Cervical dilation is associated with increased synthesis of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2). Dilatation may fail due to congenital malformations or adhesions of the cervix caused, for example, by previous dystocia or by failure of any mechanisms that regulate cervical relaxation including a reduction in collagen and glycosaminoglycans and an increase in water content and metalloproteinases. Labor induction often requires the ripening of the cervix mechanically or pharmacologically. Oxytocin success may be reduced if the cervix is not favorable or responsive. Misoprostol, a synthetic prostaglandin E1 analog, is widely used in reproduction in cases of oviduct obstruction. It also promotes cervical softening by the dissolution of extracellular collagen. A 17-year-old mixed-breed mare from a private farm in the Middle East presented with abdominal discomfort and signs of imminent delivery, 10th months after embryo transfer. A slight thickening of the uterus-placental junction (7.12mm) was observed during transrectal ultrasound evaluation, but there was no placental detachment. On transabdominal imaging, the absence of a fetal heartbeat, fetal movements, and torsion of the umbilical cord were observed. Imaging evaluations were performed with an ultrasound machine DCS - MyLab™25 GOLD, 5Hzfrequency. Hematological analysis of the mare showed results within normal ranges. Flunixin Meglumine (10mL i.v., Finadyne, 50mg/mL, MSD) was administered before the abortion procedure. After confirmation of fetal death and dystocia in the mare, the cervix dilation process began with a local application of 1mg of misoprostol 200mcg diluted in lubricating gel and mechanical massage. Then, intravenous oxytocin (Syntocin, 10UI/mL, Illium) was started gradually every 5 minutes (5IU, 5IU, 10IU, 10IU). Mild sedation and analgesia was achieved with detomidine (0.6mL i.v., Dormiun V, 10mg/mL, Agener Uniao) and butorphanol (1mL i.v., Torbugesic, 14,58mg/mL, Zoetis). The mare showed signs of delivery before the mechanical rupture of the allantochorion. The position of the fetus (head back and right shoulder flexion) was corrected transvaginally by mechanical maneuver. After removing the fetus, 5 mg of dinoprost (i.m., Lutalyse, 6.71mg/mL, Zoetis) was administered to aid uterine contractility and clearance. The placenta did not have macroscopic changes. The fetus showed an absence of the right posterior limb's first, second, and third phalanges. During fetal necropsy, no other changes were observed. Uterine lavage was performed 24h and 48h after the procedure, using Ringer Lactate Solution (LRS), with 10% iodine (20mL/5L LRS) followed by 20IU oxytocin every eight hours for two consecutive days.

Computational Modeling of Deep Tissue Heating by an Automatic Thermal Massage Bed: Predicting the Effects on Circulation.

Automatic thermal and mechanical massage beds support self-managed treatment, including reduction of pain and stress, enhanced circulation, and improved mobility. As the devices become more sophisticated (increasing the degrees of freedom), it is essential to identify the settings that best target the desired tissue. To that end, we developed an MRI-derived model of the lower back and simulated the physiological effects of a commercial thermal-mechanical massage bed. Here we specifically estimated the tissue temperature and increased circulation under steady-state conditions for typical thermal actuator settings (i.e., 45–65°C). Energy transfer across nine tissues was simulated with finite element modeling (FEM) and the resulting heating was coupled to blood flow with an empirically-guided model of temperature-dependent circulation. Our findings indicate that thermal massage increases tissue temperature by 3–8°C and 1–3°C at depths of 2 and 3 cm, respectively. Importantly, due to the rapid (non-linear) increase of circulation with local temperature, this is expected to increase blood flow four-fold (4x) at depths occupied by deep tissue and muscle. These predictions are consistent with prior clinical observations of therapeutic benefits derived from spinal thermal massage.

Does mobilisation of the thoracic spine using mechanical massage affect diaphragmatic excursion in individuals with thoracic hyperkyphosis?

BACKGROUND: Thoracic mobilisation improves thoracic hyperkyphosis and respiratory function. Diaphragmatic excursion is associated with respiratory function; however, limited studies have assessed the effect of thoracic mobilisation on diaphragmatic excursion.OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the effects of thoracic mobilisation on diaphragmatic excursion and respiratory function in individuals with thoracic hyperkyphosis.METHODS: Participants were recruited through Internet advertising and participated voluntarily. Nineteen healthy participants (age: 33.37 6.56 years; height: 170.32 7.92 cm; weight: 69.77 14.70 kg) with thoracic hyperkyphosis underwent thoracic mobilisation for 8 weeks. Diaphragmatic excursion, thoracic kyphosis, and respiratory function were measured. Thoracic mobilisation was provided using a mechanical massage device.RESULTS: Thoracic mobilisation for 8 weeks significantly improved diaphragmatic excursion during deep breathing ( 0.015), forced vital capacity ( 0.01), and thoracic hyperkyphosis ( 0.01).CONCLUSIONS: Thoracic mobilisation can be recommended in respiratory rehabilitation programs to increase diaphragmatic excursion and respiratory function for the management and prevention of respiratory dysfunction in individuals with thoracic hyperkyphosis.

