Seeking Patient Care?
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Massage (2016-2019)
Massage Use
Field, T. (2016). Massage Therapy Research Review. Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice, 24:19-31.
Mccubbin, T., Kempe, K.L. & Beck, A. (2017). Complementary and alternative medicine in an integrated health care delivery system: Users of chiropractic, acupuncture, and massage services. The Permanente Journal, 21, 16-172.
Method: Patient survey including chief complaint, prior treatments, and relief with treatments. A modified brief pain inventory assessed average and cuurent pain. Demographics and CCM provider type were obtained by medical records.
Result: 62% were female and 73% were white. Modalities included chiropractic (66.9%), acupuncture (18.1%) and massage (15.%).
Sundberg, T., Cramer, H., Sibbritt, D., Adams, J. & Lauche, R. (2017). Prevalence, patterns and predictors of massage practitioner utilization: Results of a US nationally representative survey. Musculoskeletal Science & Practice, 32, 31-37.
Method: Cross-sectional data from the 2012 National Health Interview Survey for adults.
Result: Prevalence of massage practitioner utilization were 12.8%(lifetime) and 6.8% (last 12 months). Massage was mainly used for general wellness of disease prevention (56.3%), but also for specific, typically musculoskeletal, health problems (41.9%) for which 85.2% reported that massage helped to some or a great deal.
Miccio, R.S. & Cowen, V.S. (2018). A regional analysis of U.S. reimbursement guidelines for massage therapy. International Journal of Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork, 11, 11-16.
Method: A qualitative content analysis was used to explore guidelines for 26 health insurance policies across seven US companies providing coverage in the northeastern United States.
Result: Of the policies reviewed, 23% explicitly stated massage treatments were limited to 15-minute increments, 19% covered massage as one part of comprehensive rehabilitation plan, and 27% required physician prescription. Massage techniques mentioned as qualifying for reimbursement included: Swedish, manual lymphatic drainage, mobilization/manipulation, myofascial release and traction. Chiropractors, physical therapists, and occupational therapists could directly bill for massage. Massage therapists were specifically excluded as covered providers for seven (27%) policies.
Wiecek, M., Szymura, J., MacieJczyk, M., Szygula, Z., Cempla, J. et al. (2018). Energy expenditure for massage therapists during performing selected classical massage techniques. International Journal of Occupational Medicine & Environmental Health, 31, 677-684.
Method: The intensity of exercise using classical massage technique, measured by heart rate, etc…
Result: The highest intensity is rubbing. The massage therapist work is considered heavy throughout the work shift.
Cottingham, P., Adams, J., Vempati, R., Dunn, J. & Sibbritt, D. (2018). The characteristics, experiences and perceptions of registered massage therapists in New Zealand: Results from a national survey of practitioners. International Journal of Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork, 11, 11-24.
Method: Massage therapists were surveyed online, using a 65-part questionnaire, on a range of characteristics of their practices, and their attitude to research, integration, and registration.Result: Massage therapists valued research (95%) and perceived that it had impact on their practices (88%). Significant correlations were found for research value and mean case-load and level of academic qualification. 83% referred clients to general practitioners, with 75% receiving referrals from general practitioners.
Preterm Growth
Alvarez, M.J., Rodriguez-Gonzalez, D., Roson, M., Lapena, S., Gomez-Salgado, J. et al. (2019). Effects of massage therapy and kinesitherapy to develop hospitalized preterm infant’s anthropometry: A quasi-experimental study. Journal of Pediatric Nursing, 46, e86-e91.
Method: A daily 15-minute session of massage therapy and kinesitherapy.
Result: The massage therapy and kinesitherapy protocol significantly improved the neonates weight, size and head circumference.
Zhang, X. & Wang, J. (2019). Massage intervention for preterm infants by their mothers: A randomized controlled trial. Journal for Specialists in Pediatric Nursing, 2019 Apr;24(2):e12238. Doi: 10.1111/jspn. 12238.
Method: 2-week massage intervention conducted by mothers on their preterm infants.
Result: Weight, height and head circumference significantly increased in the intervention group.
Alvarez, M.J., Fernandez, D., Gomez-Salgado, J., Rodriguez-Gonzalez, D., Roson, M. & Lapena, S. (2017). The effects of massage therapy hospitalized preterm neonate: A systematic review. International Journal of Nursing Studies, 69, 119-136.
Method: Two reviewers conducted a review of the selected articles: one evaluated the methodological quality of the studies and the other performed a cross-check. Divergences of opinion were resolved by discussion with a third reviewer.
Result: A total of 23 articles met the inclusion criteria and were thus included in the review. Most studies reported that the administration of various forms of therapeutic massage exerted a beneficial effect on factors related to the growth of preterm infants. The causes indicated by the researchers for these anthropometric benefits included increased vagal activity, increased gastric activity, increased serum insulin levels.
Niemi, A.K. (2017). Review of randomized controlled trials of massage in preterm infants. Children(Basel), 2017 Apr 3;4(4). Pii: E21. Doi: 10.3390/children4040021.
Method: This article reviews published randomized controlled trials on the effects of massage in preterm infants.
Result: Most studies evaluating the effect of massage in weight gain in premature infants suggest a positive effect on weight gain. Increase in vagal tone has been reported in infants who receive massage and has been suggested as a possible mechanism for improved weight gain.
Choi, H., Kim, S.J., Oh, J., Lee, M.N., Kim, S. et al. (2016). The effects of massage therapy on physical growth and gastrointestinal function in premature infants: A pilot study. Journal of Child Health Care, 20, 394-404.
Method: Twenty premature subjects were divided into two groups in the NICU. One group received massage therapy and the other group received routine care. Massage therapy was performed twice daily for 14 days.
Result: Height and chest circumference were significantly increased and number of bowel movements were significantly increased in the experimental group.
Taheri, P.A., Goudarzi, Z., Shariat, M., Nariman, S. & Matin, E.N. (2018). The effect of a short course of moderate-pressure sunflower oil massage on the weight gain velocity and length of NICU stay in preterm infants. Infant Behavior & Development, 50, 22-27.
Method: 5-day moderate pressure massage with sunflower oil on neonates.
Result: Increases preterm infants’ weigh gain and decreases their duration of NICU stay.
Jabraeile, M., Rasooly, A.S., Farshi, M.R. & Malakouti, J. (2016). Effect of olive oil massage on weight gain in preterm infants: A randomized controlled clinical trial. Nigerian Medical Journal, 57, 160-163.
Method: Preterm infants who met criteria were divided into two groups. Intervention group received 15-minute massage 3X daily for 10 days.
Result: Neonatal weight gain in the infants with the oil massage was 21g daily on average, whereas the increase in infant massage without oil was 7g.
Li, X., Zhong, Q. & Tang, L. (2016). A meta-analysis of the efficacy and safety of using oil massage to promote infant growth. Journal of Pediatric Nursing, 31, e313-322.
Method: Eight articles out of 625 were eligible for inclusion.
Result: Oil massage increased the infants’ weights, lengths and head circumferences. However, it did not promote a significant advantage in neurobehavioral scores or cause a significant risk of adverse skin reactions.
Preterm Pain
Chik, Y.M., Ip, W.Y. & Choi, K.C. (2017). The effect of upper limb massage on infants’ venipuncture pain. Pain Management Nursing, 18, 50-57.
Method: Infants in the NICU were divided into 2 groups. The massage first group received 2-minute massage before venipuncture on the first occasion then received usual care on the second occasion and vice versa in the second group.
Result: Upper limb massage may be effective in decreasing infants’ venipuncture pain perception.
Zargham-Boroujeni, A., Elsagh, A. & Mohammadizadeh, M. (2017). The effects of massage and breastfeeding on response to venipuncture pain among hospitalized neonates. Iranian Journal of Nursing & Midwifery Research, 22, 308-312.
Method: Effleurage massage technique for 3 minutes and venipuncture was done 2 minutes after massage.
Result: The lowest pain was in massage group, then in breastfeeding group and control group accordingly.
Baniasadi, H., Hosseini, S.S., Abdollahyar, A. & Sheikhbardsiri, H. (2019). Effect of massage on behavioral responses of preterm infants in an educational hospital in Iran. Journal of Reproductive and Infant Psychology, 21, 1-9.
Method: conducted on 45 infants with immature central nervous systems. They received 15-minute massage for 5 days using Field massage technique.
Result: Increase in sleep state and had a soothing and calming effect.
Newborn Bilirubin Levels
Ahmadipour, S., Mardani, M., Mohsenzadeh, A., Baharvand, P. & Nazeri, M.G. (2019). The lowering of bilirubin levels in full-term newborns by the effect of combined massage therapy and phototherapy practice. American Journal of Perinatology, 2019 Apr 18. Doi: 10.1055/s-0039-1685493. [Epub ahead of print].
Method: 83 healthy full-term infants in two groups. One group received phototherapy only and the second group received phototherapy and massage.
Result: Intervention had a significant role in decreasing the bilirubin level, amount of urination, and duration of hospitalization of full-term infants suffering from hyperbilirubinemia.
Zhang, M., Wang, L., Wang, Y. & Tang, J. (2018). The influence of massage on neonatal hyperbilirubinemia: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Journal of Maternal-fetal & Neonatal Medicine, 2018 Apr 9:1-6. Doi: 10.1080/14767058.2018. 1455183. [Epub ahead of print].
Method: Meta-analysis involving 357 neonates.
Result: Massage therapy can significantly reduce serum bilirubin level and transcutaneous bilirubin level within 4d, but demonstrates no influence on serum bilirubin level and transcutaneous bilirubin level on day 2, frequency of defecation daily on 2 and 4d.
Garg, B.D., Kabra, N.S. & Balasubramanian, H. (2019). Role of massage therapy on reduction of neonatal hyberbilirubinemia in term and preterm neonates: A review of clinical trials. Journal of Maternal-Fetal & Neonatal Medicine, 32, 301-309.
Method: Review of clinical trials to evaluate the role of massage therapy for the reduction of NNH in both term and preterm neonates.
Result: In most of the trials, Field massage was given. Six out of eight trials reported reduction in bilirubin levels in term neonates. However, only one trial (out of two) reported significant bilirubin levels in preterm neonates. Both trials in preterm neonates and most of the trials in term neonates (five trials) reported increased stool frequencies.
Infant Colic
Sheidaei, A., Abadi, A., Zayeri, F., Nahidi, F., Gazerani, N. et al. (2016). The effectiveness of massage therapy in the treatment of infantile colic symptoms: A randomized controlled trial. Medical Journal of the Islamic Republic of Iran, 2016 Apr 9;30:351. eCollection 2016.
Method: Infants in the massage group received massage for 15-20 minutes once during day and once during night before sleep. In the control group mothers rocked their infants gently for 5-25 minutes when symptoms of colic appeared.
Result: Efficiency of massage therapy was significantly greater than rocking.
Infant Massage By Mothers
Porreca, A., Parolin, M., Boh4, G., Freato, S. & Simonelli, A. (2017). Infant massage and quality of early mother-infant interactions: Are there assocaitions with maternal psychological wellbeing, marital quality, and social support? Frontiers in Psychology, 2017 Jan 17;7:2049. Doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2016.02049. eCollection 2017.
Method: The study involved 20 mothers and their children, aged 2-7 months, who participated in infant massage classes.
Result: The results showed a significant improvement in the quality of mother-child interactions.
Mindell, J.A., Lee, C.I., Leichman, E.S. & Rotella, K.N. (2018). Massage-based bedtime routine: Impact on sleep and mood in infants and mothers. Sleep Medicine, 41, 51-57.
Method: 123 mothers and their 3- to 18-month-old infant were randomly assigned to a routine (one week baseline of their usual bedtime routine, two weeks intervention) or control group (three weeks of their usual bedtime routine).
Result: The bedtime routine resulted in improvements in child and mother night wakings, maternal perceptions of -child sleep and mood, and improvements in maternal sleep quality.
Field, T., Gonzalez, G., Diego,M., Mindell, J. (2016).Mothers Massaging Their Newborns With Lotion versus No Lotion Enhances Mothers’ and Newborns’ Sleep. Infant Behavior and Development, 45:31-37.
Method: 76 mothers of newborns were randomly assigned to a massage with lotion versus a massage without lotion group and a non-massage control group. The mothers were then taught a simple newborn massage and were asked to massage their newborns daily for 15min at bedtime for one month.
Result The lotion massage group versus the other two groups showed a shorter latency to sleep and longer sleep for the mothers and fewer nightwakings and longer sleep for their infants. This may relate to the lotion group mothers massaging their infants more frequently as the number of massages was correlated with the total time sleeping and negatively correlated with nightwakings for both the mothers and the infants on the last day of the study. And, the mothers’ and the infants’ sleep behaviors were significantly correlated.
Pediatric Massage
Field, T (2019). Pediatric Massage Therapy Research: A Narrative Review. Children, 6, 1-12.
*Method:*Narrative review on Pediatric literature.
Result This narrative review on pediatric massage literature from the last decade suggests that massage therapy has positive effects on several pediatric conditions. These include preterm infant growth, psychological problems including aggression, gastrointestinal problems including constipation and diarrhea, painful conditions including burns and sickle cell, muscle tone disorders including cerebral palsy and Down syndrome, and chronic illnesses including diabetes, asthma, cancer, and HIV. Potential underlying mechanisms for the massage therapy effects include increased vagal activity and decreased stress hormones. Limitations of the literature include the need for more randomized controlled trials, longitudinal studies, and underlying mechanism studies.
ADHD
Chen, S.C., Yu, B.Y., J., Suen, L.K., Yu, J., Ho, F.Y. et al. (2019). Massage therapy for the treatment of attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children and adolescents: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Complementary Therapies in Medicine, 42, 389-399.
Method: A systematic review of 8 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and 3 case studies was conducted with a meta-analysis of 4 of the RCTs.
Result: Massage produced more improvement in ADHD symptoms in terms of effective rate compared to Ritalin.
Agression
Goncalves, L.L., Voos, M.C., de Almeida, M.H.M. & Caromano, F.A. (2017). Massage and storytelling reduce and improve academic performance in children attending elementary school. Occupational Therapy International, 2017 Jan 19;2017:5087145. Doi: 10.1155/2017/5087145.
Method: To evaluate the effect of two interventions (massage and storytelling) on aggressive behaviors and academic performance of elementary school children. Three groups of 2nd grade children. Groups: one received 10 extra classes of massage, one received 10 extra classes of storytelling, and one received 10 extra classes of random subjects.
Result: Massage and storytelling showed a reduction in aggressive behavior, but not the control group.
Diarrhea
Gao, L., Jia, C. & Huang, H. (2018). Paediatric massage for treatment of acute diarrhea in children: A meta-analysis. BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2018 Sep 18;18(1):257. Doi: 10.1186/s12906-018-2324-4.
Method: Pediatric patients diagnosed with acute diarrhea were in two groups, massage therapy alone or with other non-pharmacological approaches, and the pharmacological control group.
Result: Pediatric massage was significantly better than pharmacology in treating acute diarrhea in children in terms of clinical effective rate.
h4. Motor Scores
Lu, W.P., Tsai, W.H., Lin, L.Y., Hong, R.B. & Hwang, Y.S. (2018). The beneficial effects of massage on motor development and sensory processing in young children with developmental delay: A randomized control trial study. Developmental Rehabilitation, 2018 Oct 30:1-9. Doi: 10.1080/17518423.2018. 1537317. [Epub ahead of print].
Method: Thirty-six children with DD, at 1-3 years of age, were randomly assigned to the massage (n = 18) or control group (n = 18) after being stratified by age and motor developmental quotient. The two groups continued to receive routine rehabilitation intervention, whereas the massage group additionally received 20 min of massage twice a week for 12 weeks.
Result: The results of analysis of covariance revealed that the massage group exhibited a greater improvement in the total motor score, gross motor score, and sensory sensitivity behavior.
h4. Asthma
Wu, J., Yang, X.W. & Zhang, M. (2017). Massage therapy in children with asthma: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Evidence Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2017;2017:5620568. Doi: 10. 1155/2017/5620568.
Method: Literatures from 5 databases using the date ranging from 1 January, 1990, to 13 December, 2016, were reviewed, which were all randomized controlled trials evaluating the efficacy of massage on children with asthma and effect on lung function.
Result: Compared with control group, a greater efficacy was found in massage therapy group. Compared with control group, there was improved pulmonary functions.
h4. Cystic Fibrosis
Zink, K.K., Chini, B., Cowens, J., Kremer, L. & Lin, L. (2019). Improving clinical outcomes and quality of life with massage therapy in youth and young adults with cystic fibrosis: A pilot study. International Journal of Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork, 12, 4-15.
Method: Convenience sample of 24 patients with CF; 12 randomly assigned to treatment and control groups, respectively. Prospective two-group controlled pre/post pilot study using deep tissue myofascial trigger point massage over 10 to 12 weeks.
Result: Compared to the control group, the children in MT group showed reduced muscle tightness.
h4. Cerebral Palsy
Rasool, F., Memon, A.R., Kiyani, M.M. & Sajjad, A.G. (2017). The effect of deep cross friction massage on spasticity of children with cerebral palsy: A double-blind randomized controlled trial. The Journal of the Pakistan Medical Association, 67, 87-91.
Method: Comprised pediatric patients with spastic diplegic cerebral palsy. The participants were equally divided into control and treatment groups. The control group received routine physiotherapy, while the experimental group was additionally given deep cross-friction massage for 30 minutes, 5 times a week lasting 6 weeks.
Result: Deep cross-friction massage is an efficacious treatment option for the management of spasticity in children with cerebral palsy.
h4. Immune Function
Rodriguez-Marsilla, J., Gonzalez-Sanchez, B., Torres-Piles, S., Martin, J.G., Jimenez-Palomares, M. et al. (2017). Effects of the application of therapeutic massage in children with cancer: A systematic review. Revista Latino-Americana de Enfermagem, 2017 Jun 8;25:e2903. Doi: 10.1590/1518-8345.1774.2903.
Method: Systematic review of controlled clinical trials. Inclusion criteria were: clinical trials, published in English or Spanish, analyzing the effects of massage on the different stages and types of childhood cancer (between 1 and 18 years old).
Result: Of 1007 articles found, 7 met the inclusion criteria. The authors used different massage techniques (Swedish massage, effleurage, petrissage, friction, pressure), obtaining benefits in the symptoms present during the illness (decrease of pain, nausea, stress, anxiety and increase of white blood cells and neutrophils).
Chen, P.J., Chou, C.C., Yang, L., Tsai, Y.L., Chang, Y.C. & Liaw, J.J. (2017). Effects of aromatherapy massage on pregnant women’s stress and immune function: A longitudinal, prospective, randomized controlled trial. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 23, 778-786.
*Method:*Randomly assigned to intervention or control group. Intervention group received 70 min of aromatherapy massage with 2% lavender essential oil every other week for 20 weeks.
*Result*Pretest salivary IgA levels at 32 and 36weeks gestational age were significantly higher than the pretest IgA at 16 weeks GA.
h4. Children’s Pain
Staveski, S.L., Boulanger, K., Erman, L., Lin, L., Almgren, C. et al. (2018). The impact of massage and reading on children’s pain and anxiety after cardiovascular surgery: A pilot study. Pediatric Critical Care Medicine, 19, 725-732.
Method: Massage therapy and reading.
Result: Children receiving massage therapy had significantly lower State-Trait Anxiety scores after receiving massage therapy at time of discharge. Children receiving massage therapy had significantly lower total benzodiazepine exposure in the immediate 3 days following heart surgery.
h4. Adult Pain
Weekly, T., Riley, B., Wichman, C., Tibbits, M. & Weaver, M. (2018). Impact of massage therapy intervention for palliative care patients and their family caregivers. Journal of Palliative Care, 2018 Nov 22: 825859718810727. Doi: 10. 1177/0825859718810727.
Method: A 1-time point, single-center exploratory study offering 10-minute bedside massage to children receiving palliative care and 10-minute massage to their family caregivers.
Result: Bedside nurses (100%) reported massage to be a meaningful way to care for their families and patients.
Pedersen, K. & Bjorkhem-Bergman, L. (2018). Tactile massage reduces rescue doses for pain and anxiety: An observational study. BMJ Support for Palliative Care, 8, 30-33.
Method: 41 palliative patients were offered massage, at an average of 3 treatments per patient.
Result M
assage reduced the need for the administration of rescue doses for pain and anxiety and improved well-being in palliative care patients.
h4. Stress
Jung, G.S., Choi, I.R., Kang, H.Y. & Choi, E.Y. (2017). Effects of meridian acupressure massage on body composition, edema, stress, and fatigue in postpartum women. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 23, 787-793.
Method: The study group consisted of 39 postpartum women, 19 in the experimental group and 20 in the control group, recruited from the postpartum care center of Women’s Hospital in Gwangju city, South Korea.The experimental group was provided with meridian acupressure massage for 90?min daily over 5 days as an experimental therapy.
Result: The experimental group demonstrated a significantly larger decrease compared with the control group in measures of body composition, edema, total subjective stress, psychological stress, and subjective fatigue.
Naruse, S.M., Cornelissen, P.L. & Moss, M. (2018). ‘To give is better than to receive?’ Couples massage significantly benefits both partners’ wellbeing. Journal of Health Psychology, 2018 Mar 1:1359105318763502. Doi: 10. 1177/1359105318763502. [Epub ahead of print].
Method: Forty-two volunteers started the study and of these, 38 (i.e. 19 couples) completed a 3-week massage course. Emotional stress and mental clarity were assessed before and after mutual massage between each pair of adults belonging to a couple at home.
Result: While massage benefitted both parties’ wellbeing within a session, no differences in wellbeing between those ‘giving’ and ‘receiving’ massage.These novel findings suggest that home-based massage may be advocated to couples as a ‘selves-care’, health-promoting behaviour.
Montibeler, J., Domingos, T.D.S., Braga, E.M., Gnatta, J.R., Kurebayashi, L.F.S. & Kurebayashi, A.K. (2018). Effectiveness of aromatherapy massage on the stress of the surgical center nursing team: A pilot study. Revisita da Escola de Enfermagem da USP, 2018 Aug 23;52:03348.
*Method:*Pilot study, controlled and randomized clinical trial. The intervention comprised of 6 aromatherapy massages.
