A study published in 2009 in the International Journal of Neuroscience looked at the possible effects on anxiety, alertness and computational abilities after receiving a massage. The group consisted of 26 adults receiving massage and 24 adults in a control group. The massage group received 2 massages a week for 5 weeks, while the control group sat in a massage chair for the same duration. The study participants and control groups performed several evaluations and gave a salivary sample before and after the first and last massage sessions. What the researchers found was encouraging.
- Salivary cortisol levels decreased for the massage group, but not the control group.
- Cortisol is a hormone made in the adrenal glands that affect mood, motivation, and fear. It has many other functions in the body, many of which may be associated with workplace musculoskeletal disorders.
- Management of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats
- Helps to reduce inflammation
- Controls the sleep/wake cycle
- Regulates blood pressure
- Increase in Cortisol increases blood sugar
- Increases energy during stress
- Cortisol is a hormone made in the adrenal glands that affect mood, motivation, and fear. It has many other functions in the body, many of which may be associated with workplace musculoskeletal disorders.
- Depression scores decreased for both groups, but job stress scores only decreased for the massage group.
- The speed and accuracy of mathematical computations were increased for the massage group. The control group outcome was unchanged.
- The overall mood state of both groups decreased, however only the massage group showed a decrease in anxiety levels.
- Brain function tests measured through EEG were different between the two groups.
- Frontal Delta power increase in both groups
- Frontal Delta Waves on EEG have been shown to indicate the level of psychological pain (depressive symptoms).
- Frontal Delta power increase in both groups
- Differences in Frontal Alpha and Beta power.
- The massage group showed a decrease in the frontal alpha and beta power on EEG
- Frontal alpha and beta power on EEG reflects an increase in alertness and creativity
- The control group showed an increase in frontal alpha and beta power on EEG.
- The massage group showed a decrease in the frontal alpha and beta power on EEG
BlueChip_OCM offers on-site employee massages as a wellness/first-aid benefit. Contact us today to start improving the health and productivity of your employees.