Nanostructured Drug Delivery Systems for Targeting 5-α-Reductase Inhibitors to the Hair Follicle.

Androgenetic alopecia is a multifactorial condition characterized by noticeable hair loss, affecting both men and women and representing a debilitating and chronic disorder that considerably affects the quality of life. Available topical treatments based on minoxidil or finasteride require repeated applications and are associated with a certain number of adverse effects. The challenges associated with current treatments pave the way for the research of new therapeutic strategies, more precise and selective, and capable of providing long-term results. In this context, the present review examines the new proposed formulation strategies to deliver 5-α-reductase inhibitors in order to obtain a targeted drug delivery, for improving drug retention at the site of action in the hair follicle, contemporaneously reducing drug systemic absorption, which is the cause of important adverse effects. In particular, the research will be focused on the several aspects that influence the performance of nanostructured drug delivery systems in creating a depot in the hair follicles, such as particle size, surface charge, excipients, and combined application with external stimuli (infrared radiation, mechanical massage, ultrasounds application).

Ischemic stroke-induced polyaxonal innervation at the neuromuscular junction is attenuated by robot-assisted mechanical therapy

Ischemic stroke is a leading cause of disability world-wide. Mounting evidence supports neuromuscular pathology following stroke, yet mechanisms of dysfunction and therapeutic action remain undefined. The objectives of our study were to investigate neuromuscular pathophysiology following ischemic stroke and to evaluate the therapeutic effect of Robot-Assisted Mechanical massage Therapy (RAMT) on neuromuscular junction (NMJ) morphology. Using an ischemic stroke model in male rats, we demonstrated longitudinal losses of muscle contractility and electrophysiological estimates of motor unit number in paretic hindlimb muscles within 21 days of stroke. Histological characterization demonstrated striking pre- and postsynaptic alterations at the NMJ. Stroke prompted enlargement of motor axon terminals, acetylcholine receptor (AChR) area, and motor endplate size. Paretic muscle AChRs were also more homogenously distributed across motor endplates, exhibiting fewer clusters and less fragmentation. Most interestingly, NMJs in paretic muscle exhibited increased frequency of polyaxonal innervation. This finding of increased polyaxonal innervation in stroke-affected skeletal muscle suggests that reduction of motor unit number following stroke may be a spurious artifact due to overlapping of motor units rather than losses. Furthermore, we tested the effects of RAMT – which we recently showed to improve motor function and protect against subacute myokine disturbance – and found significant attenuation of stroke-induced NMJ alterations. RAMT not only normalized the post-stroke presentation of polyaxonal innervation but also mitigated postsynaptic expansion. These findings confirm complex neuromuscular pathophysiology after stroke, provide mechanistic direction for ongoing research, and inform development of future therapeutic strategies. SignificanceIschemic stroke is a leading contributor to chronic disability, and there is growing evidence that neuromuscular pathology may contribute to the impact of stroke on physical function. Following ischemic stroke in a rat model, there are progressive declines of motor unit number estimates and muscle contractility. These changes are paralleled by striking pre- and postsynaptic maladaptive changes at the neuromuscular junction, including polyaxonal innervation. When administered to paretic hindlimb muscle, Robot-Assisted Mechanical massage Therapy – previously shown to improve motor function and protect against subacute myokine disturbance – prevents stroke-induced neuromuscular junction alterations. These novel observations provide insight into the neuromuscular response to cerebral ischemia, identify peripheral mechanisms of functional disability, and present a therapeutic rehabilitation strategy with clinical relevance.

Comparison of the effect of mechanical massage and warm mechanical massage application on perceived labor pain and childbirth experience: A randomized clinical trial.

INTRODUCTIONBirth is undisputedly one of the most painful experiences many women endure in their lives. This study aimed to compare the effects of mechanical and warm mechanical massage application in reducing labor pain and enhancing childbirth satisfaction in primipara women.METHODSA randomized-controlled trial was conducted on 210 primipara women. Subjects were randomly divided into three groups (each group comprised 70 women) to receive either a mechanical massage, warm mechanical massage, or routine care (control). The intervention was applied twice on the lumbosacral section (relating to the back part of the pelvis between the hips) and pain level was assessed by using the visual analogue scale (VAS) before the intervention, immediately, half an hour and at 1 hour after intervention. The labor satisfaction level was assessed by using the childbirth experience questionnaire (CEQ) at 30 minutes postpartum.RESULTSComparing the intervention groups, there were no significant differences in terms of VAS scores in admission to hospital and immediately after the first intervention, but there were significant differences in terms of VAS scores at half an hour and an hour after the first intervention, and immediately, half an hour and 1 hour after the second intervention, and at 30th min postpartum. The pain level and mean duration of labor for each intervention group were found to be lower than the control group, and childbirth satisfaction score points were higher than the control group.CONCLUSIONSMechanical massage in the lumbosacral can be used as a reliable and effective method to reduce pain and increase childbirth satisfaction.