Result There was a reduction in heart rate and blood pressure.
h4. Anxiety Jahdi, F., Mehrabadi, M., Mortazavi, F. & Haghani, H. (2016). The effect of slow-stroke back massage on the anxiety levels of Iranian women on the first postpartum day. Iranian Red Crescent Medical Journal, 2016 Jun 7; 18(8):e34270. eCollection 2016 Aug.
Method: This single-blind controlled clinical trial consisted of 100 primiparous mothers with normal deliveries. The mothers were randomly allocated to intervention or control groups. Both groups were followed up just before, immediately after, and the morning after the intervention.
Result: The findings demonstrate that slow-stroke back massage is a simple, inexpensive, noninvasive, and effective method to reduce the anxiety levels of primiparous women during the first postpartum day.
Parmar, R., Brewer, B.B. & Szalacha, L.A. (2018). Foot massage, touch, and presence in decreasing anxiety during a magnetic resonance imaging: A feasibility study. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 24, 268-275.
Method: Foot massage and touch were the intervention groups and “presence” was the control group. Measured participants’ acceptance of the interventions as follows: (1) comfort; (2) acceptability of the length of the treatment; (3) perception of effectiveness; and (4) recommendation of treatment as part of routine care.
Result: There was a significant difference among the three groups in terms of perceived effectiveness of the intervention. Foot massage intervention was a significant predictor of decreasing anxiety.
Mei, L., Miao, X., Chen, H., Huang, X. & Zheng, G. (2017). Effectiveness of Chinese hand massage on anxiety among patients awaiting coronary angiography: A randomized controlled trial. Journal of Cardiovascular Nursing, 32, 196-203.
Method: One hundred eighty-five subjects awaiting coronary were recruited and randomly assigned into the control or Chinese hand massage group.
Result: The scores on Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale in the Chinese hand massage group decreased compared with those in the control group at post-procedure. There was no difference on blood pressure, heart rate, and Short-Form Health Survey at postangiography between the Chinese hand massage group and the control group.
Najafi Ghezeljeh, T. & Mohaddes Ardebili, F. (2018). Comparing the effect of patients preferred music and Swedish massage on anticipatory anxiety in patients with burn injury: Randomized controlled clinical trial. Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practices, 32, 55-60.
Method: In this randomized controlled clinical trial 240 hospitalized burn patients were selected and assigned to Swedish massage, preferred music, combination of Swedish massage and preferred music and control groups. Interventions were offered before wound care one time for 20min at patients’ bedside.
Result: Combining both Swedish massage and preferred music was more effective in reducing anticipatory anxiety in burn patients.
Hsu, C.H., Chi, C.C., Chen, P.S., Wang, S.H., Tung, T.H. et al. (2019). The effects of aromatherapy massage on improvement of anxiety among patients receiving palliative care: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials. Medicine (Baltimore), 2019 Mar;98(9):e14720. Doi: 10.1097/MD.00000000000014720.
Method: A literature search was performed. A quantitative synthesis of randomized controlled trials was conducted to compare the difference in effectiveness scores between the aromatherapy massage and only common massage groups.
Result: Compared with common massage alone, aromatherapy massage does not provide significant effectiveness of anxiety improvement among patients receiving palliative care.
Rapaport, M.H., Schettler, P., Larson, E.R., Edwards, S.A., Dunlop, B.W. et al. (2016). Acute Swedish massage monotherapy successfully remediates symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder: A proof-of-concept, randomized controlled study. Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, 77, e883-891.
Method: Forty-seven currently untreated subjects with a DSM-IV diagnosis of anxiety disorder were randomly assigned to twice-weekly SMT versus a light touch control condition for 6 weeks.
Result: Swedish massage was an effective acute treatment for anxiety disorder.
Darabpour, S., Kheirkhah, M. & Ghasemi, E. (2016). Effects of Swedish massage on the improvement of mood disorders in women with breast cancer undergoing radiotherapy. Iranian Red Crescent Medical Journal, 2016 Aug 10;18(11):e25461. Doi: 10.5812/ircmj.25461. eCollection.
Method: This study consisted of a clinical trial including 100 patients with breast cancer. The participants were chosen randomly, for a massage group(which received a Swedish massage three times a week, for 30 minutes, over five weeks) and control group (which received routine care). At the beginning of the intervention and after 5 weeks, the mood disorders of the patients, including anger, anxiety, depression, and any positive affect, were assessed.
Result: When compared to the control group, the Swedish massage showed an improvement in the mood disorders.
Eguchi, E., Funakubo, N., Tomooka, K., Ohira, T., Ogino, K. & Tanigawa, T. (2016). The effects of aroma foot massage on blood pressure and anxiety in Japanese community-dwelling men and women: A crossover randomized controlled trial. PLoS One, 2016 Mar 24;11(3):e0151712. Doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0151712. eCollection.
*Method:*57 participants divided into 2 intervention groups.
*Result*Aroma foot massage significantly decreased systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, and anxiety. Aroma foot massage also increased the score of mental health related quality of life. The change in the systolic blood pressure had a significant and positively correlated with the change in anxiety.
Alves da Silva, T., Striari Schujmann, D., Yamada da Silveira, L.T., Caromano, F.A. & Fu, C. (2017). Effect of therapeutic Swedish massage on anxiety level and vital signs of Intensive Care Unit patients. Journal of Bodywork & Movement Therapies, 21, 565-568.
*Method:*48 stabile ICU patients.
*Result*Swedish massage reduced anxiety of ICU patients immediately and 30 minutes post-massage. Vital signs were reduced immediately post-massage.
h4. Fatigue
Ahmadidarrehsima, S., Mohammadpourhodki, R., Ebrahimi, H., Keramati, M. & Dianatinasab, M. (2018). Effect of foot reflexology and slow stroke back massage on the severity of fatigue in patients undergoing hemodialysis: A semi-experimental study. Journal of Complementary and Integrative Medicine, 2018 Sep 28;15(40. Pii:/j/jcim.2018.15.issue-4/jcim-2017-0183/jcim-2017-0183.
Method: After completing questionnaires by the study subjects, foot massage and slow stroke back massage was performed during three weeks, two sessions each week (5 sessions in total).
Result: Fatigue in the group receiving foot reflexology massage was reduced compared to slow stroke back massage group.
Unal, K.S. & Balci Akpinar, R. (2016). The effect of foot reflexology and back massage on hemodialysis patients’ fatigue and sleep quality. Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice, 24, 139-144.
Method: The study includes 105 volunteer patients who were receiving hemodialysistreatment. Foot reflexology and back massage were administered to the patients two times a week for four weeks.
Result: Fatigue and sleep problems were reduced.
Kinhead, B., Schettler, P.J., Larson, E.R., Carroll, D., Sharenko, M. et al. (2018). Massage therapy decreases cancer-related fatigue: Results from a randomized early phase trial. Cancer, 124, 546-554.
Method: In this study, we evaluated the efficacy of weekly Swedish massage therapy (SMT) versus an active control condition (light touch [LT]) and waitlist control (WLC) on persistent CRF in breast cancer survivors.
Result: Massage produced relief of fatigue.
h4. Sleep
Kao, Y.H., Huang, Y.C., Chung, U.L., Hsu, W.N., Tang, Y.T. et al. (2017). Comparisons for effectiveness of Aromatherapy and acupressure massage on quality of life in career women: A randomized controlled trial. Journal of Alternative Complementary Medicine, 23, 451-460.
Method: One hundred and thirty-two career women voluntarily participated in this study and they were randomly assigned to (1) placebo (distilled water), (2) lavender essential oil, (3) blended essential oil, and (4) acupressure massage groups for a 4-week treatment.
Result: After a 4-week treatment, all experimental groups showed improved sleep quality and quality of life. Greater improvement in quality of life was observed in the participants with blended oil treatment compared with those with lavender essential oil, and a greater improvement in sleep quality was observed in the acupressure massage and blended essential oil groups compared with the lavender oil group.
Kennedy, A.B., Patil, N. & Trilk, J.L. (2018). ‘Recover quicker, train harder, and increase flexibility’: Massage therapy for elite paracyclists, a mixed-methods study. BMJ Open Sport & Exercise Medical, 2018 Jan 26;4(1):e000319. Doi: 10. 1136/bmjsem-2017-000319.
Method: One-hour MT sessions were scheduled one time per week for 4 weeks, and then every other week for the duration of the time the athlete was on the team and/or in the study. Additional qualitative data were derived from therapists’ treatment notes, exit surveys, and follow-up emails from the athletes and therapists.
Result: Significant improvement was found for sleep and muscle tightness.
MacSween, A., Lorrimer, S., van Schaik, P., Holmes, M. & van Wersch, A. (2018). A randomized crossover trial comparing Thai and Swedish massage for fatigue and depleted energy. Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, 22, 817-828.
Method: Twenty participants were randomised to receive three once-weekly Thai massage treatments and three once-weekly Swedish massages, with crossover after three massages.
Result: Both massage types improved sleep, relaxation, relief of stress and relief of muscular tension. Thai massage alone showed specific energizing and psychological stimulation results, along with carry-over effect and longer lasting benefits. Ninety-five percent of participants found relief from their initial symptoms.
Ayik, C. & Ozden, D. (2018). The effects of preoperative aromatherapy massage on anxiety and sleep quality of colorectal surgery patients: A randomized controlled study. Complementary Therapies in Medicine, 36, 93-99.
Method: aromatherapy massage was using 5% lavender oil for ten minutes before surgery and the morning of surgery. The control group received standard nursing care.
Result: Aromatherapy massage with lavender oil increased the sleep quality and reduced the level of anxiety.
Hsu, W.C., Guo, S.E. & Chang, C.H. (2019). Back massage intervention for improving health and sleep quality among intensive care unit patients. Nursing in Critical Care, 2019 Apr 3. Doi: 10.1111/nicc. 12428. [Epub ahead of print].
Method: The Verran and Snyder-Halpern Scale and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale were used, and subjective and objective sleep time (wrist actigraphy and sleep duration from nurse observations) were recorded.
Result:
Back massages improved breathing and reduced anxiety.Rahmani, A., Naseri, M., Salaree, M.M. & Nehrir, B. (2016). Comparing the effect of foot reflexology massage, foot bath and their combination on quality of sleep in patients with acute coronary syndrome. Journal of Caring Sciences, 5, 299-306.
Method: Patients were divided into four groups. Including foot reflexology massage, foot bath, a combination of the two and the control group.
Result: Sleep disturbance in foot reflexology massage and foot bath groups during the second and third nights was less than before intervention. Sleep disturbance in the combined group than in the other groups when compared to the control group.
Sable, A., Sivabalan, T. & Shetti, A.N. (2017). Effectiveness of back massage on sleep pattern among patients with congestive cardiac failure. Iranian Journal of Nursing & Midwifery Research, 22, 359-362.
Method: Nurse investigator performed 20-min back massage thrice daily until discharge.
Result: Quality and duration of sleep improved.
Cheraghbeigi, N., Modarresi, M., Rezaei, M. & Khatony, A. (2019). Comparing the effects of massage and aromatherapy massage with lavender oil on sleep quality of cardiac patients: A randomized controlled trial. Complementary Therapy in Clinical Practice, 35, 253-258.
Method: 150 subjects were randomly allocated into 1)massage, 2)aromatherapy massage and 3)control. In the massage group, the subjects received hands and feet massage using sweet almond oil. In the second group, the massage was performed on the same areas using a mixture of lavender and sweet almond oil.
Result: Sleep quality was better following oil massage versus control condition.
h4. Skin
Nedelec, B., Couture, M.A., Calva, V., Poulin, C., Chouinard, A. et al. (2019). Randomized controlled trial of the immediate and long-term effect of massage on adult postburn scar. Burns, 45, 128-139.
Method: Seventy burn survivors were assigned to usual care control or massage therapy groups. Massages occurred 3x/week for 12 weeks.
Result: Changes were noted.
Ault, P., Plaza, A. & Paratz, J. (2018). Scar massage for hypertrophic burns scarring- A systematic review. Burns, 44, 24-38.
Method: MEDLINE, PubMed, Embase, CINAHL and the Cochrane Library were searched using the key words “burn”, “burn injury”, “thermal injury” and “scar”, “hypertrophic scar” and “massage”, “manipulation”, “soft tissue mobilization”, “soft tissue manipulation”. The articles were scored by the assessors using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) scale and outcome measures on range of motion (ROM), cosmesis (vascularity, pliability, height), pain scores, pruritus, and psychological measures of depression and anxiety were extracted.
Result: A systematic review was conducted on studies on burn scar massage. Scar massage decreased scar height, vascularity, pliability, pain, pruritus and depression.
Koyama, T., Kobayashi, K., Hama, T., Murakami, K. & Ogawa, R. (2016). Standardized scalp massage results in increased hair thickness by inducing stretching forces to dermal papilla cells in the subcutaneous tissue. Eplasty, 2016 Jan 25; 16:e8. eCollection 2016.
Method: Nine healthy men received 4 minutes of scalp massage per day for 24 weeks using a scalp massage device.
Result: Increased hair thickness was noted after massage.
h4. Gastro Intestinal Functioning
Turan, N. & Ast, T.A. (2016). The effect of abdominal massage on constipation and quality of life. Gastroenterology Nursing, 39, 48-59.
Method: The sample included 30 abdominal massage and 30 control subjects. The data were collected from among patients in the morning and evening on the fourth, fifth, and sixth days postoperatively.
Result: Patients who received abdominal massage application defecated more often following their surgery than patients in the control group.
Ruan, D., Li, J., Liu, J., Li, D., Ji, N. et al. (2019). Acupoint massage can effectively promote recovery of gastrointestinal function after gynecologic laparoscopy. Journal of Investigative Surgery, 2019 Mar 27:105. Doi: 10.1080/08941939. 2019.1577515. [Epub ahead of print].
Method: 160 patients, who underwent gynecologic laparoscopy were recruited. Half of the patients received standard postoperative nursing, while the other half received acupoint massage in addition to the standard care (i.e., the observation group).
Result: Acupoint massage could accelerate the recovery of bowel function after gynecologic laparoscopy by modulating the release of gastrointestinal hormones.
Dehghan, M., Fatehi Poor, A., Mehdipoor, R. & Ahmadinejad, M. (2018). Does abdominal massage improve gastrointestinal functions of intensive care patients with an endotracheal tube?: A randomized clinical trial. Complementary Therapy in Clinical Practice, 30, 122-128.
Method: 70 intensive care patients with an endotracheal tube were allocated to an intervention or a control group randomly. In the intervention group, a 15-min abdominal massage was conducted twice a day for three days, while the control group received routine care. Gastric residual volume, times of defecation, and frequency of constipation were measured.
Result: Gastric residual volume, abdominal circumference, constipation decreased and the defecation times increased in the massage group.
Cevik, K., Cetinkaya, A., Yigit Gokbel, K., Menekse, B., Saza, S. et al. (2018). The effect of abdominal massage on constipation in the elderly resting in rest homes. Gastroenterology Nursing, 41, 396-402.
Method: 22 elderly people residing in a nursing home who were suffering from constipation, received abdominal massage.
Result: Abdominal massage increased the number of bowel movements, stool weight, and stool consistency, decreased the mean scores for straining, and decreased inability to completely empty the bowels.
h4. Musculoskeletal
h4. Range of MotionStefansson, S.H., Brandsson, S., Langberg, H. & Arnason, A. (2019). Using pressure massage for Achilles tendinopathy: A single-blind, randomized controlled trial comparing a novel treatment versus an eccentric exercise protocol. Orthopedic Journal of Sports Medicine, 2019 Mar 21; 7(3):2325967119834284. Doi: 10.1177/2325967119834282.
Method: 60 patients with AT were randomized into 3 groups: group 1 underwent an eccentric exercise protocol, group 2 underwent pressure massage, and group 3 underwent pressure massage and the eccentric exercise protocol.
Result: Eccentric exercise and pressure massage had similar results. Combining the treatments did not improve the outcome.
Kim, J.H., Hwang, U.J., Jung, S.H., Gwak, G.T. & Kwon, O.Y. (2019). Immediate improvements of supination range of motion and strength following pronator teres muscle friction massage: A clinical trial comparing people with and without supination limited motion. Journal of Manual Manipulation Therapies, 27, 109-114.
Method: 26 subjects with a customized wrist cuff.
Result: Friction massage helps restore a limited ROM of the forearm supination motion and immediately increases supinator muscle strength.
Akazawa, N., Okawa, N., Kishi, M., Nakatani, K., Nishikawa, K. et al. (2016). Effects of long-term self-massage at the musculotendinous junction on hamstring extensibility, stiffness, stretch tolerance, and structural indices: A randomized controlled trial. Physical Therapy in Sport, 21, 38-45.
Method: Self massage at the musculotendinous junction, on one leg only.
Result: The maximum hip flexion angle and the maximum passive pressure after 6 and 12 weeks of massage was significantly higher than prior to massage.
Iwamoto, K., Mizukami, M., Asakawa, Y., Yoshio, M., Ogaki, R. et al. (2016). Effects of friction massage of the popliteal fossa on dynamic changes in muscle oxygenation and ankle flexibility. Journal of Physical Therapy Science, 28, 2713-2716.
Method: 20 healthy male participants received massage.
Result: Oxygenated hemoglobin was significantly higher after massage. The range of ankle dorsiflexion tended to increase after massage.
Capobianco, R.A., Mazzo, M.M. & Enoka, R.M. (2019). Self-massage prior to stretching improves flexibility in young and middle-aged adults. Journal of Sports Science, 37, 1543-1550.
h4. Balance
Sankaran, R., Kamath, R., Nambiar, V. & Kumar, A. (2018). A prospective study on the effects of Ayurvedic massage in post-stroke patients. Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine, 2018 Dec 19. Pii: S0975-9476(17)30478-3. Doi: 10.1016/j.jaim.2018.02.137.
Method: 25 received Ayurvedic massage with PT and twenty seven received only PT. 10 sessions over 10 days.
Result: Ayurvedic massage led to faster standing with minimal assistance and to less need for antispastic drugs at discharge.
Wikstrom, E.A., Song, K., Lea, A. & Brown, N. (2017). Comparative effectiveness of plantar-massage techniques on postural control in those with chronic ankle instability. Journal of Athletic Training, 52, 629-635.
Method: 20 participants with chronic ankle instability received plantar massage.
Result: Single 5-minute sessions of traditional plantar massage, self-administered massage, and sensory brush massage each resulted in comparable static postural-control movements.
Tutun Yumin, E., Simsek, T.T., Sertel, M., Ankarali, H. & Yumin, M. (2017). The effect of foot plantar massage on balance and functional reach in patients with type II diabetes. Physiotherapy Theory and Practice, 33, 115-123.
Method: 38 subjects received plantar massage and their balance was measured and used a one leg standing test with eyes open and closed.
Result: Plantar massage improved balance, functional mobility, and functional reach values.
h4. Muscle Activity
Nishimura, H., Okuda, I., Kunizawa, N., Inoue, T., Nakajima, Y. et al. (2017). Analysis of morphological changes after facial massage by a novel approach using three-dimensional computed tomography. Skin Research and Technology, 23, 369-375.
Method: 12 healthy female participants.
Result: Massage-induced changes of subcutaneous fat tissues and facial expression muscles were apparent on CT images.
Domingo, A.R., Diek, M., Goble, K.M., Maluf, K.S., Goble, D.J. et al. (2017). Short-duration therapeutic massage reduces postural upper trapezius muscle activity. Neuroport, 18, 108-110.
Method: Moderate pressure massage applied to the shoulders and neck for 2 sessions.
Result: Short-duration moderate pressure massage reduced upper trapezius muscle activity.
h4. Grip Strength
Mohamadi, M., Piroozi, S., Rashidi, I. & Hosseininifard, S. (2017). Friction massage versus kinesiotaping for short-term management of latent trigger points in the upper trapezius: A randomized controlled trial. Chiropractic Manual Therapy, 2017 Sep 12;25:25. Doi: 10.1186/s12998-017-0156-9.
Method: Friction massage was performed daily for 3 sessions and kinesiotape was used for 72h.
Result: Pressure pain threshold decreased after both friction massage and kinesiotaping. Grip strength increased after friction massage.
Molouki, A., Hosseini, S.M., Rustaee, M. & Tabatabaee, S.M. (2016). The immediate effects of manual massage of forearm on power-grip strength and endurance in healthy young men. Journal of Chiropractic Medicine, 15, 112-120.
Method: 44 healthy young men randomly received massage or passive movement.
Result: Immediately after 1 session of massage to the forearm and hand, the grip endurance improved. However, passive movement of the upper limb for 1 minute did not enhance grip performance.
h4. Recovery Performance
Guo, J., Li, L., Gong, Y., Zhu, R., Xu, J. et al. (2017). Massage alleviates delayed onset muscle soreness after strenuous exercise: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Frontiers in Physiology, 2017 Sept 27; 8:747. Doi: 10.3389/fphys.2017.00747. eCollection 2017.
*Method:*Random controlled trials using 7 databases.
*Result:*Massage therapy after strenuous exercise delayed onset of muscle soreness and improved muscle performance.
h4. Pain
Nunes, G.S., Bender, P.U., de Menezes, F.S., Yamashitafuji, I., Vargas, V.Z. et al. (2016). Massage therapy decreases pain and perceived fatique after long-distance Ironman triatholon: A randomized trial. Journal of Physiotherapy, 62, 83-87.
Method: 74 triathalon athletes received quadricep massage.
Result: Massage therapy was more effective than no intervention on the post-race recovery from pain and perceived fatigue in long-distance triatholon athletes.
Hoffman, M.D., Badoski, N., Chin, J. & Stuempfle, K.J. (2016). A randomized controlled trial of massage and pneumatic compression for ultramarathon recovery. The Journal of Orthopedic and Sports Physical Therapy, 46, 320-326.
Method: Marathon participants were randomly selected for postrace intervention massages.
Result: Massage resulted in lower muscle pain and soreness ratings compared with the supine-rest control condition. There were no differences between the groups in any outcome 1 to 7 days after the race.