A Single-Center, Prospective Trial Investigating Effects of Combined Infrared, Radiofrequency, Mechanical Massage, and Suction Treatment on Submental and Lateral Neck Tissue Contouring

There are many treatments for neck laxity and fullness, both invasive and noninvasive. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of combined infrared, radiofrequency, mechanical massage, and suction therapy in performing contour changes in the submental and lateral neck regions. This was a single-center, prospective cohort study in which 30 patients were treated with a session of combined infrared, radiofrequency, mechanical massage, and suction therapy once a week for 4 weeks. Follow-up was performed at posttreatment months 1, 3, and 6. Both subjects and investigators completed submental fat grading scales and lateral neck and jowl linear analog scales. Exclusion criteria included history of soft tissue augmentation, cosmetic injections, ablative or nonablative skin resurfacing, or surgical procedures in the lower facial region, as well as weight gain or loss exceeding 10 pounds during the study period. There was a significant difference between mean ± SD neck and jowl investigator scores at day 0 and month 6, which were 5.6 ± 0.9 and 4.4 ± 1.0, respectively ( P &lt; .05). Mean investigator submental fat score at day 0 was 1.9 ± 0.7 vs 1.5 ± 0.6 ( P = .04) at month 6. Differences between mean patient neck and jowl and submental fat scores were also statistically significant between day 0 and month 6. At day 0, the mean patient neck and jowl score was 4.7 ± 0.8 vs 3.2 ± 1.1 at month 6 ( P &lt; .05), and at day 0, the mean patient submental fat score was 2.2 ± 0.5 vs 1.8 ± 0.6 at month 6 ( P &lt; .05). Combined infrared, radiofrequency, mechanical massage, and suction therapy provides an effective, noninvasive treatment modality for improving contour of the lateral neck and submentum.

Massage during muscle unloading increases protein turnover in the massaged and non‐massaged, contralateral limb, but does not attenuate muscle atrophy

In the current issue of Acta Physiologica, Lawrence et al. [1] provide a rigorous investigation into the effects of mechanical massage therapy on skeletal muscle during normal weight bearing (WB) and unloading conditions. One week of hindlimb suspension (HS) in rats was used to determine if massage is an effective therapy to blunt disuse associated muscle loss.Massage therapy increased muscle protein turnover compared to HS control, though muscle atrophy still occurred following massage and muscle disuse. Interestingly, message therapy increased muscle protein turnover in the contralateral, non-messaged limb compared to HS control.

Effect of Mechanical Massage on Body Composition, Waist Circumference and Abdominal Fat Area in Middle-aged Obese Women

Effect of Mechanical Massage on Body Composition, Waist Circumference and Abdominal Fat Area in Middle-aged Obese Women

UNUSIAL COMPLICATION OF MECHANICAL CLOSED HEART MASSAGE

The case report of the cardiac ruptures after resuscitation using the apparatus for mechanical massage is presented. The causes of its occurrence are discussed. Attention is posed to the possibility of adverse effects of improper use of the device.

The Effect of Mechanical Massage and Mental Training on Heart Rate Variability and Cortisol in Swedish Employees-A Randomized Explorative Pilot Study.

Work-related stress is relatively common in modern society and is a major cause of sick-leave. Thus, effective stress reducing interventions are needed. This study examined the effects of mental training and mechanical massage, on employee's heart rate variability (HRV) and plasma cortisol at their workplaces. Moreover, it was investigated whether baseline systolic blood pressure (SBP) can explain differences in effectiveness of the intervention. Ninety-three participants from four workplaces were randomly assigned to one of the five programs: (I) Mechanical massage and mental training combined, II) Mechanical massage, III) Mental training, IV) Pause, or V) Control. HRV and plasma cortisol were measured at baseline and after 4 and 8 weeks. SBP was measured at baseline. On the reduction of cortisol levels, a small effect of the mechanical massage program was found, whereas no effect was found for the other programs. None of the programs showed any effect on HRV. Nonetheless, when the level of systolic blood pressure was taken into account, some small beneficial effects on HRV and cortisol of mental training and the mechanical massage were found. This exploratory pilot-study provides useful information for future studies that aim to reduce stress among employees.