Cabak, A., Kotnia, P., Banasinski, M., Obminski, Z. & Tomaszewski, W. (2016). The concept of “chair massage” in the workplace as prevention of musculoskeletal overload and pain. Orthopedia, traumatologia, and Rehabilitacja, 18, 279-288.
Method: Four-week study, massage 2x per week.
Result: Pain was reduced in the lower and upper spine and the right arm, while slightly smaller improvements were noted in the right shoulder and left forearm. Pain sensitivity decreased the most in the trapezius and supraspinous muscles on the left side of the spine.
Poppendieck, W., Wegmann, M., Ferrauti, A., Kellmann, M., Pfeiffer, M. et al. (2016). Massage and performance recovery: A meta-analytical review. Sports Medicine, 46, 183-204.
Method: 22 randomized controlled trials.
Result: Shorter massage (5 to 12 min) had greater effects than massage lasting more than 12 minutes. The effects were greater for short-term recovery of up to 10 minutes, than for recovery periods of more than 20 minutes.
*Crawford, C., Boyd, C., Paat, C.F., Price, A., Xenakis, L. et al. (2016). The impact of massage therapy on function in pain populations- A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials: Part I, patients experiencing pain in the general population. Pain Medicine, 17, 1353-1375. *
Method: Randomized controlled trials were assessed for methodological quality.
Result: Massage therapy effectively treats pain compared to sham, no treatment, and active controls. Compared to active controls, massage therapy was also beneficial for treating anxiety and health related quality of life.
h4. Labor Pain
Abdul-Sattar Khudhur, Ali, S. & Mirkhan Ahmed, H. (2018). Effect of change in position and back massage on pain perception during first stage of labor. Pain Management Nursing, 19, 288-294.Method: The intervention was performed at three points in each group of mothers, and the pain perception was measured after each intervention using the Face Pain Scale.
Result: Back massage may be more effective pain management approach than change in position during the first stage of labor.
Unalmis Erdogan, S., Yanikkerem, E. & Goker, A. (2017). Effects of low back massage on perceived birth pain and satisfaction. Complementary Therapy in Clinical Practice, 28, 169-175.
Method: 62 pregnant women. Massage was applied to the study group in three phases during intrapartum period.
Result: Lower back massage had reduced labor pain and increased the satisfaction with birth.
Ranjibaran, M., Khorsandi, M., Matourypour, P. & Shamsi, M. (2017). Effect of massage therapy on labor pain reduction in primiparous women: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled clinical trials in Iran. Iranian Journal of Nursing & Midwifery Research, 22, 257-261.
Method: A meta-analysis using 10 studies.
Result: Massage therapy reduced labor pain in the latent and transitional phase.
Smith, C.A., Levett, K.M., Collins, C.T., Dahlen, H.G., Ee. C.C. & Suganuma, M. (2018). Massage, reflexology and other manual methods for pain management in labour. Cochrane Database System Review, 2018 Mar 28;3:CD009290. Doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD009290.
Method: Randomized controlled trials comparing manual methods with standard care, other non-pharmacological forms of pain management in labour, no treatment and placebo.
Result: Massage, warm pack and thermal manual methods reduced pain and length of labour and improving women’s sense of control and emotional experience of labour, although the quality of evidence varies from low to very low.
Cesarean Section
Simonelli, M.C., Doyle, L.T., Columbia, M., Wells, P.D., Benson, K.V. et al. (2018). Effects of connective tissue massage on pain in primiparous women after cesarean birth. Journal of Obstetric, Gynecologic, and Neonatal Nursing, 47, 591-601.
Method: Participants were randomized to receive a 20-minute massage, usual standard of care, or 20-minutes of individualized attention.
Result: Massage increased relaxation, decreased pain, decreased stress, and decreased opioid use on day 1 and day 2.
Saatsaz, S., Rezaei, R., Alipour, A. & Beheshti, Z. (2016). Massage as adjuvant therapy in the management of post-caesarean pain and anxiety: A randomized clinical trial. Complementary Therapy in Clinical Practices, 24, 92-98.
Method: Three groups. A hand and foot massage group, a foot massage group and a control group.
Results: Pain immediately and 90 minutes after massage. Blood pressure and respiration were also lower after massage.
Arthritis Nelson, N.L. & Churilla, J.R. (2017). Massage therapy for pain and function in patients with arthritis: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials. American Journal of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 96, 665-672.
*Method:*Randomized controlled trials, 352 participants.
*Result*Low- to moderate-quality evidence that massage therapy is superior to non-active therapies in reducing pain and improving certain functional outcomes. It is unclear whether massage therapy is more effective than other forms of treatment.
Gok Metin, Z. & Ozdemir, L. (2016). The effects of aromatherapy massage and reflexology on pain and fatigue in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: A randomized controlled trial. Pain Management Nursing, 17, 140-149.
Method: 51 participants in 3 groups, massage of both knees, reflexology of both feet, and a control group.
Result Aromatherapy massage and reflexology reduced pain and fatigue in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.
h4. Shoulder Pain
Yeun, Y.R. (2017). Effectiveness of massage therapy on the range of motion of the shoulder: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Physical Therapy Science, 29, 365—369.
Method: meta-analysis based on 7 studies, (237 participants).
Result: Massage therapy improved shoulder range of motion, especially flexion and abduction.
h4 .Knee Pain
Field, T. (2016). Knee osteoarthritis pain in the elderly can be reduced by massage therapy, yoga and tai chi: A review. Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practices, 22, 87-92.
Method: Review of recently published research, both empirical studies and meta-analysis on the effects of complementary therapies including massage therapy, yoga, and tai chi on pain associated with knee osteoarthritis in the elderly.
Result These therapies reduced pain in osteoarthritis and they had no side effects.
Efe Arsian, D., Kutluturkan, S. & Korkmaz, M. (2018). The effect of aromatherapy massage on knee pain and functional status in participants with osteoarthritis. Pain Management Nursing, 2018 Mar 5. Pii: S1524-9042(16)30228-4. Doi: 10.1016/j.pmn.2017.12.001. [Epub ahead of print].
Method: 95 patients, 3 groups. Aromatherapy massage, massage, and control.
Result Aromatherapy massage reduced knee pain and decreased morning stiffness, and improved physical functioning status.
Perlman, A., Fogerite, S.G., Glass, O., Bechard, E., Ali, A. et al. (2019). Efficacy and safety of massage for osteoarthritis of the knee: A randomized clinical trial. Journal of General Internal Medicine, 34,379-386.
Method: Randomized clinical trials assessing the efficacy of massage compared to light-touch and usual care in adults with knee osteoarthritis.
*Result*8 weeks massage significantly reduced pain and stiffness and improved physical function. The effects did not persist.
Tanaka, R., Umehara, T., Kawabata, Y. & Sakuda, T. (2018). Effect of continuous compression stimulation on pressure-pain threshold and muscle spasms in older adults with knee osteoarthritis: A randomized trial. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, 41, 315-322.
*Method:*32 older adults with knee osteoarthritis in 5-minute massage or control group.
*Result*Massage increased pressure/pain threshold both at rest and while walking, but the improvement in muscle spasms was not significant.
Nasiri, A. & Mahmodi, M.A. (2018). Aromatherapy with lavender essential oil and the prevention of disability in ADL in patients with osteoarthritis of the knee: A randomized controlled clinical trial.Complementary Therapies in Clinical practice, 30, 116-121.
*Methods:*Three groups randomly assigned. Intervention massage group, placebo group, and control group.
*Results:*Aromatherapy with lavender essential oil reduced activities of daily living disability in patients with osteoarthritis of the knee.
h4. Upper Limb Pain
Yi, R., Bratchenko, W.W. & Tan, V. (2018). Deep friction massage versus steroid injection in the treatment of lateral Epicondylitis. Hand (NY), 13, 56-59.Method: 3 groups, splinting and stretching, cortisone injection, and lidocaine injection with deep friction massage.
*Result*At 6 month follow up, only deep friction massage reduced pain and increased grip strength.
h4. Hip
Field, T., Sauvageau, N., Gonzalez, G. & Diego, M. (2019). Hip pain is reduced by massage therapy.Chronic Pain and Management Journal, 2:117. Doi: 10.29011/2576-957X/100017.*Method:*Massage and control group.
*Result*The massage group experienced decreased pain and less sleep disturbance. The effects were sustained at the one-month follow-up period.
h4 .Neck Pain
Celenay, S.T., Kaya, D.O. & Akbayrak, T. (2016). Cervical and scapulothoracic stabilization exercises with and without connective tissue massage for chronic mechanical neck pain: A prospective, randomized controlled trial. Manual Therapy, 21, 144-150.*Method:*60 patients with chronic neck pain.12 sessions, 3-days a week over 4 weeks. Connective tissue group and control group.
*Result*Connective tissue massage decreasedmight be superior in improving pain intensity at night,increased pressure pain threshold, and reduced anxiety.
h4. Fibromyalgia
h4. Low Back
Boguszewski, D., Krupinski, M. & Bialoszewski, D. (2017). Assessment of the effect of Swedish massage and acupressure in rehabilitation of patients with low back pain. Preliminary report. Ortopedia, Traumatologica & Rehabilitacja, 19, 513-521.
Method: 20 women and 20 men with lumbosacral pain were randomized to receivein to Swedish massage with acu-pressure techniques or Swedish massage only.
Result In selected cases, Swedish massage combined with acupressure techniques may be more effective as a mo-notherapy in patients with non-specific low back pain than massage alone.
Daneau, C., Cantin, V. & Descarreaux, M. (2019). Effect of massage on clinical and physiological variables during muscle fatigue task in participants with chronic low back pain: A crossover study. Journal of Manipulative and Physiologic Therapeutics, 42, 55-65.
Method: 36 individuals with low back pain participated in 2 experimental sessions of 30-minute massage.
Result Pain perception was significantly reduced after massage.
Farber, K. & Wieland, L.S. (2016). Massage for low back pain. Explore (NY), 12, 215-217.
Method: Randomized to massage, inactive control or active control groups.
Result The most common type of bias in these studies was performance and measurement bias because it is difficult to blind participants, massage therapists and the measuring outcomes. Massage was better than inactive controls for pain in the short-term, but not for function. When compared to active controls massage was better for pain in both short and long term.
*Kumar, S., Rampp, T., Kessler, C., Jeitler, M., Dobos, G.J., Ludtke, R. et al. (2017). Effectiveness of Ayurvedic massage (Sahacharadi Taila) in patients with chronic low back pain: A randomized controlled trial. Journal of Alrernative and Complementary Medicine, 23, 109-115. *
Method: 64 patients with chronic low back pain. 4-week study, consisting of a 2-week intervention phase followed by a 2-week follow up phase.
Result: Ayurvedic massage reduced low back pain in the short term.
Multiple Sclerosis Backus, D., Manella, C., Bender, A. & Sweatman, M. (2016). Impact of massage therapy on fatique, pain, and spasticity in people with multiple sclerosis: A pilot study. International Journal of Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork, 9, 4-13.
Method: Individuals received massage once per week for 6 weeks.
Result Massage reduced as delivered in this study is a safe and beneficial intervention for pain management of fatigue and pain in people with MS. Decreasing fatigue and pain appears to correlate with improvement of quality of life.
Cancer Lopez, G., Liu, W., Milbury, K., Spelman, A., Wei, Q. et al. (2017). The effects of oncology massage on symptom self-report for cancer patients and their caregivers. Supportive Care in Cancer, 25, 3645-3650.
Method: Initial massage visits for 343 patients and 87 caregivers were analyzed. 30-60 minute sessions.
Result massage therapy was associated with improvements in pain, fatigue, anxiety, well-being, and sleep for both patients and caregivers. Greater massage duration did not lead to greater symptom reduction suggesting that even short massage sessions are effective.
Boyd, C., Crawford, C., Paat, C.F., Price, A., Xenakis, L. et al. (2016). The impact of massage therapy on function in pain populations- A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials: Part II, cancer pain populations. Pain Medicine, 17, 1553-1568.
Method: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
Result Massage therapy is effective for treating pain compared to no treatment and active controls. Compared to active controls, massage therapy was also found to be beneficial for treating fatigue and anxiety.
Uysal, N., Kuluturkan, S. & Ugur, I. (2017). Effects of foot massage applied in two different methods on symptom control in colorectal cancer patients: Randomized control trial. International Journal of Nursing Practices, 2017 Jun; 23(3). Doi: 10.1111/ijn.12532. Epub 2017 Feb 7.
Method: Random controlled clinical studies to determine effect of 2 foot massage methods on symptom control in people with colorectal cancer. 3 groups, classical massage, reflexology, and standard care control.
Result The classical massage was effective in reducing pain level and distension incidence while foot reflexology was effective in reducing pain and fatigue level, lowering incidence of distension and urinary frequency and improving quality of life.
Neuropathy
Gok Metin, Z., Arikan Donmez, A., Izgu, N., Ozdemir, L. & Arsian, I.E. (2017). Aromatherapy massage for neuropathic pain and quality of life in diabetic patients. Journal of Nursing Scholarship, 49, 379-388.
Method: The intervention group received aromatherapy massage three times per week for 4 weeks.
Result: Neuropathic pain scores decreased in the intervention group compared with the control group in the fourth week of the study.
Post Surgery Cankaya, A. & Saritas, S. (2018). Effect of classic foot massage on vital signs, pain, and nausea/vomiting symptoms after laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Surgical Laparoscopy, Endoscopy, and Percutaneous Techniques, 2018 Oct 11. Doi: 10.1097/SLE.0000000000000586. [Epub ahead of print].
Method: Semi experimental study on the effects of foot massage with 88 patients who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy.
Result Classic foot massage reduce pain and nausea, and increase blood circulation after laparoscopic surgery.
Boitor, M., Martorella, G., Maheu, C., Laizner, A.M. & Gelinas, C. (2018). Effects of massage in reducing the pain and anxiety of the cardiac surgery critically ill- A randomized controlled trial. Pain Medicine, 2018 Mar 30. Doi: 10.1093/pm/pny055. [Epub ahead of print].
Method: A three-
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Massage (2015-2017)
Autism
McLay LK, France K. Empirical research evaluating non-traditional approaches to managing sleep problems in children with autism. Dev Neurorehabil. 2016;19:123-134.
Method: Eight studies were identified that explored non-behavioral and non-pharmacological approaches to managing sleep problems in these children.
Result: Positive outcomes were reported for massage therapy. We noted in an earlier study that when parents massaged their children with autism before bedtime, the children’s sleep improved (shorter latency to sleep, longer sleep time and fewer nightwakings).
Tsuji S, Yuhi T, Furuhara K, Ohta S, Shimizu Y, Higashida H. Salivary oxytocin concentrations in seven boys with autism spectrum disorder received massage from their mothers: A pilot study. Front Psychiatry. 2015;6:58. Epub ahead of print.Method: Using mothers as the massagers, the mothers massaged their children with autism for 20 minutes daily for 3 months followed by no massage for 4 months. Saliva was collected to assay oxytocin (the “love hormone”) before and after a session during the treatment and during the control period.
Result: During the massage therapy period both the children and their mothers had higher oxytocin levels.
Bed Sores
Zhang Q, Sun Z, Yue J. Massage for preventing pressure ulcers. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2015;6. Epub ahead of print.
Method: Massage therapy was widely used until the 1950s to prevent and reduce bed sores or ulcers related to immobility in hospitalized patients. Pressure sores reputedly affect some 10% of patients in hospitals.
Result: Despite this problem a recent review of the literature failed to reveal any randomized controlled trials or even quasi-randomized controlled trials that met inclusion criteria for a meta-analysis. Thus there were no studies eligible for this review and it remains uncertain whether massage therapy prevents bed sores.
Cancer
Celebioglu A, Gurol A, Yildirim ZK, Buyukavci M. Effects of massage therapy on pain and anxiety arising from intraethecal therapy or bone marrow aspiration in children with cancer. Int J Nurs Pract. 2015;21:797-804.
Method: Study used self-report measures. Children with cancer, used visual analogue scales to report their pain and anxiety levels.
Result: Massage therapy was used to reduce anxiety and pain associated with bone marrow aspiration. Both these levels were significantly reduced in the massage therapy group. However, when the pretest and posttest scores were compared, no significant differences were noted between the massage and control groups.
Sheikhi MA, Ebadi A, Talaeizadeh A, Rahmani H. Alternative Methods to treat nausea and vomiting from cancer chemotherapy. Chemother Res Pract. 2015. Epub ahead of print.Method: Massage therapy and ginger.
Result: Been identified as a therapeutic combination for adults’ chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting.
Dion LJ, Engen DJ, Lemaine V, Lawson Dk, Brock CG, Thomley BS, Cha SS, Sood A, Bauer BA, Wahner-Roedler DL. Massage therapy alone and in combination with meditation for breast cancerpatients undergoing autologous tissue reconstruction: a randomized pilot study. Complement Ther Clin Pract. 2015. Epub ahead of print.Method: In a study on reconstruction after mastectomy for breast cancer, patients were randomly assigned to either a massage therapy group or a massage plus meditation group.
Result: There were no additive effects of meditation on any of the self-report stress, insomnia, fatigue or pain measures. Although it is generally methodologically appropriate to assess the effects of two therapies combined versus one alone, the addition of meditation may have placed demands on the participants that were new to them, resulting in performance stress. Also, the comparisons can be confounded by the additional time demands on the participants when two therapies are combined.
Lee SH, Kim JY, Yeo S, Kim SH, Lim S. Meta-analysis of massage therapy on cancer pain. Integr Cancer Ther. 2015;14:297-304.Method: In a meta-analysis on the effects of massage therapy on cancer in general, cancer-associated pain was noted to be one of the most common complaints. Nine high quality studies were included in this meta-analysis.
Result: Massage therapy was noted to significantly reduce cancer pain as compared to no massage control conditions. Massage was effective especially for surgery-related pain, and among the various types of massage, foot reflexology was the most effective. It may have been the most effective as it typically involves the application of moderate pressure and the movement of skin perhaps more so than Swedish massage.
Coronary Bypass and Cardiac Surgery
Boitor M, Martorella G, Arbour C, Michaud C, Gelinas C. Evaluationof the preliminary effectiveness of hand massage therapy on postoperative pain of adults in the intensive care unit after cardiac surgery: a pilot randomized controlled trial. Pain Manag Nurs. 2015;16:354-66.
Method: In a simple post-surgery massage study, the therapy group received 15-minute hand massages and the control group a simple hand-holding for 15 minutes. These were given on 3 occasions within 24 hours after surgery.
Result: Pain intensity and muscle tension were decreased for the hand massage but not the hand-holding control group. The authors concluded that this was a low-cost non-pharmacologic intervention. Although “hands-on” comparison groups may be better control groups, the hand-holding group may not have received the skin-moving, stimulation of pressure receptors that the massage group received. The pressure being applied needs to be measured, as can be done with a sound meter placed near the skin of the person being touched/massaged.
Coronary Care
Hatefi M, Jaafarpour M, Khani A, Khajavikhan J, Kokhazade T. The effect of whole body massage on the process and physiological outcome of trauma ICU patients: a double-blind randomized clinical trial. J Clin Diagn Res. 2015;9. Epub ahead of print.
Method: In a massage by a family member study, trauma ICU patients received a full body 45 minute massage by a family member and the control group received routine care.
Result: One hour after the intervention significant differences were noted between the two groups, with the massage group having lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure, respiratory rate and heartrate. Significant group differences were also noted in the arterial blood gas measures including O2 saturation, PH and pO2. The authors recommended massage by a family member as a routine clinical practice.
Adib-Hajbaghery M, Rajabi-Beheshtabad R, Ardjmand A. Comparing the effect of whole body massage by a specialist nurse and patients’ relatives on blood cortisol level in coronary patients. ARYA Atheroscler. 2015;11:126-32.Method: A direct comparison was made between nurse and family member massage for coronary patients.
Result: Cortisol levels were significantly decreased (by 90 nanomoles) in the massage by a nurse group but not in the other group.
Fibromyalgia
Yuan SL, Matsutani LA, Marques AP. Effectiveness of different styles of massage therapy on fibromyalgia: a systematic review and meta-analyisis. Man Ther. 2015;20:257-64.
Method: [1]. A meta-analysis study on randomized and non-randomized trials.
Result: Shiatsu decreased pain, fatigue and sleep disturbances while Swedish massage did not improve outcomes, though positive effects have been noted for different types of massage therapies.
Full Term Infants
Field T, Gonzalez G, Diego M, Mindell J. Mothers’ massaging their newborns with lotion versus no lotion enhances mothers’ and newborns’ sleep. 2016, in press.
Method: Taught mothers to massage their newborns from the day of birth to the end of the first month on a daily basis and compared a group who were massaged with lotion versus a group who were massaged without lotion versus a non-massage control group.
Result: Both the mothers and the infants in the lotion massage group had better sleep patterns than those of the non-lotion massage and non-massage control groups. This could relate to the massage without lotion being less comfortable.
Dalili H, Sheikhi S, Shariat M, Haghnazarian E. Effects of baby massage on neonatal jaundice in healthy Iranian infants: A pilot study. Infant Behav Dev. 2015;42:22-26.Method: Four days of twenty minute massages given, twice daily, to full-term healthy newborns.
Result: Bilirubin levels have decreased.
Basiri-Moghadam M, Basiri-Moghadam K, Kianmehr M, Jani S. The effect of massage on neonatal jaundice in stable preterm newborn infants: a randomized controlled trial. J PakMed Assoc.2015;65:602-6.Method: Four days of massage.
Result: Massage therapy may reduce the need for phototherapy or complement the phototherapy that is typically given to jaundiced newborns. Bilirubin levels were lower.
Growth Measures
Choi H, Kim SJ, Oh J, Lee MN, Kim S, Kang KA. The effects of massage therapy on physical growth and gastrointestinal function in premature infants: A pilot study. J Child Health Care. 2015. Epub ahead of print.
Method: Massage therapy was performed twice daily for two weeks for 15 minutes per session.
Result: In this study, weight gain, height and head circumference were significantly increased. In addition, the frequency of pre-feed gastric residual was decreased and the number of bowel movements was increased in the group who received massage therapy. The authors concluded that NICU nurses needed to be trained in massage therapy techniques so that all preterm infants could receive massage therapy.