Effect of physical stimuli on hair follicle deposition of clobetasol-loaded Lipid Nanocarriers

Clobetasol propionate (CLO) is a potent glucocorticoid used to treat inflammation-based skin, scalp, and hair disorders. In such conditions, hair follicles (HF) are not only the target site but can also act as drug reservoirs when certain formulations are topically applied. Recently, we have demonstrated nanostructured lipid carriers (NLC) containing CLO presenting epidermal-targeting potential. Here, the focus was evaluating the HF uptake provided by such nanoparticles in comparison to a commercial cream and investigating the influence of different physical stimuli [i.e., infrared (IR) irradiation (with and without metallic nanoparticles-MNP), ultrasound (US) (with and without vibration) and mechanical massage] on their follicular targeting potential. Nanosystems presented sizes around 180 nm (PdI < 0.2) and negative zeta potential. The formulation did not alter skin water loss measurements and was stable for at least 30 days at 5 °C. Nanoparticles released the drug in a sustained fashion for more than 3 days and increased passively about 40 times CLO follicular uptake compared to the commercial cream. Confocal images confirmed the enhanced follicular delivery. On the one hand, NLC application followed by IR for heat generation showed no benefit in terms of HF targeting even at higher temperatures generated by metallic nanoparticle heating. On the other hand, upon US treatment, CLO retention was significantly increased in deeper skin layers. The addition of mechanical vibration to the US treatment led to higher follicular accumulation compared to passive exposure to NLC without stimuli. However, from all evaluated stimuli, manual massage presented the highest follicular targeting potential, driving more than double the amount of CLO into the HF than NLC passive application. In conclusion, NLC showed great potential for delivering CLO to HF, and a simple massage was capable of doubling follicular retention.

Effects of Manual Therapy and Mechanical Massage on Spinal Alignment, Extension Range of Motion, Back Extensor Electromyographic Activity, and Thoracic Extension Strength in Individuals with Thoracic Hyperkyphosis: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background Manual therapy has been recommended to reduce and prevent musculoskeletal problems related to thoracic hyperkyphosis. With recent rapid technological developments, manual techniques can now be implemented by mechanical devices; hence, mechanical massage can manipulate the back muscles and mobilize the spine. Purpose Here, we aimed to 1) determine the effects of mechanical massage and manual therapy and 2) compare their effects on spinal posture, extension range of motion, trunk extensor electromyographic activity, and thoracic extension strength in individuals with thoracic hyperkyphosis. Methods Participants with thoracic hyperkyphosis were randomly assigned to the manual therapy (n = 16) or mechanical massage (n = 19) group. Each intervention was applied for 8 weeks. The participants' spinal posture, extension range of motion, trunk extensor electromyographic activity, and thoracic extension strength were measured before and after intervention. Results Intergroup analyses revealed no significant differences in any variables. However, thoracic kyphosis angle, thoracic extension range of motion, longissimus thoracis electromyographic activity, iliocostalis lumborum pars lumborum activity, and thoracic extension strength differed significantly in intertime analyses. The results of paired t-test analysis showed that thoracic kyphosis angle, thoracic extension range of motion, longissimus thoracis electromyographic activity, and thoracic extension strength were significantly different after intervention in both groups (p < 0.05). Conclusions Mechanical massage and manual therapy effectively improve thoracic kyphosis angle, thoracic extension range of motion, and thoracic extension strength. Therefore, mechanical massage is an alternative intervention to manual therapy for improving thoracic kyphosis angle, thoracic extension range of motion, and thoracic extension strength in participants with hyperkyphosis. This trail is registered with KCT0004527.

Comparison between shock wave therapy and mechanical massage for the treatment of cellulite in women

IntroductionTo evaluate the effects of shock wave therapy on the fibrous septa of cellulite in Brazilian womenMethodsThe sample consisted of 20 women with gluteal cellulite (grade III) evaluated through protocols and ultrasound examinations before and after treatment. The volunteers were randomly distributed into treatment group (TG) and control group (CG). TG received shock wave therapy, while CG volunteers received vibratory massage. The shock wave parameters were: intensity of 3.5 bar, frequency of 21 Hz, and 1500 pulses per application. Both groups underwent 6 treatment sessions, 1 per week, of 30 minutes each.ResultsData were analysed by the SPSS software, with a significance level of 5% and a 95% confidence interval. TG presented a significant reduction of septa in the right gluteus (&lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt; = 0.001) and left gluteus (&lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt; = 0.000). Only the right gluteus revealed fat layer reduction (&lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt; = 0.043). There was no reduction in CG for these variables (&lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt; &gt; 0.05). In the intergroup comparison, only the septum thickness measurement of the left gluteus showed some reduction, generating a significant value (&lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt; = 0.008). Although no change in the other variables was observed in any of the groups (&lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt; &gt; 0.05), the participants reported improvement in quality of life.ConclusionsThe shock wave protocol applied in this study significantly reduced the fat layer and cellulite septa.