Immune Disorders
Perez EM, Carrara H, Bourne L, Berg A, Swanevelder S, Hendricks MK. Massage therapy improves the development of HIV-exposed infants living in a low socio-economic, peri-urban community of South Africa. Infant Behav Dev. 2015;38:135-46.
Method: A study on HIV-exposed infants, the mothers with HIV were taught to massage their infants which they did between 6 weeks when the study started and 9 months when the study ended.
Result: Despite the massage group mothers having higher levels of maternal “mental pain”, their infants scored significantly higher on scales of mental development and hearing and speech at 9 months. Even though the CD4 cell count (the critical index of HIV severity) was measured in the mothers, there was no report on that measure or any measure of the effects of the infant massage on the mothers themselves. This is surprising given that the mothers presumably benefited from massaging their infants.
Infants With Assymetry From Congenital Muscular Torticollis
Lee K, Chung E, Koh S, Lee BH. Outcomes of asymmetry in infants with congenital muscular torticollis. J Phys Ther Sci. 2015;27:461-4.
Method: Infants with this condition were given massages and passive stretching for 30 minutes three times a week.
Result: At the end of the study the infants showed less asymmetry as measured by the thickness of the two sternocleidomastoid muscles, head tilt and the Torticollis Overall Assessment. Despite these suggestive data from a large sample of infants, methodological problems include the lack of a control group and the potential confound of the infants receiving passive stretching exercises along with their massages.
In Virtro fertilization
Okhowat J, Murtinger M, Schuff M, Wogatzy J, Spitzer D, Vanderzwalmen P, Wirleitner B, Zech NH. Massage therapy improves in vitro fertilization outcome in patients undergoing blastocyst transfer in a cryo-cycle. Altern Ther Health Med. 2015;21:16-22.
Method: Oscillating vibrations were used prior to the transfer of the embryo.
Result: The positive effects included greater pregnancy rates based on urine assays and ongoing pregnancies measured by fetal heartrate and birth rates as well as miscarriage rates.
Knee Arthritis
Qingguang Z, Min F, Li G, Shuyun J, Wuquan S, Yong L. Gait analysis of patients with knee osteoarthritis before and after Chinese massage treatment. J Tradit Chin Med. 2015;35:411-6.
Method: In another recent knee osteoarthritis study, Chinese massage (moderate pressure massage) was given three times per week for two weeks. Gait was then evaluated using a motion analysis system by infrared cameras.
Result: The patients experienced less pain and stiffness and enhanced function. They also showed increased gait speed and greater step width. However, there was no increase in range of motion.
Field T, Diego M, Gonzalez G, Funk CG. Knee arthritis pain is reduced and range of motion is increased following moderate pressure massage therapy. Complement Ther Clin Pract. 2015;21: 233-7.
Method: In contrast to other studies that were focused on the quadriceps muscles, the massage protocol of our study on knee osteoarthritis was focused on the hamstrings as well as the quadriceps. We also used moderate pressure massage.
Result: Using moderate pressure and massaging both the hamstrings and the quadriceps may have contributed to unique finding of increased range of motion. Those two aspects may be necessary, i.e. the moderate pressure massage and the focus on both sets of muscles, although, unfortunately, they were confounded in this study, highlighting the need for a replication study.
Massage for NICU Nurses
Nazari F, Mirzamohamadi M, Yousefi H. The effect of massage therapy on occupational stress of intensive care unit nurses. Iran J Nurs Midwifery Res. 2015;20:508-15.
Method: the nurses were massaged for 20 minutes twice per week for 4 weeks.
Result: Two weeks after the intervention began, their overall job stress scores were significantly decreased as compared to the control group.
Pain in Different Joints
Bervoets DC, Luijsterburg PA, Alessie JJ, Buijs MJ, Verhagen AP. Massage therapy has short-term benefits for people with common musculoskeletal disorders compared to no treatment: a systematic review. J Physiother. 2015;61:106-16.
Method: In a systematic review on pain in different joints, the 26 eligible randomized controlled trials included 2165 participants. However, twenty of the trials were considered to be at high risk for bias.
Result: The results were somewhat mixed in that massage reduced pain in the short-term for shoulder pain and osteoarthritis of the knee but not for neck pain or low back pain. However, function was improved in the long-term for the individuals with shoulder pain and knee arthritis as well as low back pain. Several of the studies that were reviewed showed no greater benefits for massage than there were for joint manipulation or acupuncture. These results are perhaps not surprising in that each of those three treatment modalities involves stimulation of pressure receptors. The authors concluded, nonetheless, that the comparisons between massage and active treatments such as joint manipulation need to be replicated.
Pelvic Pain
Azima S, Bakhshayesh HR, Kaviani M, Abbasnia K, Sayadi M. Comparison of te effect of massage therapy and isometric exercises on primary dysmenorrhea: A randomized controlled clinical trial. J Pediatr Adolesc Gynecol. 2015;28:486-91.
Method: A treatment comparison was made between massage and isometric exercises.The treatment lasted eight weeks and the two groups were compared to a no-treatment control group.
Result: Pain intensity was significantly reduced in both treatment groups, although the reduction was greater in the massage group.
Potential Underlying Mechanisms
Nelson NL. Massage therapy :understanding the mechanisms of action on blood pressure. A scoping review. J Am Soc Hypertens. 2015;9:785-93.
Method: In a study that examined the underlying mechanisms for the effects of massage, for example, on blood pressure, a thematic analysis was conducted on 27 studies that considered the effects of massage therapy .
Result: The author identified several potential underlying pathways for the relationship between massage therapy and the reduction of blood pressure.
Fazeli MS, Pourrahmat MM, Liu M, Guan L, Collet JP. The effect of head massage on the regulation of the cardiac autonomic nervous system: a pilot randomized crossover trial. J Altern Complement Med. 2016;22:75-80.
Method: Study documented parasympathetic activity following a single short session (10 minutes) of head massage.
Result: Study showed increased parasympathetic activity and the head massage also reduced heartrate.
Vagal Activity and Gastric Motility
Saeadi R, Ghorbani Z, Shapouri Moghaddam A. The effect of massage with medium-chain triglyceride oil on weight gain in premature neonates. Acta Med Iran. 2015;53:134-8.
Method: preterm infants were randomly assigned to 3 different groups including an oil massage group, a non-oil massage group and a control group [5]. Medium-chain triglyceride oil was used for the oil massage group as a nutritional supplement.
Result: The mean weight gain on the seventh day of the study was 105 grams for the oil massage group, 52 grams for the non-oil massage group and 54 grams weight loss for the control group. The greater weight gain by the oil massage group could be related to the oil being absorbed by the skin which could contribute to the weight gain as has been reported in other studies and/or it could be related to increased vagal activity leading to greater gastric motility resulting in more efficient food absorption, as we have shown in an earlier study
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Music Abstracts
Allergy
Kimata, H. (2003). Listening to mozart reduces allergic skin wheal responses and in vitro allergen-specific IgE production in atopic dermatitis patients with latex allergy. Behavioral Medicine, 29, 15-19.
METHODS: Atopic dermatitis patients with latex allergy listened to Mozart and Beethoven. RESULTS: Listening to Mozart reduced skin wheal responses also decreased in vitro total IgE with concomitant skewing of the cytokine pattern toward the Th1 type, that is, an increase in Th1 cytokine production and decrease in Th2 cytokine production by peripheral blood mononuclear cells.
Anxiety
Yang, C.Y., Chen, C.H., Chu, H., Chen, W.C., Lee, T.Y., Chen, S.G., & Chou, K.R. (2011). The effect of music therapy on hospitalized psychiatric patients’ anxiety, finger temperature and electroencephalography: a randomized clinical trial. Biological Research for Nursing, Epub ahead of print.
METHODS: Hospitalized psychiatric patients were randomly assigned to a music or a control group. The experimental group received music therapy for 30 minutes each morning for 11 days. The Beck Anxiety Inventory was given and skin temperature and brain waves were monitored before, during, and after music therapy. RESULTS: The music group participants had lower scores on the BAI than control participants, after the music therapy and at 1-week follow-up. The music group had increased alpha EEG percentage and a decreased beta EEG percentage after the music therapy, suggesting greater relaxation.
Korhan, E.A., Khorshid, L., & Uyar, M. (2011).The effect of music therapy on physiological signs of anxiety in patients receiving mechanical ventilatory support. Journal of Clinical Nursing, 20, 7-8.METHODS: Intensive care unit patients were randomized to a control group or a group who received 60 minutes of classical music. Physiological signs were taken immediately before the intervention and at the 30th, 60th and 90th minutes of the intervention. RESULTS: The music group had significantly lower respiratory rates, and systolic and diastolic blood pressure than the control group. This decrease improved progressively in the 30th, 60th and 90th minutes of the intervention, indicating a cumulative dose effect.
Cooke, M., Chaboyer, W., Schluter, P. & Hiratos, M. (2005). The effect of music on preoperative anxiety in day surgery. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 52, 47-55.METHODS: A randomized controlled trial design was conducted to assess anxiety before and after listening to patient preferred music. RESULTS: Music reduced anxiety.
Haun, M., Mainous, R.O. & Looney, S.W. (2001). Effect of music on anxiety of women awaiting breast biopsy. Behavioral Medicine, 27, 127-132.METHODS: this study investigated the effect of music on the state anxiety of a sample of 20 patients awaiting breast biopsy. The experimental group was given a 20-minute music-based intervention in a preoperative holding area. RESULTS: Posttest state anxiety and respiratory rates of the patients in the experimental group were significantly lower than those of the patients in the control group.
Hernandez-Ruiz, E. (2005). Effect of music therapy on the anxiety levels and sleep patterns of abused women in shelters. Journal of Music Therapy, 42, 140-158.METHODS: Twenty-eight women residing in two domestic violence shelters in a Midwestern city met with the researcher on five consecutive days for half-hour sessions. The dependent variables included: state anxiety measured by the STAI on the first and last sessions, and levels of fatigue as measured by the Fatigue Scale at waking time. The independent variable was a 20-minute recording of participant-selected music with a Progressive Muscle Relaxation script. RESULTS: Music therapy reduced anxiety levels and improved sleep quality for the experimental group.
Holm, L. & Fitzmaurice, L. (2008). Emergency department waiting room stress: can music or aromatherapy improve anxiety scores? Pediatric Emergency Care, 24, 836-838.METHODS: Adults accompanying children to the emergency department were assigned to no intervention, music, aromatherapy, and both music and aromatherapy. RESULTS: Anxiety levels decreased on those days when music was playing.
Lee, O. K., Chung, Y. F., & Chan, W. M. (2005). Music and its effect on the physiological responses and anxiety levels of patients receiving mechanical ventilation: a pilot study. Journal of Clinical Nursing, 14, 609-620.METHODS: Sixty-four subjects were randomly assigned to either 30 minutes of music or a rest period. The subjects were asked to answer the State Trait Anxiety Inventory scale before and after the study period and physiological indices and resting behaviors were recorded before and after the study period in both groups. The subjects� satisfaction with music was also obtained after music intervention. RESULTS: The findings indicate that patients on mechanical ventilation that listened to a single 30-minute session of music showed greater relaxation as manifested by a decrease in physiological indices and increase in comfortable resting behaviors.
Yang, M., Li, L., Zhu, H., Alexander, I.M., Liu, S., Zhou, W., & Ren, X. (2009). Music therapy to relieve anxiety in pregnant women on bedrest: a randomized, controlled trial. The American Journal of Maternal and Child Nursing, 34, 316-323.
METHODS: Pregnant women received music therapy for 30 minutes on 3 consecutive days. Usual care participants had a 30-minute rest on 3 consecutive days. RESULTS: Anxiety levels decreased and physiological responses (vital signs, fetal heart rate) improved in the music group.
Autism
Katagiri, J. (2009). The effect of background music and song texts on the emotional understanding of children with autism. Journal of Music Therapy, 46, 15-31.
METHODS: Students (mean age 11.5 years) with autism were taught four emotions to decode and encode: happiness, sadness, anger, and fear. The treatment consisted of the four conditions: (a) no contact control no purposeful teaching of the selected emotion, (b) contact control teaching the selected emotion using verbal instructions alone, © background music teaching the selected emotion by verbal instructions with background music representing the emotion, and singing songs teaching the selected emotion by singing specially composed songs about the emotion. Participants were given a pretest and a posttest and received 8 individual sessions between these tests. RESULTS: The results indicated that all participants improved significantly in their understanding of the four selected emotions. Background music was significantly more effective than the other three conditions in improving participants’ emotional understanding.
Kim, J., Wigram, T., & Gold, C. (2009). Emotional, motivational and interpersonal responsiveness of children with autism in improvisational music therapy. Autism, 13, 389-409.METHODS: Children with autism were randomly assigned to improvisational music therapy and toy play sessions. RESULTS: Improvisational music therapy produced markedly more and longer events of ‘joy’, ‘emotional synchronicity’ and ‘initiation of engagement’ behaviours in the children than toy play sessions. In response to the therapist interpersonal demands, ‘compliant (positive) responses’ were observed more in music therapy than in toy play sessions, and ‘no responses’ were twice as frequent in toy play sessions as in music therapy.
Blood Pressure
Chafin, S., Roy, M., Gerin, W. & Christenfeld N. (2004). Music can facilitate blood pressure recovery from stress. British Journal of Health Psychology, 9, 393-403.
METHODS: Participants performed a challenging three-minute mental arithmetic task and then were assigned randomly to sit in silence or to listen to one of several styles of music: classical, jazz or pop. RESULTS: Participants who listened to classical music had significantly lower post-task systolic blood pressure levels than did participants who heard no music.
Jeon, E.Y., Kim, S.Y., & Yoo, H.S. (2009). Effects of music therapy and rhythmic exercise on quality of life, bloodpressure and upper extremity muscle strength in institution-dwelling elderly women. Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing, 39, 829-839.METHODS: 18 elders received music therapy and rhythmic exercise. RESULTS: Music therapy and rhythmic exercise had positive effects on quality of life, especially on vitality, general health, mental health, blood pressure and upper extremity muscle strength.
Brain Injury
Gu�tin, S., Soua, B., Voiriot, G., Picot, M.C., & H�risson, C. (2009). The effect of music therapy on mood and anxiety-depression: An observational study in institutionalized patients with traumatic brain injury. Annals of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine, 52, 30-40.
METHODS: Patients with traumatic brain injury took part in individual, weekly, 1-hour music therapy sessions over a period of 20 weeks. Each session was divided into two 30-minute periods – one devoted to listening to music (receptive music therapy) and the other to playing an instrument (active music therapy). RESULTS: Music therapy improved mood, from the first session onwards. This short-term effect was confirmed by the immediate changes in the scores after music therapy sessions. Music therapy also led to a reduced anxiety and depression from week 10 until the end of the study (week 20).
Breast Feeding
Vianna, M.N., Barbosam A,P., Carvalhaes, A.S., & Cunha, A.J. (2011). Music therapy may increase breastfeeding rates among mothers of premature newborns: a randomized controlled trial. Jornal de Pediatria, 1, 87.
METHODS: In a randomized controlled trial, mothers of premature neonates participated in music therapy or a control group. The music therapy sessions were three times a week for 60 minutes. The endpoints were breastfeeding rates at the moment of infant hospital discharge and at follow-up visits (7-15 days, 30 and 60 days after discharge). RESULTS: Breastfeeding was more frequent in the music therapy group at discharge and at the follow-up visits.
Cancer
Li, X.M., Yan, H., Zhou, K.N., Dang, S.N., Wang, D.L., & Zhang, Y.P. (2011). Effects of music therapy on pain among female breast cancer patients after radical mastectomy: results from a randomized controlled trial. Breast Cancer Research Treatment, Epub ahead of print.
METHODS: Breast cancer patients following a mastectomy were randomly assigned to a music or a control group. The intervention group received music therapy from the day after mastectomy to the third admission to hospital for chemotherapy in addition to the routine nursing care, while the control group received only routine nursing care. Pain scores were measured at baseline and at three post-tests. RESULTS: Music therapy reduced the pain scores.
Lin, M.F., Hsieh, Y.J., Hsu, Y.Y., Fetzer, S., & Hsu, M.C. (2011). A randomised controlled trial of the effect of music therapy and verbal relaxation on chemotherapy-induced anxiety. Journal of Clinical Nursing, 20, 988-999.METHODS: Chemotherapy patients were randomized into three groups. The music therapy group received a single, one-hour music session, the verbal relaxation group received 30 minutes of guided relaxation and the control group received usual care. RESULTS: Music therapy had a more positive effect on postchemotherapy anxiety than verbal relaxation and a greater increase in skin temperature. Patients with high anxiety had a greater decrease in postchemotherapy anxiety following music therapy than a normal anxiety subsample.
Burns, D. S., Sledge, R. B., Fuller, L. A., Daggy, J. K., Monahan, P. O. (2005). Cancer patients� interest and preferences for music therapy. Journal of Music Therapy, 42, 185-199.METHODS: The goal of this study was to examine cancer patients� interest in and preferences for using two types of music therapy interventions, music-making and music listening. Sixty-five patients completed the Music Interest Survey in addition to standardized measures of coping, affect, anxiety, and fatigue. RESULTS: Results suggest adult cancer patients are interested in music therapy, especially music listening. Patient interest and preference were associated with negative affect, anxiety, age, and self-efficacy. Findings highlight the need for a comprehensive assessment of patient needs and preferences prior to intervention.
Cardiovascular
Argstatter, H., Haberbosch, W. & Bolay, H. (2006). Study of the effectiveness of musical stimulation during intracardiac catheterization. Clinical Research Cardiology, 95, 514-522.
METHODS: patients waiting for a scheduled cardiac catheterization were randomly allocated to one of three groups: control group (standard care), exposure group (music stimulation during the procedure), or coaching group (additional music therapeutic coaching). Target variables were anxiety and physiological parameters. RESULTS: Music intervention reduced anxiety (STAI-S reduction pre-post: exposure 11 pt, coaching: 4 pt, control: 6). Physiological values and medication did not differ between the groups.
Sendelbach, S., Halm, M., Doran, K., Miller, E.H. & Gaillard, P. (2006). Effects of music therapy on physiological and psychological outcomes for patients undergoing cardiac surgery. Annals of Thoracic Surgery, 81, 205-206.
METHODS: 50 patients received 20 minutes of music (intervention), whereas 36 patients had 20 minutes of rest in bed (control). Anxiety, pain, physiologic parameters, and opioid consumption were measured before and after the 20-minute period. RESULTS: A significant reduction in anxiety and pain was demonstrated in the group that received music compared with the control group, but no difference was observed in systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, or heart rate. There was no reduction in opioid usage in the 2 groups.
Children
Sussman, J.E. (2009). The effect of music on peer awareness in preschool age children with developmental disabilities. Journal of Music Therapy, 46, 53-68.
METHODS: Nine children with a developmental disability participated in the study. Each participant completed 4 small group sessions with the researcher and 2 other research participants. During each session, the children participated in activities targeting peer awareness that incorporated musical and play elements. Behavioral data were recorded representing the children’s sustained and alternating attention towards peers. RESULTS: Children sustained attention towards peers for the longest durations and alternated attention from peer to peer at the highest frequencies during activities that utilized a musical.
Colonoscopy
Ovayolu, N., Ucan, O., Pehlivan, S., Pehlivan, Y., Buyukhatipoglu, H., Savas, M. & Gulsen, M. (2006). Listening to Turkish classical music decreases patients’ anxiety, pain, dissatisfaction and the dose of sedative and analgesic drugs during colonoscopy: a prospective randomized controlled trial. Clinical Research Cardiology, 95, 511-513.
METHODS: Patients undergoing elective colonoscopy were randomized into either listening to music or not listening to music. Anxiolytic and analgesic drugs were given according to the patients’ demand. Medications were monitored and their levels of anxiety were determined using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. Patients’ satisfaction, pain, and willingness to undergo a repeated procedure were assessed using a visual analog scale. RESULTS: The mean dose of sedative and analgesic drugs used in group 1 smaller as compared to group 2 was the anxiety level was lower the satisfaction score was higher and the pain score was lower.
Tam, W.W., Wong, E.L., & Twinn, S.F. (2008). Effect of music on procedure time and sedation during colonoscopy: A meta-analysis. World journal of Gastroenterology, 14, 5336-5343.METHODS: An electronic search in various databases was performed to identify related articles. RESULTS: Listening to music was effective in reducing procedure time and amount of sedation during colonoscopy.
Cognition
Van de Winckel, A., Feys, H., De Weerdt, W. & Dom, R. (2004). Cognitive and behavioural effects of music-based exercises in patients with dementia. Clinical Rehabilitation, 18, 253-260.
METHOD: Fifteen patients attended exercise training for three months, which consisted of daily physical exercises supported by music for 30 min/session. They were compared with a group of 10 control patients, who received an equal amount of attention through daily conversation. The effect on cognition was measured by the Mini-Mental State Examination RESULTS: The exercise group showed a significant improvement in cognition.
Cortisol
Uedo, N., Ishikawa, H., Morimoto, K., Ishihara, R., Narahara, H., Akedo, I., Ioka, T., Kaji, I. & Fukuda, S. (2004). Reduction in salivary cortisol level by music therapy during colonoscopic examination. Hepatogastroenterology, 51, 451-453.
METHOD: The subjects were 29 consecutive patients undergoing colonoscopy while listening to music or while not listening to music. RESULTS: Patients who listened to music during colonoscopy tended to have lower pain scores. Salivary cortisol levels increased significantly less in the group receiving music.
Dementia
Chang, F.Y., Huang, H.C., Lin, K.C., & Lin, L.C. (2010). The effect of a music programme during lunchtime on the problem behaviour of the older residents with dementia at an institution in Taiwan. Journal of Clinical Nursing, 19, 939-948.
METHODS: For eight weeks, residents with dementia were exposed to background music when they had lunch. RESULTS: The music programme reduced physical and verbal aggressive behaviour among the older residents with dementia.
Gu�tin, S., Portet, F., Picot, M.C., Pommi�, C., Messaoudi, M., Djabelkir, L., Olsen, A.L., Cano, M.M., Lecourt, E., Touchon, J. (2009). Effect of music therapy on anxiety and depression in patients with Alzheimer’s type dementia: Randomised, controlled study. Dementia & Geriatric Cognitive Disorders, 28, 36-46.METHODS: Individuals with Alzheimer�s participated in weekly sessions of individual, receptive music therapy. The musical style of the session was chosen by the patient. The control group (n = 15) participated under the same conditions in reading sessions. RESULTS: Significant reductions in anxiety and depression were observed in the music therapy group from week 4 and until week 16. The effect of music therapy was sustained for up to 8 weeks after the end of the treatment period.
Park, H. & Pringle- Specht, J.K. (2009). Effect of individualized music on agitation in individuals with dementia who live at home. Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 35, 47-55.
Depression
Erkkilä, J., Punkanen, M., Fachner, J., Ala-Ruonam, E., Pöntiö, I., Tervaniemi, M., Vanhala, M., & Gold, C. (2011). Individual music therapy for depression: randomized controlled trial. The British Journal of Psychiatry, Epub ahead of print.
METHODS: Depressed patients were randomized to receive individual music therapy plus standard care (20 bi-weekly sessions) or standard care only, and followed up at baseline, at 3 months (after intervention) and at 6 months. Clinical measures included depression, anxiety, general functioning, quality of life and alexithymia. RESULTS: The music group showed greater improvement on depression, anxiety and general functioning at the 3-month follow-up.
Chan, M.F., Chan, E.A., Mok, E., Kwan Tse, F.Y. (2009). Effect of music on depression levels and physiological responses in community-based older adults. International Journal of Mental Health Nursing, 18, 285-294.METHODS: Elderly people received music or standard care. RESULTS: The music group had lower depression scores, blood pressure, heart rate and respiratory rate after 1 month.
Field, T., Martinez, A., Nawrocki, T., Pickens, J., Fox, N. & Schanberg, S. (1998). Music shifts frontal EEG in depressed adolescents. Adolescence, 33, 109-116.METHOD: This study investigated the effects of music on mood state and right frontal EEG activation associated with chronic depression. Fourteen chronically depressed female adolescents listened to rock music for a 23-minute session. These adolescents were compared with a control sample of chronically depressed female adolescents who were simply asked to sit and relax their minds and their muscles for the same time period. EEG was recorded during baseline, music, and post music for three minutes each, and saliva samples were collected before and after the session to determine the effects of the music on stress hormone (cortisol) levels. RESULTS: No group differences or changes were noted for observed or reported mood state. However, cortisol levels decreased and relative right frontal activation was significantly attenuated during and after the music procedure. It was concluded that music had positive effects on the physiological and biochemical measures even though observed and self-reported mood did not change.
Jones NA, Field T. (1999). Massage and music therapies attenuate frontal EEG asymmetry in depressed adolescents. Adolescence, 34, 529-534METHOD: EEG asymmetry, specifically greater relative right frontal activation, is associated with negative affect. Depressed adults show stable patterns of this asymmetry. The present study assessed the effects of massage therapy and music therapy on frontal EEG asymmetry in depressed adolescents. Thirty adolescents with greater relative right frontal EEG activation and symptoms of depression were given either massage therapy (n = 14) or music therapy (n = 16). EEG was recorded for three-minute periods before, during, and after therapy. RESULTS: Frontal EEG asymmetry was significantly attenuated during and after the massage and music sessions.
Tornek A, Field T, Hernandez-Reif M, Diego M, Jones N. (2003). Music effects on EEG in intrusive and withdrawn mothers with depressive symptoms. Psychiatry, 66, 234-243.METHOD: The EEG patterns of 48 intrusive and withdrawn mothers with depressive symptoms were assessed following a 20-minute music session to determine if the music had mood-altering effects. Half the mothers listened to classical music while half listened to rock music. Intrusive mothers were expected to have more positive responses and more symmetrical EEG following the calming classical music, while withdrawn mothers were expected to have a more positive response and symmetrical EEG following the energizing rock music. RESULTS: Although more positive EEGs were noted for rock music in both groups, only the withdrawn mothers showed a significant change in EEG toward symmetry following rock music, and only the intrusive mothers showed a decrease in cortisol levels following the rock music. Their State Anxiety Inventory (STAI) anxiety levels also decreased, while the Profile of Mood States (POMS) depressed mood levels decreased significantly for all four groups following music.
Hsu, W. C., & Lai, H. L. (2004). Effects of music on major depression in psychiatric inpatients. Archives of Psychiatric Nursing, 18, 193-199.METHOD: Patients with major depressive disorder were recruited and listened to their choice of music for two weeks. Depression was measured with the Zung�s Depression Scale before the study and at two weekly posttests. RESULTS: Music resulted in significantly lower depression scores, as depression decreased weekly, indicating a cumulative dose effect.
Elderly
Remington, R. (2002). Calming music and hand massage with agitated elderly. Nursing Research, 51, 317-323.
METHOD: A four group, repeated measures experimental design was used to test the effect of a 10-minute exposure to either calming music, hand massage, or calming music and hand massage simultaneously, or no intervention on the frequency and type of agitated behaviors in nursing home residents with dementia. RESULTS: Each of the experimental interventions reduced agitation more than no intervention. The benefit was sustained and increased up to one hour following the intervention. Physically non aggressive behaviors decreased during each of the interventions.
Hospice
Nakayama, H., Kikuta, F., & Takeda, H. (2009). A pilot study on effectiveness of music therapy in hospice in Japan. Journal of Music Therapy, 46, 160-172.
METHODS: Hospice inpatients, with terminal cancer, experienced 40-minute live session of songs of seasons and the participants’ requests. RESULTS: Cortisol levels decreased after the therapy session. Anxiety and depression decreased.
Low Back Pain
Guetin, S., Coudeyre, E., Picot, M.C., Ginies, P., Graber-Duvernay, B., Ratsimba, D., Banbiervliet, W., Blayac, J. C., & Herisson, C. E. (2005). Effect of music therapy among hospitalized patients with chronic low back pain: A controlled, randomized trial. Annales de Readaptation et de Medecine Physique, 48, 217-224.
METHOD: Sixty-five patients with low back pain were randomized to receive on alternate months standardized physical therapy plus four music therapy sessions between day 1 and day 5 or standardized physical therapy alone. Scores for pain (as measured on a visual analogue scale, disability and anxiety and depression (as measured on the Hospital Anxiety and Depression scale) were collected on day 1, 5 and 12. Pain intensity was also evaluated before and after the music therapy sessions. RESULTS: The therapy sessions during a reduced pain, disability as anxiety and depression.
Mental Illness
Na, H.J., & Yang, S. (2009). Effects of listening to music on auditory hallucination and psychiatric symptoms in people with schizophrenia. Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing, 39, 62-71.
METHODS: Psychoactive patients listened to music for one week. RESULTS: Auditory hallucinations decreased after listening to the music.
Pain
Engwall, M. & Duppils, G.S. (2009). Music as a nursing intervention for postoperative pain: a systematic review. Journal of Periasnesthesia Nursing, 24, 370-383.
REVIEW: A search for scientific articles was conducted using online databases. The results indicated a positive effect of music on postoperative pain. Four studies found that the use of analgesics was lower for the intervention groups.
Nguyen, T.N, Nilsson, S., Hellstr�m, A.L., & Bengtson, A. (2010). Music therapy to reduce pain and anxiety in children with cancer undergoing lumbar puncture: a randomized clinical trial. Journal of Pediatric Oncology Nursing, 27, 146-155.METHODS: Children with leukemia, were randomly assigned to a music group or control group. RESULTS: The results showed lower pain scores and heart and respiratory rates in the music group during and after the lumbar puncture.
Shabanloei, R., Golchin, M., Esfahani, A., Dolatkhah, R., & Rasoulian, M. (2010). Effects of Music Therapy on Pain and Anxiety in Patients Undergoing Bone Marrow Biopsy and Aspiration. Association of periOperative Registered Nurses Journal, 91, 746-751.METHODS: Patients undergoing bone marrow biopsy and aspiration were randomly assigned: one group listened who listened to music during the procedure and one who did not. RESULTS: Participants who listened to music had lower state anxiety and pain levels.
Taghinejad, H., Delpisheh, A., & Suhrabi, Z. (2010). Comparison between massage and music therapies to relieve the severity of labor pain. Women�s Health, 6, 377-381.METHODS: Women experiencing vaginal delivery were randomly assigned to two groups of either massage or music. RESULTS: Women in the massage therapy group had less pain.
Tan, X., Yowler, C.J., Super, D.M., & Fratianne, R.B. (2010). The Efficacy of Music Therapy Protocols for Decreasing Pain, Anxiety, and Muscle Tension Levels During Burn Dressing Changes: A Prospective Randomized Crossover Trial. Journal of Burn Care and Research, [epub ahead of print].METHODS: Inpatients were randomized to receive music therapy and on control days, they received no music. RESULTS: The results showed a decrease in pain levels before, during and after dressing changes on days the patients received music therapy in contrast to control days. Music therapy was also associated with decreased anxiety and muscle tension levels during the dressing changes.
Postpartum Depression
Lee, S.M. (2010).The effects of music therapy on postpartum blues and maternal attachment of puerperal women. Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing, 40, 60-68.
METHODS: Music therapy was provided for a group 40 min, once a day for 8 days. RESULTS: Postpartum blues was lower for the music therapy group and the degree of maternal attachment was higher.
Postoperative Period
Nilsson, U., Unosson, M. & Rawal, N. (2005). Stress reduction and analgesia in patients exposed to calming music postoperatively: A randomized controlled trial. European Journal of Anaesthesiology, 22, 96-102.
METHOD: Seventy-five patients undergoing open hernia repair as day care surgery were randomly allocated to three groups: intraoperative music, postoperative music and silence. RESULTS: There was a significantly greater decrease in the level of cortisol in the postoperative music group vs. the control group after 2 h in the post anesthesia care unit. The postoperative music group had less anxiety and pain and required less morphine after 1 hour compared with the control group. In the postoperative music group the total requirement of morphine was significantly lower than in the control group.
Tse, M. M., Chan, M. F., & Benzie, I. F. (2005). The effect of music therapy on postoperative pain, heartrate, systolic blood pressure and analgesic use following anal surgery. Journal of Pain and Palliative Care Pharmacotherapy, 19, 21-29.METHOD: Fifty-seven patients were assigned to either an experimental or a control group. Music was played intermittently to members of the experimental group during the first 24 hour postoperative period. Pain intensity was measured using the Pain Verbal Rating Scales, RESULTS: Significant decreases in pain intensity over time were found in the experimental group compared to the control group. In addition, the experimental group had a lower systolic blood pressure and heart rate, and took fewer oral analgesics for pain. These findings suggest that music therapy is an effective nonpharmacologic approach for postoperative pain management.
Pregnancy
Yang, M., Li, L., Zhu, H., Alexander, I.M., Liu, S., Zhou, W., & Ren, X. (2009). Music therapy to relieve anxiety in pregnant women on bedrest: A randomized,controlled trial. MCN. The American journal of maternal child nursing, 34, 316-323.
METHODS: Women in the experimental group received music therapy for 30 minutes on 3 consecutive days. Usual care participants had a 30-minute rest on 3 consecutive days. RESULTS: Anxiety levels decreased and physiological responses improved in the intervention group.
Preschoolers
Robb, S.L. (2003). Music interventions and group participation skills of preschoolers with visual impairments: raising questions about music, arousal, and attention. Journal of Music Therapy, 40, 266-282.
METHOD: Children between the ages of 4 and 6 years participated in 4, 30-minute instructional sessions. Two instructional sessions were music-based and two were play-based with the 4 sessions equally distributed across a 2-week period. RESULTS: Attentive behavior was significantly higher during music based-sessions.
Preterm Infants
Keith, D.R., Russell, K., & Weaver, B.S. (2009). The effects of music listening on inconsolable crying in premature infants. Journal of Music Therapy, 46, 191-203.
METHODS: Premature infants classified as inconsolable received a music listening intervention, alternating with days on which no intervention was provided. RESULTS: There was a reduction in the frequency and duration of inconsolable crying, as well as improved physiological measures including heart rate, respiration rate, oxygen saturation, and mean arterial pressure.
Walworth, D.D. (2009). Effects of developmental music groups for parents and premature or typical infants under two years on parental responsiveness and infant social development. Journal of Music Therapy, 46, 32-52.METHODS: Parent-infant dyads attended developmental music groups or a control condition. RESULTS: This study demonstrates the first findings of positive effects of developmental music groups on social behaviors for both premature and full term infants under 2 years old.
Lubetzky, R., Mimouni, F.B., Dollberg, S., Reifen, R., Ashbel, G., & Mandel, D. (2010). Effect of music by Mozart on energy expenditure in growing preterm infants. Pediatrics, 125, 24-28.METHODS: Preterm infants were randomly assigned to a 30-minute period of Mozart music or no music on 2 consecutive days. Metabolic measurements were performed by indirect calorimetry. RESULTS: Resting energy expenditure (REE) was similar during the first 10-minute period of both randomization groups. During the next 10-minute period, infants who were exposed to music had a significantly lower REE.
Sleep
Lai, H.L. & Good M. (2005). Music improves sleep quality in older adults. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 49, 234-44.
METHOD: A randomized controlled trial was used with a two-group repeated measures design. Sixty people aged 60�83 years with difficulty in sleeping were recruited through community leaders and screened using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and Epworth Sleepiness Scale. Participants listened to their choice among six 45-minute sedative music tapes at bedtime for 3 weeks. There were five types of Western and one of Chinese music. RESULTS: Music resulted in significantly better sleep quality in the experimental group, as well as significantly better components of sleep quality: better perceived sleep quality, longer sleep duration, greater sleep efficiency, shorter sleep latency, less sleep disturbance and less daytime dysfunction. Sleep improved weekly, indicating a cumulative dose effect.
de Niet, G., Tiemens, B., Lendemeijer, B., & Hutschemaekers, G. (2009). Music-assisted relaxation to improve sleep quality: meta-analysis. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 65, 1356-1364.METHODS: Data were extracted from five randomized controlled trials with six treatment conditions. RESULTS: Music-assisted relaxation had a moderate effect on the sleep quality of patients with sleep complaints.
Spinal Anesthesia
Lin, P.C., Lin, M.L., Huang, L.C., Hsu, H.C., & Lin, C.C. (2011). Music therapy for patients receiving spine surgery. Journal of Clinical Nursing, 20, 960-968.
METHODS: Patients receiving spinal surgery listened to music from the evening before surgery to the second day after surgery and were compared to a control group. Anxiety and pain were measured with visual analogue scales. RESULTS: The music group had lower scores for both anxiety and pain. One hour after surgery, the mean blood pressure was significantly lower in the music group than the control group.
Maeyama, A., Kodaka, M., & Miyao, H. (2009). Effect of the music-therapy under spinal anesthesia. Masui, 58, 684,691.
METHODS: Patients scheduled for spinal anesthesia, were randomly assigned to a music group, or control. RESULTS: Music-therapy reduced the bispectral index score (BIS) and state anxiety during spinal anesthesia.
Strokes
Forsblom, A., Laitinen, S., S�rk�m�, T., & Tervaniemi, M. (2009).Therapeutic role of music listening in stroke rehabilitation. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, 1169, 426-430.
METHODS: Stroke patients listened to music during stroke rehabilitation. RESULTS: Music relaxed, improved mood, and provided both physical and mental activation during the early stages of recovery from stroke.
Ventilator
Wu, S.J., & Chou, F.H. (2008). The effectiveness of music therapy in reducing physiological and psychological anxiety in mechanically ventilated patients. Hu Li Za Zhi, 55, 35-44.
METHODS: Mechanically ventilated patients participated in a 30-minute music therapy session, while control group patients were asked to rest. RESULTS: Patients in the music group showed decreased anxiety, diastolic pressure, mean arterial pressure and breathing rate.
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Tai Chi Abstracts (2015-2017)
Anxiety
Sharma M, Haider T. Tai Chi as an alternative and complementary therapy for anxiety: a systematic review. J Evid Based Complement Altern Med. 2015;20:143-53.
Method: the studies were non- randomized controlled trials that featured small sample sizes, non-standardized tai chi interventions and many different outcome measures.
Result: Surprisingly, only one paper could be found in the recent literature on tai chi for anxiety. This was a review paper on 17 articles that met inclusion criteria with eight of them being from the US, two from Australia, two from Japan, two from Taiwan and one each from Canada, Spain and China [23]. Reduced anxiety was noted in at least 12 of the studies reviewed. However, the authors noted several limitations of this body of research.
Arthritis
Callahan LF, Cleveland RJ, Altpeter M, Hackney B. Evaluation of Tai Chi program effectiveness for people with arthritis in the community: a randomized controlled trial. J Aging Phys Act. 2016;24:101-10.
Method: In an assessment of the Arthritis Foundation tai chi program, those with arthritis were randomly to the tai chi group or a waitlist control group.
Result: Following this eight week program balance was improved. At one year improvements in pain, fatigue and stiffness were noted, suggesting long-term effects in at least 30% of those who continued tai chi practice following the end of the program.
Balance
Varghese R, Hui-Chan CW, Bhatt T. Reduced Cognitive-motor interference on voluntary balance control in older Tai Chi practioners. J Geriatr Phys Ther. 2015; Epub ahead of print.
Method: In one study on 10 elderly tai chi practitioners and 10 age matched non-practitioners, the participants were asked to shift their weight to reach a target with and without performing the cognitive task of counting backwards.
Result: The Tai chi practitioners had shorter reaction times and faster movements than the non-tai chi practitioners.
Wayne PM, Hausdorff JM, Lough M, Gow BJ, Lipsitz L, Novak V, Macklin EA, Peng CK, Manor B. Tai Chi training may reduce dual task gait variability, a potential mediator of fall risk, in healthy older adults: cross-sectional and randomized trial studies. Front Hum Neurosci. 2015;9.Method: In a similar dual-task study, tai chi experts and non-experts were compared on their walking time while they performed serial subtractions.
Result: Walking or stride time variability was lower in the tai chi expert group. Walking time variability has been considered a potential mediator of the risk for falling. Although comparisons of tai chi practitioners versus non-practitioners would be expected to reveal greater effects for the practitioners given their greater activity levels, but the two groups may also differ on baseline motivation, physical fitness and other variables, making their comparison tenuous at best.
Zhou J, Chang S, Cong Y, Qin M, Sun W, Lian J, Yao J, Li W, Hong Y. Res Sports Med. 2015;23:302-14.Method: Another way of testing balance is the sway paths both to each side and from the front to the back. In a sway path balance study, a tai chi group was compared to a no regular exercise group.
Result: The tai chi group showed shorter sway paths both forward and back and to each side after 24 weeks of tai chi.
Rahal MA, Alonso AC, Andrusaitis FR, Rodrigues TS, Speciali DS, Greve Jm, Leme LE. Analysis of static and dynamic balance in healthy elderly practitioners of Tai Chi Chuan versus ballroom dancing. Clinics (Sao Paulo). 2015;70:157-61.Method: In one study tai chi was compared to ballroom dancing. In this randomized controlled trial, the tai chi group had a lower sway velocity both with open and with closed eyes on a firm surface as well as a foam surface.
Result: The tai chi group also had faster walking speed and shorter times moving from a sitting to a standing position with less sway in the final standing position.
Yildirim P, Ofluoglu D, Aydogan S, Akyuz G. Tai Chi vs. combined exercise prescription: a comparison of their effects on factors related to falls. J Back Musculoskelet Rehabil. 2015; [Epub ahead of print].Method: In another study, tai chi was compared to regular exercise that was performed three times a week for 12 weeks.
Result: Both exercise groups showed better results on dynamic balance assessments. However, the tai chi group showed better performance on the single leg stance eyes open task and on a survey of activities and fear of falling scale.
Huang Y, Liu X. Improvement of balance control ability and flexibility in the elderly Tai Chi Chuan (TCC) practioners: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Arch. Gerontol Geriatr. 2015;60:233-8.Method: A meta-analysis of seven randomized controlled trials including 1088 participants, tai chi was compared with other interventions.
Result: Tai chi was shown to have significantly shorter time on get up and go, prolonged time on single leg stand and improved balance. Other meta-analyses on a greater number of randomized controlled trials need to be conducted to confirm these data.
Breast Cancer
Pan Y, Yang K, Shi X, Liang H, Zhang F, Lv Q. Tai Chi Chuan exercise for patients with breast cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2015.
Method: In a systematic review/meta-analysis study, nine randomized controlled trials including 322 breast cancer patients met criteria.
Result: .In these trials, comparisons between tai chi and control therapies yielded only changes in upper limb functional mobility. These included increased handgrip dynamometer strength and limb elbow flexion. No differences were noted for pain, IL – 6, physical, social or emotional well-being. It is surprising that IL -6 was the only immune measure common across the studies that met criteria.
Cancer in General
Campo RA, Light KC, O’Connor K, Nakamura Y, Lipschitz D, La Stayo PC, Pappas LM, Boucher KM, Irwin MR, Hill HR, Martins TB, Agarwal N, Kinney AY. Blood pressure, salivary cortisol, and inflammatory cytokine outcomes in senior female cancer survivors enrolled in a Tai Chi Chih randomized controlled trial. J Cancer Surviv. 2015;9:115-25.
Method: A randomized controlled trial of tai chi effects on cancer, specifically senior female cancer survivors, tai chi was compared to a health education class. Tai chi was practiced and the health education classes were held for 60 minutes three times a week for 12 weeks.
Result: The tai chi group had significantly lower systolic blood pressure and cortisol levels at the end of the study. There were, however, no changes in inflammatory cytokines.
Cardio Respiratory Disease
Holmes ML, Manor B, Hsieh WH, Hu K, Lipsitz LA, Li L. Tai Chi training reduced coupling between respiration and postural control. Neurosci Lett. 2016;610:60-5.
Method: In the aging process apparently respiration affects postural sway, and by tai chi improving respiratory function it can also improve postural control. This relationship was shown in a study on a 12 week tai chi intervention versus an educational control group.
Result: While the tai chi training did not alter standing postural control or respiration, the coupling between respiration and postural control was reduced. For some reason as in many other tai chi studies, the sample sizes for the two groups were unequal which may reflect a self-selection bias and which may have contributed to these null findings.
Zheng G, Li S, Huang M, Liu F, Tao J, Chen L. The effect of Tai Chi on cardiorespiratory fitness in healthy adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis. PloS One. 2015;10.Method: A systematic review and meta-analysis 20 studies with 1868 participants. These included systolic and diastolic blood pressure, heart rate, stroke volume, cardio output, lung capacity, cardio respiratory endurance and stair test index.
Result: participants suggested that tai chi had positive effects on the majority of cardio function outcomes.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Qiu ZH, Guo HX, Lu G, Zhang N, He BT, Zhou L, Luo YM, Polkey MI. Physiological responses to Tai Chi in stable patients with COPD. Respir Physiol Neurobiol. 2016;221-30-4.
Method: A randomized controlled study comparing tai chi with treadmill exercise.
Result: COPD has also benefited from tai chi. The respiratory rate during tai chi was significantly lower than during treadmill exercise even though the mean values of oxygen uptake did not differ across the two exercises.
Guo JB, Chen BL, Lu YM, Zhang WY, Zhu ZJ, Yang YJ, Zhu Y. Tai Chi for improving cardiopulmonary function and quality of life in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Clin Rehabil. 2015; Epub ahead of print.Method: A systematic review and meta-analysis on the effects of tai chi on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, 15 articles involving 1354 participants met criteria. Compared to an inactive control group.
Result: Compared to an inactive control group tai chi was more effective in improving exercise on six – minute walking test, on forced expiratory volume in the first second and on forced vital capacity. The tai chi group also scored better on the dyspnea score, fatigue score and total score of the Chronic Respiratory Disease Questionnaire. However, once again, it is not surprising that tai chi effects would be more positive than those of an inactive control group. Future studies need to compare different styles of tai chi or at least compare tai chi with active exercise groups to determine reliable treatment effects.
Cognitive and Physical Function
Zacharia S, Taylor EL, Hofford CW, Brittain DR, Branscum PW. The effect of an 8-week Tai Chi exercise program on physical functional performance in middle-aged women. J Appl Gerontol. 2015;34:573-89.
Method: Several researchers have conducted studies on cognitive and physical functions in various age groups. In a quasi-experimental design with a non-equivalent comparison group, healthy and active women were assigned to a tai chi program (twice a week for 8 weeks) or a control group.
Result: By the end of the program the tai chi group was showing better physical performance.
Sun J, Kanagawa K, Sasaki J, Ooki S, Xu H, Wang L. Tai Chi improves cognitive and physical function in the elderly: a randomized controlled trial. J Phys Sci. 2015;27:1467-71.Method: In a study with an elderly sample, tai chi was provided twice per week for six months and that group was compared to a control group who participated in “other non-athletic activities”.
Result: Assessments made at three and six months suggested that the tai chi group performed better on the Mini–mental state examination, on grip strength and on walking speed.
Lu X, Siu KC, Fu SN, Hui-Chan CW, Tsang WW. Effects of Tai Chi training on postural control and cognitive performance while dual tasking- a randomized clinical trial. J complement Integr Med. 2016; Epub ahead of print.Method: In a randomized controlled study older women were randomly assigned to a 12–form Yang style tai chi training or a general interest class control group.
Result: At the end of 16 weeks the tai chi group showed superior performance on a dual task cognitive exercise and better balance during the dual task condition.
Toa J, Liu J, Egorova N, Chen X, Sun S, Xue X, Huang J, Zheng G, Wang Q ChenL, Kong J. Increased hippocampus-medical prefrontal cortex resting-state functional connectivity and memory function after Tai Chi Chuan practice in elder adults. Front Aging Neurosci. 2016; Epub ahead of print.Method: In a functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) study that measures activation of different parts of the brain and functional connectivity between different parts of the brain, a tai chi group was compared to a qui gong (seated tai chi) group [17].
Result: Both groups showed significant improvement on a memory quotient test, and their fMRIs showed Increased functional connectivity between the hippocampus and the medial prefrontal cortex, suggesting that both forms of exercise may prevent memory decline during the aging process. This, however, was the only study that appeared in the recent literature that compared standing tai chi with sitting tai chi (qui gong), so it is unclear whether standing or sitting tai chi is more effective.
Walsh JN, Manor B, Hausdorff J, Novak V, Lipsitz L, Gow B, Macklin EA, Peng CK, Wayne PM. Impact of short-and long-term Tai Chi mind-body exercise training on cognitive function in healthy adults: results from a hybrid observational study and randomized trial. 2015; 4:38-48.Method: In a study comparing tai chi experts with tai chi–naïve adults, the tai chi experts showed better performance on six cognitive tasks.
Result: Typically, tai chi experts or tai chi practitioners have performed better than tai chi naïve adults which is not surprising.
Zheng G, Liu F, Li S, Huang M, Tao J, Chen L. Tai Chi and the protection of cognitive ability: a systematic review of prospective studies in healthy adults. Am J Prev Med. 2015;49:89-97.Method: A systematic review of nine studies including 632 participants.
Result: The tai chi groups compared to “usual activities groups” showed better performance on several cognitive tasks. The problems with this review are that only five of the nine studies were randomized controlled trials and as many as 12 different tests were used, making it difficult to measure the consistency across studies.
Coronary Heart Disease Risk
Xu F, Letendre J, Bekke J, Beebe N, Mahler L, Lofgren IE, Delmonico MJ. Impact of a program of Tai Chi plus behaviorally based dietary weight loss on physical functioning and coronary heart disease risk factors: a community-based study in obese older women. J Nutr Gerontol Geriatr. 2015;34:50-65.
Method: In a quasi-experimental design, a 16-week tai chi plus a weight loss program were compared to a control group who were asked to maintain their normal lifestyle.
Result: The tai chi group lost weight and improved on body mass index, waist circumference, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure and sit and reach flexibility, suggesting that tai chi can ameliorate coronary heart disease risk.
Demographic
Zamparo P, Zorzi E, Marcantoni S, Cesari P. Is beauty in the eyes of the beholder? Aesthetic quality versus technical skill in movement evaluation of Tai Chi. PLoS One. 2015; 10.
Method: Tai chi practitioners and non-practitioners have viewed videotapes of tai chi sequences.
Result: The practitioners were able to discriminate the technical from the aesthetic components of the actions.
Smith LL, Wherry SJ, Larkey LK, Ainsworth BE, Swan PD. Energy expenditure and cardiovascular responses to Tai Chi Easy. Complement Ther Med. 2015;23:802-5.Method: The exercise intensity of tai chi has been evaluated by oxygen consumption and heart rate.
Result: These cardiorespiratory and energy expenditure measures suggest that tai chi is a low intensity exercise. When the safety of tai chi was evaluated in a systematic review, only 33% of 153 eligible randomized controlled trials (RCTs) included the reporting of adverse events and of those, only 12% overall noted a monitoring protocol for adverse events
Manson JD, Tamim H, Baker J. Barriers and promoters for enrollment to a community-based Tai Chi program for older, low-income, and ethnically diverse adults. J Appl Gerontol. 2015;[Epub ahead of print].Method: These data came from a study in which 87 lower socioeconomic older adults from multiple ethnic backgrounds were interviewed before starting a 16–week tai chi program.
Result: Barriers as well as promoters for participation in tai chi have included physical and mental health, time of day, socialization, accessibility and availability of teachers
Shah S, Ardern C, Tamim H. Predictors of adherence in a community-based Tai Chi program. Can J Aging. 2015;34:237-46.Method: Another study measured adherence to a 16-week tai chi program for multi-ethnic middle-aged and older adults living in a low socioeconomic environment.
Result: In this sample of 210 participants (mean age=68) greater adherence was associated with older age, greater perceived stress, higher education and higher scores on mental and physical scales. In contrast, lower adherence was associated with higher baseline weekly physical activity.
Yang GY, Wang LQ, Ren J, Zhang Y, Li ML, Zhu YT, Luo J, Cheng YJ, Li WY, Wayne PM, Liu JP. Evidence base of clinical studies on Tai Chi: a bibliometric analysis. PLoS One. 2015;10.Method: A bibliometric analysis on 507 tai chi studies included 8% systematic reviews, 50% randomized clinical trials, 18% randomized current controlled clinical studies and 23% single-arm (pre-post) studies. The most frequent diseases/conditions studied were hypertension, diabetes, osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, breast cancer, heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, coronary heart disease, schizophrenia and depression. The primary reason given for practicing tai chi was for health promotion. The most common tai chi style was the Yang style, and typically tai chi was practiced 2 to 3 one-hour sessions per week for 12 weeks. Tai chi was combined with other therapies including medications, physical therapies and health education in 41 % of the studies and was practiced alone in 59% of them.
Result: At least 95% of the studies reported positive effects while 5% of the studies noted uncertain effects, and no serious adverse events were mentioned. These data are highly suggestive, although only half the studies reviewed were randomized clinical trials. This
Diabetes
Hui SS, Xie YJ, Woo J, Kwok TC. Effects of Tai Chi and walking exercises on weight loss, metabolic syndrome parameters, and bone mineral density: a cluster randomized controlled trial. Evid. Based Complement Alternat Med. 2015.
Method: In a study on Hong Kong Chinese adults 374 middle-age diabetes patients were randomly assigned to a 12 week training 45 minutes per day, five days per week of tai chi or self –paced walking or a control group.
Result: Both exercise groups experienced moderate weight loss and significantly improved their waist circumference and fasting blood glucose.
Lee MS, Jun JH, Lim HJ, Lim HS. A systematic review and meta-analysis of Tai Chi for treating type 2 diabetes. Maturitas. 2015;80:14-23.Method: A systematic review revealed mixed findings with four RCTs that compared various types of exercise and tai chi.
Result: Meta-analysis failed to show group differences on fasting blood glucose which was not surprising in that tai chi and exercise frequently have similar effects. However, surprisingly, the meta-analysis of the five RCTs that compared tai chi with antidiabetic medication showed more favorable effects of tai chi than medication on fasting blood glucose. The authors concluded that these tai chi effects on fasting blood glucose in diabetes clearly need replication studies.
breakdown is consistent with that of the current review.
Fear of Falling
Hwang HF, Chen SJ, Lee-Hsieh J, Chien DK, Chen CY, Lin MR. Effects of home-based Tai-Chi and lower extremity training and self-practice on falls and functional outcomes in older fallers from the emergency department- a randomized controlled trial. J Am Geriatr Soc. 2016;64:518-25.
Method: In another randomized controlled trial, home – based tai chi training was compared to lower extremity training in elderly who had fall – related emergency room visits at least six months before being recruited for the study.
Result: After a six month intervention, the tai chi group was less likely to experience any falls, had a longer time to the first fall and a lower number of “fallers “as compared to the lower extremity training group.
Hip Osteoarthritis
Zeng R, Lin J, Wu S, Chen S, Gao H, Zheng Y, Ma H. A randomized controlled trial: preoperative home-based combined Tai Chi and strength training (TCST) to improve balance and aerobic capacity in patients with total hip arthroplasty (THA). Arch Gerontol Geriatr. 2015;60:265-71.
Method: Individuals with hip osteoarthritis were randomly assigned to a tai chi or a control group for six weeks.
Result: After six weeks of the program the tai chi group walked farther in the 6-minute walk test and they were faster in the get up and go test.
Hypertension
Robins JL, Elswick RK Jr, Sturgill J, McCain NL. The effects of Tai Chi on cardiovascular risk in women. Am J Health Promot. 2015; [Epub ahead of print].
Method: A randomized controlled trial that included a waitlist control group and eight weeks of tai chi.
Result: Tai chi led to reduced cardiovascular risk in middle-age women. In this study the cardiovascular-risk women who experienced tai chi had less fatigue and showed a down-regulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines including interferon gamma, tumor necrosis factor, and interleukins 4 and 8. In addition, the women showed increased mindfulness, spiritual thoughts and behaviors and self-compassion.
Sun J, Buys N. Community-based mind-body meditative Tai Chi program and its effects on improvement of blood pressure, weight, renal function, serum lipoprotein, and quality of life in Chinese adults with hypertension. Am J Cardiol. 2015;116:1076-81.Method: A randomized controlled study on adults with hypertension.
Result: Blood pressure and body mass index were reduced, but metabolic syndrome and lipid levels did not improve.
Pan X, Zhang Y, Tao S. Effects of Tai Chi exercise on blood pressure and plasma levels of nitric oxide, carbon monoxide and hydrogen sulfide in real-world patients with essential hypertension. Clin Exp Hypertens. 2015;37:8-14.Method: A study comparing hypertensives receiving tai chi, a hypertensive usual care group and a healthy non-hypertensive group.
Result: Low density lipoprotein cholesterol levels decreased, high density lipoprotein cholesterol levels decreased and both systolic and diastolic blood pressure decreased by the end of the 12 week treatment period. A unique finding was an increase in nitric oxide, which is significant because of its anti-inflammatory effects. Further research is needed to confirm the nitric oxide effects in a larger cohort.
Immune Markers
Irwin MR, Olmstead R, Breen EC, Witarama T, Carrillo C, Sadeghi N, Arevalo JM, Nicassio P, Bootzin R, Cole S. Cognitive behavioral therapy and Tai Chi reverse cellular and genomic markers of inflammation in late-life insomnia: a randomized controlled trial. Biol Psychiatry. 2015;78:721-9.
Method: A randomized controlled trial on tai chi and immune markers, 123 older adults with insomnia were randomly assigned to cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), tai chi or a sleep seminar control group for two hour sessions weekly over a four-month period.
Result: Given that sleep disturbances are associated with inflammation, several pro-inflammatory cytokines were measured. Both the CBT and tai chi groups experienced reduced levels of C-reactive protein, pro-inflammatory cytokines and pro-inflammatory gene expression. These results were surprising inasmuch as CBT is a physically inactive therapy. However, a potential underlying mechanism common to CBT and tai chi may be the facilitation of sleep which would in turn improve immune function in both groups.
Insomnia
Lee LY, Tam KW, Lee ML, Lau NY, Lau JC, Lam CH, Kwan WK, Chan B, Chan PZ. Sleep quality of middle-aged Tai Chi practioners. Jpn J Nurs Sci. 2015;12:27-34.
Method: Comparison of different styles of Tai Chi.
Result: For insomnia, tai chi was surprisingly ineffective. In one study, linear regression analysis suggested that the duration of practicing tai chi and the style of tai chi did not make a significant contribution to sleep quality. In this null finding study, however, most of the participants were good sleepers which would reduce the likelihood of sleep being altered. In addition, it is surprising that the duration of practicing tai chi did not make a difference as longer-term practitioners typically experience greater benefits. Different styles of tai chi are rarely compared, so the finding that different styles did not have different effects needs to be replicated.
Knee Osteoarthitis Pain
Tsai PF, Chang JY, Beck C, Kuo YF, Keefe FJ, Rosengren K. A supplemental report to a randomized cluster trial of a 20-week Sun-style Tai Chi for osteoarthritic knee pain in elders with cognitive impairment. Complement Ther Med. 2015;23:570-6.
Method: For knee osteoarthritis the only recent tai chi papers featured a randomized controlled trial and a review. In the randomized controlled trial, older adults were recruited from eight study sites and then the sites were randomly assigned to participate in either a 20 week Sun – style tai chi or an education program.
Result: The active tai chi groups experienced a greater reduction in pain than the inactive education group.
Field T. Knee osteoarthritis pain in the elderly can be reduced by massage therapy, yoga and Tai Chi: a review. Complement Ther Clin Pract. 2016;22:87-92.Method: In our recent review of tai chi for knee osteoarthritis, pain was assessed by the WOMAC scale in most of the studies reviewed.
Result: Range of motion and range of motion pain are highly affected by knee osteoarthritis, but those measures were not assessed in most of the studies. This was surprising given that tai chi predominantly exercises the hamstrings and quadriceps which are both involved in flexion and extension of the knee. Range of motion and range of motion pain would need to be measured to determine the primary effects of tai chi on knee osteoarthritis.
Lung Cancer
Zhang LL, Wang SZ, Chen HL, Yuan AZ. Tai chi exercise for cancer-related fatigue in patients with lung cancer undergoing chemotherapy: a randomized controlled trial. J Pain Symptom Manage. 2016;51:504-11.
Method: In a randomized controlled trial on tai chi effects on patients with lung cancer undergoing chemotherapy, tai chi was compared with low impact exercise [67]. The groups practiced every other day for one hour for 12 weeks.
Result: At six and at 12 weeks the tai chi group had lower physical fatigue and general fatigue scores, although no differences were noted on the emotional subscale.
Lui J, Chen P, Wang R, Yuan Y, Wang X, Li C. Effect of Tai Chi on mononuclear cell functions in patients with non-small cell lung cancer. BMC Complement Altern Med. 2015;15.Method: A randomized controlled study on tai chi effects on cell functions in lung cancer patients, tai chi was simply compared with a treatment as usual control group. In this study, Tai chi 24 – form was practiced for 60 minutes three times a week for 16 weeks.
Result: Immune cell number and immune cell activity increased in the tai chi group as compared to the control group. Again this finding may result from comparing an active group (tai chi) with an inactive group (treatment as usual), highlighting the importance of comparing active treatment groups to determine the efficacy of tai chi.
Muscle Strength
Zhou M, Peng N, Dai Q, Li HW, Shi RG, Huang W. Effect of Tai Chi on muscle strength of the lower extremities in the elderly. Chin J integr Med. 2015; [Epub ahead of print].
Method: In a study on muscle strength of the lower extremities in the elderly, long-term tai chi practitioners were compared to those who did not practice tai chi.
Result: The strength of several muscle groups including the quadriceps and hamstrings was greater in the tai chi practitioner than the non-practitioner group. Further, muscle strength and the duration of tai chi practice were significantly correlated.
Sun J, Kanagawa K, Sasaki J, Ooki S, Xu H, Wang L. Tai Chi improves cognitive and physical function in the elderly: a randomized controlled trial. J Phys Ther Sci. 2015;27:1467-71.Method: Muscle strength is typically measured in the lower extremities following tai chi, at least two studies have assessed upper limb strength. In one of these studies, elderly participants were randomly assigned to a tai chi group that practiced for six months as compared to a control group who participated in other non-athletic activities.
Result: After 3 months there was no difference between the groups on one leg standing time with eyes open. However, grip strength was greater and both the five minute fast walking speed and 10 minute normal walking speed were significantly greater in the tai chi group.
Lin SF, Sung HC, Li TL, Hsieh TC, Lan HC, Perng SJ, Smith GD. The effects of Tai-Chi in conjunction with thera-band resistance exercise on functional fitness and muscle strength among community-based older people. J Clin Nurs. 2015;24:1357-66Method: Researchers used resistance training with the upper extremities in conjunction with tai chi as compared to a group that did not receive tai chi or resistance exercise. Therabands (wide rubber strips) were used for the resistance training which was held for 60 minutes twice weekly for a period of 16 weeks.
Result: After this training, the intervention group showed a significant increase in muscle strength in both upper and lower extremities. These effects are not surprising inasmuch as the tai chi exercise would be expected to strengthen the lower limbs while the Theraband resistance training is focused on increasing upper limb strength.
Muscular Sclerosis
Azimzadeh E, Hosseini MA, Nourozi K, Davidson PM. Effect of Tai Chi Chuan on balance in women with multiple sclerosis. Complement Ther Clin Pract. 2015;21:57-60.
Method: A randomized controlled study, 36 women with multiple sclerosis were randomly assigned to a tai chi or a control group.
Result: After 12 weeks of twice a week Yang style tai chi sessions, the tai chi group had better balance scores on the Berg balance scale. Unfortunately this was assessed by self-report rather than objectively observed.
Myocardial Infarction
Nery RM, Zanini M, de Lima JB, Buhler RP, da Silveira AD, Stein R. Tai Chi Chuan improves functional capacity after myocardial infarction: a randomized clinical trial. Am Heart J. 2015;169:854-60.
Method: A single–blind randomized controlled clinical trial, patients assigned to the tai chi group participated in three weekly sessions of tai chi for 12 weeks while the control group participated in full–body stretching exercises.
Result: Patients with myocardial infarction typically show decreased peak oxygen consumption. At the end of the study the tai chi group showed a significant increase in peak oxygen consumption while the control group showed a nonsignificant decline.
Obesity with Depression Symptoms
Liu X, Vitetta L, Kostner K, Crompton D, Williams G, Brown WJ, Lopez A, Xue CC, Oei TP, Byrne G, Martin JH, Whiteford H. The effects of Tai Chi in centrally obese adults with depression symptoms. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2015.
Method: In a study on obese people with elevated depression symptoms, 213 participants were randomly assigned to a 24-week tai chi intervention or a waitlist control group.
Result: The tai chi group showed a significant decrease in depression and stress and an increase in leg strength. These improvements were maintained for the tai chi group over the second 12 weeks of follow-up.
Hsu WH, Hsu RW, Lin ZR, Fan CH. Effects of circuit exercise and Tai Chi on body composition in middle-aged and older women. Geriatr Gerontol Int. 2015; 15:282-8.Method: In still another study on body composition, a Yang style tai chi group was compared to an exercise group, with both groups exercising 60 minutes three times per week for 12 weeks.
Result: The tai chi group showed a decrease in systolic blood pressure. However, the exercise group showed greater benefits included increases in basal metabolic rate, total body muscle mass, lean body mass and bone mineral content and decreases in body mass index, body fat and diastolic pressure. These results perhaps are not surprising in that the tai chi group practiced with the same frequency but with only 50 to 60% the intensity of that of the exercise group.
Osteoporosis
Wang H, Yu B, Chen W, Lu Y Yu D. Simplified Tai Chi resistance training versus traditional Tai Chi in slowing bone loss in postmenopausal women. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2015.
Method: one randomized controlled trial and one systematic review on osteoporosis were located. In the randomized controlled trial, 119 postmenopausal women were randomly assigned to a Yang style tai chi resistance training, a traditional tai chi or a routine activity group.
Result: Although the routine activity group had lower L2 – L4 bone density, neither the tai chi nor the resistance training groups experienced bone loss.
Parkinson’s Disease
Zhang TY, Hu Y, Nie ZY, Jin RX, Chen F, Guan Q, Hu B, Gu CY, Zhu L, Jin LJ. Effects of Tai Chi and multimodal exercise training on movement and balance function in mild to moderate idiopathic Parkinson disease. Am J Phys Med Rehabil. 2015;94:921-9.
Method: In still another randomized controlled trial, tai chi was compared to multimodal exercise training and the groups were assessed after 12 weeks of the program.
Result: In this study, both groups improved on movements, balance and on Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale-motor examination scores.
Zhou J, Yin T, Gao Q, Yang XC. A meta-analysis on the efficacy of Tai Chi in patients with Parkinson’s disease between 2008 and 2014. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2015.Method: Meta-analysis, of the aggregated results of 9 studies.
Result: Results favored tai chi on improving motor function and balance. Once again, gate velocity, stride length and quality of life were not affected. However, the authors interpreted these findings cautiously because of the small treatment effects, the methodological flaws of the eligible studies and the insufficient follow-up.
Rheumatoid Arthritis Pain
Shin JH, Lee Y, Kim SG, Choi BY, Lee HS, Bang SY. The beneficial effects of Tai Chi exercise on endothelial function and arterial stiffness in elderly women with rheumatoid arthritis. Arthritis Res Ther. 2015;17.
Method: Given that rheumatoid arthritis is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease, several measures of that risk were taken in a tai chi study on rheumatoid arthritis [53]. Patients were randomly assigned to either a tai chi group receiving once a week sessions for 3 months or a control group who received general information about the benefits of exercise.
Result: Endothelial function increased and arterial stiffness and cholesterol decreased in the tai chi group. Surprisingly, pain was not assessed in this study.
Schizophrenia
Ho RT, Fong TC, Wan AH, Au-Yeung FS, Wong Cp, Ng WY, Chueng IK, Lo PH, Ng SM, Chan CL, Chen EY. A randomized controlled trial on the psychophysiological effects of physical exercise and Tai-Chi in patients with chronic schizophrenia. 2016;171:42-9.
Method: Patients were randomized to tai chi, exercise or waitlist control groups. Both exercise groups received 12 weeks of the intervention and assessments were made at 3 and 6-month follow-ups.
Result: Both exercise groups showed significant decreases in motor deficits and increases in backward digit span, and the exercise group also showed fewer negative schizophrenic symptoms (such as lethargy and apathy) as well as fewer depression symptoms.
Seated Tai Chi
Lee KY, Hui-Chan CW, Tsang WW. The effects of practicing sitting Tal Chi on balance control and eye-hand coordination in the older adults: a randomized controlled trial. Disabil Rehabil. 2015;37:790-4.
Method: In a randomized controlled study on seated tai chi, sitting balance and eye hand coordination were assessed. In this study, the tai chi group was compared to an exercise group who underwent three months of training for a total of 36 sessions including one hour sessions three times per week.
Result: The tai chi group improved on weight shifting while sitting and on maximum reaching distance from the seated position.
Hsu CY, Moyle W, Cooke M, Jones C. Seated Tai Chi versus usual activities in older people using wheelchairs: a randomized controlled trial. Complement Ther Med. 2016;24:1-6.Method: In another seated tai chi randomized controlled study, older people in wheelchairs were randomly assigned to a group receiving seated tai chi versus a group engaging in their usual activity.The tai chi group had 40 minutes of seated tai chi three times a week for 26 weeks.
Result: The seated tai chi group had lower depression scores and higher quality of life scores including general health, physical health, psychological health, and social relations. Unfortunately, once again, only self-report measures were taken.
Spinal Cord Injury Pain
Shem K, Karasik D, Carufel P, Kao MC, Zheng P. Seated Tai Chi to Alleviate and improve quality of life in individuals with spinal cord disorder. J Spinal Cord Med. 2016; [Epub ahead of print].
Method: Seated tai chi has been used with those who have spinal cord injuries. In a single arm study, 26 participants were enrolled for a 12 week seated tai chi course consisting of weekly sessions.
Result: After each session the patients reported less pain, better sense of emotional well-being, mental distraction, physical well-being and a sense of spiritual connection. However, attrition was high with only nine participants completing half of the 12 sessions and once again this was not a randomized controlled study with a comparison group to validate the effects of tai chi on spinal cord injury pain. However, this is a rare example of the use of seated tai chi.
Tsang WW, Gao KL, Chan KM, Purves S, Macfarlane DJ, Fong SS. Sitting Tai Chi improves the balance control and muscle strength of community-dwelling persons with spinal cord injuries: a pilot study. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2015.Method: In another seated tai chi study, patients with spinal cord injuries were given 90 minute sessions two times a week for 12 weeks or assigned to a control group.
Result: At the end of the intervention, the seated tai chi group showed improved dynamic sitting balance and greater hand grip strength. However, the groups did not differ on quality of life measures. Once again, this is a small sample and the groups were not randomly assigned. Further, seated tai chi is rarely practiced, although it would clearly be the tai chi of choice for patients who are immobilized with spinal cord injuries.
Stroke
Zheng G, Huang M, Liu F, Li S, Chen L. Tai Chi Chuan for the primary prevention of stroke in middle-aged and elderly adults: a systematic review. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2015.
Method: In a systematic review 36 eligible studies with a total of 2393 participants were identified.
Result: When the risk factors for stroke were considered, the analysis revealed that tai chi was correlated with lower body weight, body mass index, as well as lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure and lower low density lipoprotein levels even for less than a half year of intervention. However, when tai chi was compared to similar exercises, the primary effect was only lower blood pressure.
Student Stress
Bao X, Jin K. The beneficial effect of Tai Chi on self-concept in adolescents. Int J Psychol. 2015;50:101-5.
Method: A control group comparison, a randomized controlled trial and a systematic review were found in the recent literature on tai chi for student stress (see table 1). In the non-controlled group comparison 160 middle school students were given a one-year tai chi program comprised of 60 minute sessions given five times a week [9].
Result: The tai chi group showed improvement in behavior, intellectual and school status and popularity as well as reduced anxiety as compared to the control group.
Zheng G, Lan X, Li M, Ling K, Lin H, Chen L, Tao J, Li J, Zheng X, Chen B, Fang Q. Effectiveness of Tai Chi on physical and psychological health of college students: Results of a Randomized controlled trial. PLoS. 2015;10.Method: In a study on college students, 206 participants were randomly assigned to a 12-week tai chi group or to a control group that was instructed to continue their original activities.
Result: The tai chi group showed significant improvements in flexibility on the sit and reach test and on balance, and no adverse events were noted.
Webster CS, Luo AY, Krageloh C, Moir F, Henning M. A systematic review of the health benefits of Tai Chi for students in higher education. Prev Med Rep. 2015;3:103-12.Method: A systematic review on tai chi with university students including 68 reports on a sample of 9,263 students.
Result: Four primary and eight secondary outcomes were noted. These included increased flexibility, reduced depression symptoms, decreased anxiety and improved interpersonal sensitivity. The secondary outcomes were improved lung capacity, better balance, faster running time, better quality sleep, reduced symptoms of compulsion, somatization and phobia and decreased hostility. The authors suggested that universities may provide tai chi as a means of promoting the well-being of their students.
Vagal Activity Studies
Wei GX, Li YF, Yue XL, Ma X, Chang YK, Yi LY, Li JC, Zuo XN. Tai Chi Chuan modulates heart rate variability during abdominal breathing in elderly adults. Psych J. 2015; [Epub ahead of print].
Method: A comparison between tai chi practitioners with approximately 20 years’ experience and controls matched by age, sex and education.
Result: Suggested increased vagal activity for the tai chi group and greater balance between parasympathetic and sympathetic activity during tai chi. Vagal activity has been noted to increase even after only five minutes of tai chi exercise by inexperienced individuals.
Fong SS, Wong JY, Chung LM, Yam TT, Chung LM, Lee YM, Chow LP Luk WS, Ng SS. Changes in heart-rate variability of survivors of nasopharyngeal cancer during Tai Chi Qigong practice. J Phys Ther Sci. 2015;27:1577-9.Method: Monitoring of vagal activity.
Result: In this study, during the fourth and fifth minutes of tai chi exercise increased high-frequency power and decreased low-frequency power were noted. It is not clear, however, whether these effects were transient or maintained as the monitoring of vagal activity was too short. It would also be important to compare the effects of tai chi and other forms of exercise on vagal activity.
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Yoga 2015-2017
Arthritis
Cheung C, Park J, Wyman JF. Effects of yoga on symptoms, physical function, and psychosocial outcomes in adults with osteoarthritis: a focused review. Am J Phys Rehabil. 2016;95:139-51.
METHODS: The purpose of this literature review was to evaluate the effects of yoga on osteoarthritis symptoms.
RESULTS: The study found that yoga resulted in decreased pain, swelling and stiffness.
Assessment methods
Birdee GS, Sohl SJ, Wallston K. Development and psychometric properties of the yoga self-efficacy scale (YSES). BMC Complement Altern Med. 2016;16:3.
METHOD: The purpose of this study was to psychometrically evaluate the Yoga Self-Efficacy scale.
RESULTS: The yoga teachers scored significantly higher than the non-teachers. And, the non-significant correlations with gender and income suggested that the scale has good validity and might be used in future studies.
Balance
Nick N, Petramfar P, Ghodsbin F, Keshavarzi S, Jahanbin I. The effect of yoga on balance and fear of falling in older adults. PM R. 2016;8:145-51.
METHODS: In this study individuals were randomly assigned to yoga practice sessions or a control group that received no intervention to test the effects of yoga on balance and fear of falling.
RESULTS: The yoga group performed better on the fall and on the balance scale.
Youkana S, Dean CM, Wolff M, Sherrington C, Tiedemann A. Age Ageing. 2016;45:21-9.METHODS: The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis, six trials involving 307 participants, was to measure the effects of yoga on balance.
RESULTS: The study showed positive effects for balance and for physical mobility.
Barriers to practicing yoga
Brems C, Justice L, Sulenes K, Girasa L, Ray J, Davis M, Freitas J, Shean M, Colgan D. Improving access to yoga: barriers to and motivators for practice among health professions students. Adv Mind Body Med. 2015;29:6-13.
METHOD: The purpose of this study was to study the barriers and motivators to practicing yoga in health professions students.
RESULTS: The barriers given included time, cost, lack of pragmatic information about access to yoga classes and stereotypes related to flexibility, athleticism and typical yoga practitioners. The motivators given included athleticism, health promotion, emotional well-being, seeking pain relief and sense of community.
Beneficial effects
Jiang Q, Wu Z, Zhou L, Dunlop J, Chen P. Effects of yoga intervention during pregnancy: a review for current status. Am J Perinatol. 2015;32:503-14.
METHODS: The purpose of this systematic review of 10 randomized controlled trials was to see the beneficial effects of yoga on pregnant women.
RESULTS: The study suggested that those in the yoga groups had a lower incidence of prenatal disorders, lower levels of pain and stress, higher relationship scores and greater gestational age offspring.
Rakhshani A, Nagarathna R, Mhaskar A, Thomas A, Gunasheela S. Effects of yoga on utero-fetal-placental circulation in high-risk pregnancy: a randomized controlled trial. Adv Prev Med. 2015; [Epub ahead of print].METHODS: The purpose of this study was to measure the effects of yoga on fetal growth measures and uterine artery resistance a yoga group was compared to a group who received standard care plus walking.
RESULTS: The results suggested significantly better growth measures for the fetuses of the yoga group including parietal diameter, femur length, head circumference and fetal weight, and uterine artery resistance was significantly lower in the yoga group, thus suggesting better fetal circulation.
Breast cancer
Peppone LJ, Janeisins MC, Kamen C, Mohile SG, Sprod LK, Gewandter JS, Kirshner JJ, Gaur R, Ruzich J, Esparaz BT, Mustian KM. The effect of YOCAS yoga for musculoskeletal symptoms among breast cancer survivors on hormonal therapy. Breast Cancer Res Treat. 2015;150:597-604.
METHODS: The purpose of this randomized controlled trial was to compare the effects of yoga and usual care on breast cancer survivors.
RESULTS: The study found that in the yoga group musculoskeletal pain was reduced.
Yagli NV, Ulger O. The effects of yoga on the quality of life and depression in elderly breast cancer patients. Complement Ther Clin Pract. 2015;21:7-10.METHODS: The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of yoga versus exercise study on breast cancer patients.
RESULTS: In the study the yoga group showed greater physical activity and less sleep disturbance.
Long Parma D, Hughes DC, Ghosh S, Li R, Trevino-Whitaker RA, Ogden Sm, Ramirez AG. Effects of six months of yoga on inflammatory serum markers prognostic of recurrence risk in breast cancer survivors. Springerplus. 2015;4:143.METHODS: The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of yoga versus exercise study on breast cancer survivors.
RESULTS: The study showed no group differences on decreased body fat.
Ratcliff CG, Milbury K, Chandwani KD, Chaoul A, Perkins G, Nagarantha R, Haddad R, Nagendra HR, Raghuram NV, Spelman A, Arun B, Wei Q, Cohen L. Examining Mediators and moderators of yoga for women with breast cancer undergoing radiotherapy. Integr Cancer Ther. 2016; [Epub ahead of print].METHODS: The purpose of this study was to compare yoga versus a stretching versus a waitlist control group on women with breast cancer undergoing radiotherapy.
RESULTS: At the end of the six treatments the yoga group showed the greatest reduction in depressive symptoms and sleep problems.
Vardar Yagli N, Sener G, Arikan H, Saglam M, Inal Ince D, Savci S, Calik Kutukcu E, Altundag K, Kaya EB, Kutluk T, Ozsik Y. Do yoga and aerobic exercise training have impact on functional capacity, fatigue, peripheral muscle strength, and quality of life in breast cancer survivors? Integr Cancer Ther. 2015; 14:125-32.METHODS: In this study, the effects of yoga compared to an aerobics exercise program (30 minutes a week for six weeks) in breast cancer survivors.
RESULTS: The study showed that both groups showed increased muscle strength and performance on the six minute walk test.
Cancer
Hooke MC, Gilchrist L, Foster L, Langevin M, Lee J. Yoga For Children and adolescents after completing cancer treatment. J Pediatr Oncol Nurs. 2016;33:64-73.
METHODS: The purpose of this study was to analyze the effects of yoga on children and adolescents with pediatric cancer.
RESULTS: After the six week program the children had a significant decrease in anxiety scores.
Cardiovascular conditions ; Prehypertension
Thiyagarajan R, Pal P, Pal GK, Subramanian SK, Trakroo M, Bobby Z, Das AK. Additional benefit of yoga to a standard lifestyle modification on blood pressure in prehypertensive subjects: a randomized controlled study. Hypertens Res. 2015;38:48-55.
METHODS: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of yoga on prehypertensive subjects in a controlled experiment.
RESULTS: The study found that the group partaking in yoga showed significant decrease in systolic and diastolic blood pressure.
Cholesterol
Chu P, Gotink RA, Yeh GY, Goldie SJ, Hunink MM. The effectiveness of yoga in modifying risk factors for cardiovascular disease and metabolic syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Eur J Prev Cardiol. 2016; 23:291-307.
METHODS: The purpose of this systematic review was to find the effects of yoga on people with risks for cardiovascular disease.
RESULTS: The study found that yoga improved systolic and diastolic blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate and waist circumference; as well as improving HDL, LDL, total cholesterol, triglycerides, systolic blood pressure and heart rate.
Cognitive functioning
Luu K, Hall PA. Hatha yoga and executive function: a systematic review. J Altern Complement Med. 2016;22:125-33.
METHODS: Systematic review of 11 published studies on yoga and executive function.
RESULTS: In at least half of these studies significant improvement was noted on executive function tasks following Hatha yoga.
Gothe NP, McAuley E. Yoga and cognition: a meta-analysis of chronic and acute effects. Psychosom Med. 2015;77:784-97.METHODS: In a meta-analysis on the effects of yoga, 15 randomized controlled trial studies were examined for the effects of yoga on cognition.
RESULTS: The strongest effect was noted for attention and processing speed followed by executive function and memory.
Colorectal cancer
Cramer H. Pokhrel B, Fester C, Meier B, Gass F, Lauche R, Eggleston B, Walz M, Michalsen A, Kunz R, Dobos G, Langhorst J. A randomized controlled bicenter trial of yoga for patients with colorectal cancer. Psychoonccology. 2015; [Epub ahead of print].
METHODS: The purpose of this randomized controlled trial was to measure the effects of yoga on patients with colorectal cancer.
RESULTS: In the study, fewer sleep disturbances were noted following the end of the yoga intervention (90 minutes once weekly for 10 weeks) suggesting long-term effects.
Mc Call MC, Ward A, Heneghan C. Yoga in adult cancer: a pilot survey of attitudes and beliefs among oncologists. Curr Oncol. 2015;22:13-9.METHODS: A survey was conducted about oncologists recommending yoga to their cancer patients.
RESULTS: Only a small number of the respondents recommended yoga, claiming that more research was needed to document positive effects of yoga.
Comparison groups
de Maniincor M, Bensoussan A, Smith C, Fahey P, Bourchier S. Establishing key components of yoga interventions for reducing depression and anxiety, and improving well-being: a Delphi method study. BMC Complement Altern Med. 2015;15:85.
METHOD: The purpose of this study was to find the average dosage level of yoga.
RESULTS: On average, the study sessions were 30-40 minutes, 5 times per week for a period of 6 weeks.
Comparison treatment groups
Uebelacker LA, Battle CL, Sutton KA, Magee SR, Miller IW. A pilot randomized controlled trial comparing prenatal yoga to perinatal health education for antenatal depression. Arch Womens Ment Health. 2015; [Epub ahead of print].
METHODS: This study compared the results of prenatal yoga and perinatal health education.
RESULTS: Both groups experienced decreases in depression.
Buttner MM, Brock RL, O’Hara MW, Stuart S. Efficacy of yoga for depressed postpartum women: a randomized controlled trial. Complement Ther Clin Pract. 2015;21:94-100.
METHODS: Study in which postpartum depressed women were randomly assigned to a yoga or waitlist control group, 16 classes over eight weeks.
RESULTS: The study led to a greater decrease in postpartum depression and anxiety and an increase in quality of life.
Cytokines
Rajbhoj PH, Shete SU, Verma A, Bhogal RS. Effect of yoga module on pro-inflammatory cytokines in industrial workers of Ionvla: a randomized controlled trial. J Clin Diagn Res. 2015;9:1-5.
METHODS: The purpose of this randomized controlled trial was to assess the effects of yoga on pro – inflammatory and anti—inflammatory cytokines.
RESULTS: The trial found that the yoga group had a significantly lower level of the pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-1 and a higher level of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10, suggesting better immune function for the yoga group.
Dentists and nurses
Ramamoorthy A, Jeevakarunyam SJ, janardhanan S, Jeddy N, Vasan SA, Raja A, Ikram P. Survey on utility of yoga as an alternative therapy for occupational hazards among dental practioners. J Nat Sci Biol Med. 2015;6:149-52.
METHODS: The purpose of this study was to survey dentist, seeing if they found yoga as a good therapy for reducing their stress.
RESULTS: In this survey study musculoskeletal pain with stress was reported by 47% of the dentists but 53% of the dentists did not consider yoga as an alternative therapy and gave a lack of time as a reason.
Fang R, Li X. A regular yoga intervention for staff nurse sleep quality and work stress: a randomized controlled trial. J Clin Nurs. 2015;24:3374-9.
METHODS: In the study on nurses, 120 nurses were randomly assigned to two groups, a yoga group and a non-yoga group. The yoga group practiced for twenty minutes after work two times per week.
RESULTS: After six months the nurses in the yoga group had better sleep quality and less work stress.
Depression
de Manincor M, Bensoussan A, Smith C, Fahey P, Bourchier S. Establishing key components of yoga interventions for reducing depression and anxiety, and improving well-being: a Delphi method study. BMC Complement Altern Med. 2015; [Epub ahead of print].
METHODS: In the consensus survey, yoga teachers were asked for their recommendations for yoga practice.
RESULTS: The yoga teachers agreed that yoga classes should be on average 30 to 40 minutes, five times per week over six weeks. Postures and breath regulation were considered essential for reducing depression.
Emotional well-being
Gard T, Taquet M, Dixit R, Holzel BK, Lazar SW. Greater widespread functional connectivity of the caudate in older adults who practice kripalu yoga and vipassana meditation than in controls. Front Hum Neurosci. 2015;9:137.
METHODS: The purpose of this study was to measure the connectivity in the brain in correlation with Kripalu yoga practice.
RESULTS: The study found that changes in well-being in result of practicing yoga may relate to greater connectivity between the caudate and other regions of the brain.
Grade school students
Ferreira-Vorkapic C, Feitoza JM, Marchioro M, Simoes J, Kozasa E, Telles S. Are there benefits from teaching yoga at schools? A systematic review of randomized control trials of yoga-based interventions. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2015; [Epub ahead of print].
METHOD: In a grade school study, a literature search revealed nine RCTs on yoga from the years 1982 to 2014 .
RESULTS: The results suggested that the grade school children experienced reduced tension and anxiety and improved self-esteem and mood following yoga
Butzer B, Day D, Potts A, Ryan C, Coulombe S, Davies B, Weidknecht K, Ebert M, Flynn L, Khalsa SB. Effects of a classroom-based yoga intervention on cortisol and behavior in second-and third-grade students: a pilot study. J Evid Based Complement Altern Med. 2015;20:41-9.METHOD: The purpose of this study was to see the effects of yoga on grade school children in a 10 week yoga program.
RESULTS: The study showed a reduction of cortisol levels in the grade school children.
Chia-Liang Dai, Laura A Nabors, Rebecca A Vidourek, Keith A Kin, Ching-Chen Chen. Evaluation of an afterschool yoga program for children. Int J Yoga. 2015;8:160-1.METHOD: The purpose of this study was to see the effects of yoga afterschool in grade school children, after 2 sessions for four weeks.
RESULTS: Majority of the children participating reported positive mood changes, greater relaxation, and greater strength. The children were also able to recall five poses from the yoga sessions.
Richter S, Tietjens M, Ziereis S, Querfurth S, Jansen P. Yoga training in junior primary school-aged children has an impact on physical self-perceptions and problem-related behavior. Front Psychol. 2016;7:203.METHOD: The purpose of this study was to compare yoga to physical skill training.
RESULTS: The study found that there were no differences in movement and cognitive skills between yoga and physical training.
Graduate students
Brems C. A yoga stress reduction intervention for university faculty, staff, and graduate students. Int J Yoga Therap. 2015;25:61-77.
METHOD: The purpose of the study was to see the effects of a 10 week yoga program (90 min sessions) on university graduate students, faculty & staff.
RESULTS: The study found that over the course of the program, stress was reduced in the participants and over 60% of the participants reenrolled.
HeadachesBoroujeni MZ, Marandi SM, Esfarjani F, Sattar M, Shaygannejad V, Javanmard SH. Yoga intervention on blood NO in female migraineurs. Adv Biomed Res. 2015;4:259.
METHODS: In a randomized controlled study on migraine headaches a medication group was compared to a medication plus yoga group who received 12 weeks of yoga training.
RESULTS: The yoga group experienced a significant reduction in headache frequency and severity, although no changes were noted in blood nitric oxide levels.
High school students
Daly LA, Haden SC, Hagins M, Papouchis N, Ramirez PM. Yoga and emotion regulation in high school students: a randomized controlled trial. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2015; [Epub ahead of print].
METHOD: Yoga was compared to physical education in a 16 week study on high school students, using randomized controlled trial design.
RESULTS: The 16 week yoga program, in comparison to physical education led to greater emotional regulation in the yoga group.
Butzer B, van Over M, Noggle Taylor JJ, Khalsa SB. Yoga may mitigate decreases in high school grades. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2015; [Epub ahead of print].METHOD: The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of yoga versus physical education on high school students.
RESULTS: The study found that the grade point average of the students showed a lesser decline on the yoga group compared to the physical education group.
McIlvain SJ, Miller B, Lawhead BA, Barbosa-Leiker C, Anderson A. Piloting yoga and assessing outcomes in a residential behavioural health unit. J Psychiatr Ment Health Nurs. 2015;22:199-207.METHOD: The purpose of this study was to see the effects of an 8 week yoga program (2x per week) on adolescents with behavioral problems.
RESULTS: The study found that the yoga program led to greater sociability and a decrease in behavior problems in the adolescents.
HIV
Agarwal RP, Kumar A, Lewis JE. A pilot feasibility and acceptability study of yoga/meditation on the quality of life and markers of stress in persons living with HIV who also use crack cocaine. J Altern Complement Med. 2015;21:152-8.
METHODS: In this study, individuals with HIV who also used crack cocaine attended 60 minute twice per week yoga sessions for two months and were compared to a no-contact control group.
RESULTS: The yoga group showed improved quality of life and better scores on the perceived stress scale and the impact of events scale, although their cortisol levels did not change.
Mawar N, Katendra T, Bagul R, Bembalkar S, Vedamurthachar A, Tripathy S, Srinivas K, Mandar K, Kumar N, Gupte N, Paranjape RS. Sudarshan Kriya yoga improves quality of life in healthy people living with HIV (PLHIV): results from an open label randomized clinical trial. Indian J Med Res. 2015;141:90-9.METHODS: In this study, the effects of yoga versus the effects of standard care was measured in individuals with HIV.
RESULTS: Significant improvements were noted on all 3 of the health-related domains- the physical, psychological and independence domains.
Naoroibam R, Metri KG, Bhargav H, Nagaratna R, Nagendra HR. Effect of integrated yoga (IY) on psychological states and CD4 counts of HIV-1 infected patients: a randomized controlled pilot study. Int J Yoga. 2016;9:57-61.METHODS: In the study that assessed CD-4 cell counts, integrated yoga sessions were given 60 minutes a day, six days a week for one month and this group was compared to a usual care control group.
RESULTS: The yoga group experienced a significant decrease in depression scores and a significant increase in CD4 cell counts. In contrast, the control group experienced increased depression scores and decreased CD4 cell counts.
Hypertension and blood pressure
Wolff M, Rogers K, Erdal B, Chalmers JP, Sundquist K, Midlov P. Impact of a short home-based yoga programme on blood pressure in patients with hypertension: a randomized controlled trial in primary care. J Hum Hypertens. 2016; [Epub ahead of print].
METHODS: The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of Kundalini yoga to usual self-care.
RESULTS: The study found that after three months of 15 minutes, twice daily, there were no group differences on blood pressure in patients with hypertension.
Cramer H. The efficacy and safety of yoga in managing hypertension. Exp Clin Endocrinol Diabetes. 2016;124:65-70.METHODS: The purpose of this study was to see the effects of yoga in regards to hypertension.
RESULTS: The study found that the average of 10 mmHg reduction in systolic blood pressure and 8mmHg in diastolic blood pressure has been attributed to increased parasympathetic activity and decreased sympathetic activity by increased GABA activity, counteracting the excessive activity of the sympathetic nervous system that has been associated with hypertension.
Intensity and safety
Peters NA, Schlaff RA. Examining the energy cost and intensity level of prenatal yoga. Int J Yoga. 2016;9:77-80.
METHODS: In a study on the intensity level of prenatal yoga, an armband monitor was worn by healthy pregnant women who experienced different intensity yoga poses.
RESULTS: Based on energy expenditure on average 93% of the classes were categorized as sedentary and 7% were considered moderate intensity physical activity.
Polis RL, Gussman D, Kuo YH. Yoga in pregnancy: an examination and fetal responses to 26 yoga postures. Obstet Gynecol. 2015;126:1237-41.METHODS: In a study examining the safety of prenatal yoga, maternal and fetal heart rate and temperature were taken during 26 different yoga poses.
RESULTS: A comparison of the post session with the pre session data showed no change in pregnant women’s heart rate, temperature or fetal heart rate and there were no falls or injuries during the total 650 poses. None of the participants reported fetal movement changes, contractions or vaginal bleeding, thus ensuring the safety of prenatal yoga even as late as 38 weeks gestation.
Irritable bowel syndrome
Shahabi L, Naliboff BD, Shapiro D. Self-regulation evaluation of therapeutic yoga and walking for patients with irritable bowel syndrome: a pilot study. Psychol Health Med. 2016;21:176-88.
METHODS: The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of lyengar yoga and walking between 16-biweekly sessions.
RESULTS: The study found that irritable bowel syndrome severity symptoms decreased for the yoga group, while overall G.I. symptoms decreased for the walking group.
Knee osteoarthritis
Moonaz SH, Bingham CO 3rd, Wissow L, Bartlett SJ. Yoga in sedentary adults with arthritis: effects of a randomized controlled pragmatic trial. 2015; [Epub ahead of print].
METHODS: The purpose of this controlled experiment was to compare the effects of yoga on rheumatoid arthritis over an eight week period, two 60 minute sessions per week.
RESULTS: The study found that the yoga group showed significantly better performance on the six minute walk, on flexibility and on quality of life variables at eight weeks and as long as nine months later.
Multiple sclerosis
Guner S, Inanici F. Yoga therapy and ambulatory multiple sclerosis assessment of gait analysis parameters, fatigue and balance. J Bodyw Mov Ther. 2015;19:72-81.
METHODS: The purpose of this experiment was to test the effects of yoga on individuals with multiple sclerosis.
RESULTS: After 12 weeks of biweekly yoga, significant improvement was noted in fatigue, balance, step length and walking speed.
Ensari l, sandroff BM, Motl RW. Effects of single bouts of walking exercise and yoga on acute mood symptoms in people with multiple sclerosis. Int J MS Care . 2016;18:1-8.METHODS: The purpose of this experiment was to compare the effects of walking and yoga on the mood of people with multiple sclerosis.
RESULTS: The study found that when yoga was compared to walking, both conditions yielded similar reductions in total mood disturbance scores.
Sandroff BM, Hillman CH, Benedict RH, Motl RW. Acute effects of walking , cycling, and yoga exercise on cognition in cognitive processing speed. J Clin Exp Neuropsychol. 2015;37:209-19.METHODS: The purpose of this experiment was to compare the effects of walking and yoga on cognition in cognitive processing speed in people with multiple sclerosis.
RESULTS: The study found that when treadmill walking was compared to yoga, yoga had greater effects on reaction time during a cognitive task
Karbandi S, Gorji MA, Mazloum SR, Norian Aghaei N. Effectiveness of group versus individual yoga exercises on fatigue of patients with multiple sclerosis. N Am J Med Sci. 2015; 7:266-70.METHODS: The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of individual versus group yoga on the fatigue of people with multiple sclerosis.
RESULTS: When the effectiveness of individual versus group sessions were compared there was no significant difference between the conditions on fatigue scores
Neck pain
Dunleavy K, Kava K, Goldberg A, Malek MH, Talley SA Tutag-Lehr V, Hildreth J. Comparative effectiveness of pilates and yoga group exercise interventions for chronic mechanical neck pain: quasi-randomized parallel controlled study. Physiotherapy. 2015; [Epub ahead of print].
METHODS: In a chronic neck pain study Pilates and yoga exercise groups were compared following 12 sessions.
RESULTS: Pilates and yoga were equally effective for decreasing pain and disability, although surprisingly there were no changes on the more objective range of motion and postural measurements.
Osteoporosis
Motorwala ZS, Kolke S, Panchal PY, Bedekar NS, Sancheti PK, Shyam A. Effects of yogasanas on osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. Int J Yoga. 2016;9:44-8.
METHODS: The purpose of this study was to measure the effects of yogasanas on osteoporotic postmenopausal women.
RESULTS: In the study, improvement was noted in the DEXA scan following a 6 month yoga program of weight- bearing and non-weight bearing poses, breathing exercises and meditation.
Kim S, Bemben MG, Knehans AW, Bemben DA. Effects of an 8-month Ashtanga-based yoga intervention on bone metabolism in middle-aged premenopausal women: a randomized controlled study. J Sports Sci Med. 2015;14:756-68.METHODS: The study was a randomized control group design testing the effects of an 8-month Ashtanga yoga program (60 minute sessions twice per week) on middle-aged premenopausal women.
RESULTS: The study showed that the yoga program had a small effect on bone formation but no effects on bone resorption.
Overeating
Medina J, Hopkins L. Powers M, Baird SO, Smits J. The effects of a Hatha yoga intervention on facets of distress tolerance. Cogn Behav Ther. 2015; [Epub ahead of print].
METHODS: A group of 52 females with an overeating disorder were randomly assigned to an 8-week, twice-weekly Hatha yoga group or a waitlist control group.
RESULTS: Participants in the yoga group experienced a greater reduction in “emotional eating”.
Baird SO, Hopkins LB, Medina JL, Rosenfield D, Powers MB, Smits JA. Distress tolerance as a predictor of adherence to a yoga intervention: moderating roles of BMI and body image. Behav Modif. 2016;40:199-217.METHODS: The purpose of this study was to find predictors of adherence to yoga intervention.
RESULTS: Distress tolerance was related to, and believed to be a predictor of adherence to yoga intervention.
Netam R, Yadav RK, Khadgawat R, Sarvottam K, Yadav R. Interleukin-6 vitamin D & diabetes risk- factors modified by a short-term yoga based lifestyle intervention in overweight/obese individuals. Indian J Med Res. 2015;141:775-82.METHODS: The purpose of this study was to see the effects of a 10 day yoga intervention program on the weight loss and BMI of overweight and obese individuals.
RESULTS: By the tenth day the participants showed reduced weight, BMI, waist/hip ratio, blood glucose and pro-inflammatory cytokines including interleukin-6 and neopterin. At a 30-day follow-up weight loss was sustained and systolic blood pressure was also reduced.
Oxidative stress
Krishna BH, Keerthi GS, Kumar CK, Reddy N. Association of leukocyte telomere length with oxidative stress in yoga practioners. J Clin Diagn Res. 2015; [Epub ahead of print].
METHODS: The purpose of this study was to measure the level of oxidative stress in yoga practitioners.
RESULTS: In this study practitioners of two years or more were noted to have higher levels of antioxidants than a control group.
Riley KE, Park CL. How does yoga reduce stress? A systematic review of mechanisms of change and guide to future inquiry. Health Psychol Rev. 2015;15:1-18.METHODS: The purpose of this study was to identify the mechanisms of underlying stress reduction by yoga.
RESULTS: The four biological mechanisms identified were the posterior hypothalamus (the initial point in the cortisol release pathway), elevated cortisol, increased interleukin-6 (as a pro-inflammatory cytokine), and C-reactive protein (another pro-inflammatory cytokine).
Parkinson’s
Sharma NK, Robbins K, Wagner K ,Colgrove YM. A randomized controlled pilot study of the therapeutic effects of yoga in people with Parkinson’s disease. 2015;8:74-9.
METHODS: In a yoga versus control group study, following a twice-weekly 12 week program, the therapeutic effects of yoga in people with Parkinson’s disease was tested.
RESULTS: The study showed significant improvement on the Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale, for diastolic blood pressure and average forced vital capacity.
Ni M, Signorile JF, Mooney K, Balachandran A, Potiaumpai M, Luca C, Moore JG, Kuenze CM, Eltoukhy M, Perry AC. Comparative effect of power training and high-speed yoga on motor function in older patients with Parkinson disease. Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 2016;97:345-354.METHODS: The effects of yoga in two active groups (power training and high-speed yoga) were compared to a non-active control group in older patients with Parkinson’s disease.
RESULTS: After 12 weeks of twice a week classes, both active groups showed significant improvement on balance, single leg stance and postural sway tests with no differences between the active groups.
Perinatal depression and anxiety
Sheffield KM, Woods-Giscombe CL. Efficacy, feasibility, and acceptability of perinatal yoga on women’s mental health and well-being: a systematic literature review. J Holist Nurs. 2015;[Epub ahead of print].
METHOD: The purpose of this systematic review of literature was to see the effects of perinatal yoga on women’s health.
RESULTS: The study suggested that the yoga interventions reduced anxiety and depression.
Gong H, Ni C, Shen X, Wu T, Jiang C. Yoga for prenatal depression: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Psychiatry. 2015;15:14.METHOD: In a meta-analysis study six randomized controlled trials were identified, and the analysis involved comparison groups including prenatal care, exercise, social support and massage.
RESULTS: Depression was significantly lower in the yoga versus the comparison groups.
Physical flexibility
Rachiwong S, Panasiriwong P, Saosomphop J, Widjaja W, Ajjimaporn A. Effects of modified hatha yoga in industrial rehabilitation on physical fitness and stress of injured workers. J Occup Rehabil. 2015; [Epub ahead of print].
METHOD: In a Hatha yoga study on flexibility, Hatha yoga was combined with physical therapy and compared to a physical therapy alone control group.
RESULTS: Following eight weeks of three one-hour sessions per week flexibility of the lower back and the hamstrings, hand grip strength and vital capacity were greater in the yoga plus physical therapy group.
Polsgrove MJ, Eggleston BM, Lockyer RJ. Impact of 10-weeks of yoga practice on flexibility and balance of college athletes. Int J Yoga. 2016;9:27-34.METHOD: The purpose of this study was to measure the flexibility by joint angles after 10 weeks of yoga.
RESULTS: The study showed that in a yoga group versus a non-yoga group there was increased flexibility and balance during different yoga poses including downward dog, upward dog, right foot lunge and the chair pose.
Gothe NP, McAuley E. Yoga is as good as stretching-strengthening exercises in improving functional fitness outcomes: results from a randomized controlled trial. J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci. 2016;71:406-11.METHODS: This study compared yoga to stretching-strengthening exercises through a randomized controlled trial over eight weeks (1 hour, 3 times a week).
RESULTS: The study showed equivalent performance for both groups on measures of balance, strength, flexibility, and mobility.
Posttraumatic stress disorder
Johnston JM, Minami T, Greenwald D, Li C, Reinhardt K, Khalsa SB. Yoga for military service personnel with PTSD: a single arm study. Psychol Trauma. 2015;7:555-62.
METHOD: This study analyzed the effects of yoga practice on military service personnel with PTSD.
RESULTS: The yoga group experienced a significantly greater reduction in PTSD symptoms than a waitlist control group.
Jindani F, Turner N, Khalsa SB. A yoga intervention for posttraumatic stress: a preliminary randomized control trial. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2015; [Epub ahead of print]METHODS: The purpose of this study was to measure the effects of Kundalini yoga on PTSD symptoms.
RESULTS: Kundalini yoga has reduced PTSD symptoms including sleep disturbances, stress and anxiety.
Rhodes A, Spinazzola J, van der Kolk B. Yoga for adult women with chronic PTSD: a long term follow-up study. J Altern Complement Med. 2016; [Epub ahead of print].METHODS: The purpose of this study was to compare yoga to other treatment groups for PTSD symptoms.
RESULTS: The results are not as conclusive; for example, in a comparison between yoga and women’s health education for one hour classes for 10 weeks, both groups showed decreases in PDS symptoms during the first half of treatment, but only the yoga group showed continuing improvements.
Duan-porter W, Coeytaux RR, McDuffe J, Goode A, Sharma P, Mennella H, Nagi A, Williams JW Jr. Evidence map of yoga for depression, anxiety and posttraumatic stress disorder. J Phys Act Health. 2015; [Epub ahead of print].METHODS: Systematic review on randomized controlled trials from 2008 to 2014.
RESULTS: Only two randomized controlled trials were found for PTSD that were high-quality studies, highlighting the need for more conclusive studies on PTSD and yoga.
Potential underlying mechanisms
Vinay AV, Venkatesh D, Ambarish V. Impact of short-term practice of yoga on heart rate variability. Int J Yoga. 2016;9:62-6.
METHODS: Non-controlled study in a pre-post, single arm design yoga was practiced daily for one month under the direction of a yoga instructor to test the impact of short-term practice of yoga on heart rate variability.
RESULTS: At the end of the month the low-frequency (LF) power spectrum was reduced as was the LF/high-frequency (HF) ratio, suggesting greater vagal activity or parasympathetic control.
Lin SL, Huang CY, Shiu SP, Yeh SH. Effects of yoga on stress, stress adaptation, and heart rate variability among mental health professionals—a randomized controlled trial. Worldviews Evid Based Nurs. 2015;12:236-45.METHODS: The purpose of this study was to test the effects of yoga on stress, stress adaptation, and heart rate variability among mental health professionals in a randomized controlled trial, with a yoga group versus the control group.
RESULTS: The yoga group showed reduced work-related stress and a significant increase in heart rate variability (vagal activity) following a 12-week program.
Nagendra H, Kumar V, Mukherjee S. Cognitive behavior evaluation based on physiological parameters among young healthy subjects with yoga as intervention. Comput Math Methods Med. 2015; [Epub ahead of print].METHODS: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the cognitive behavior on physiological parameters among healthy youth in a five-month yoga program (90 minutes per day 6 days per week).
RESULTS: The yoga group versus a control group showed a significant increase in heart rate variability (vagal activity) and a reduction in the LF/HF ratio.
Desai R, Tailor A, Bhatt T. Effects of yoga on brain waves and structural activation: a review. Complement Ther Clin Pract. 2015;21:112-118.
METHODS: In a review of 15 studies on the effects of yoga were analyzed on brain waves and structural changes and activation.
RESULTS: The study found increases in gray matter along with increased amygdala and frontal cortex activation.
Potential underlying mechanisms for pain reduction following yoga
Ferrari ML, Thuraisingam S, von Kanel R, Egloff N. Expectations and effects of a single yoga session on pain and perception. Int J Yoga. 2015;8:154-7.
METHODS: The purpose of this study was to examine pain perception by applying a peg to the middle finger, earlobe and second toe before and after a 60 – minute yoga session
RESULTS: The study showed that while 67% of the yoga participants expected to perceive less pain after a yoga session, only 40% of the participants actually experienced less pain after yoga as compared to before the session.
Premenstrual syndrome
Wu WL, Lin TY, Chu IH, Liang JM. The acute effects of yoga on cognitive measures for women with premenstrual syndromes. J Altern Complement Med. 2015; [Epub ahead of print].
METHODS: In this study cognitive function and EEG recordings were assessed before and after a yoga session in a group of women with premenstrual syndrome.
RESULTS: The study showed that alpha brain waves increased after yoga, suggesting that the participants felt more relaxed after yoga and they performed better with greater accuracy and shorter reaction time on attention tasks.
Spinal mobility and muscle endurance
Grabara M, Szopa J. Effects of hatha yoga exercises on spine flexibility in women over 50 years old. J Phys Ther Sci. 2015;27:361-5.
METHODS: The purpose of this study was to measure spinal mobility in result of a 20 week yoga study (90 minute sessions, once a week).
RESULTS: Both spinal mobility and flexibility of the hamstring muscles were increased by the end of the study.
Shiraishi JC, Bezerra LM. Effects of yoga practice on muscular endurance in young women. Complement Ther Clin Pract. 2016;22:69-73.METHODS: In a muscular endurance study yoga was compared to an inactive control group.
RESULTS: Following 18 sessions (three times per week for one hour per session) muscular endurance was measured in the upper limbs by push-ups and in the abdomen by sit ups. The yoga group, as would be expected, showed greater improvement in both upper limb and abdominal muscle endurance.
Studies on students
Khalsa SB, Butzer B. Yoga in school settings: a research review. Ann N Y Acad Sci. 2016; [Epub ahead of print].
METHODS: In a bibliometric analysis, 47 publications on yoga in school settings were identified.
RESULTS: These studies were conducted primarily in the U.S. (N= 30) and India (N=15). Of the studies conducted from 2010 onward (N= 41), about half were non-randomized controlled trials. And, significant variability was noted in the yoga styles and characteristics including the number and duration of sessions.
Type II diabetes
Chimkode SM, Kumaran SD, Kanhere VV, Shivanna R. J Clin Diagn Res. 2015;9:1-3.
METHODS: The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of yoga on volunteers with type II diabetes, as well as volunteers without type II diabetes.
RESULTS: The study found that fasting and postprandial blood sugar decreased in both type II diabetes and normal volunteers after six months of yoga training.
Innes KE, Selfe TK. Yoga for adults with type 2 diabetes: a systematic review of controlled trials. J Diabetes Res. 2016; [Epub ahead of print].METHODS: The purpose of this study was to analyze the effects of yoga on adults with type II diabetes in a systematic review on randomized controlled trials, in which 25 trials met criteria.
RESULTS: The trials suggested improved glycemic control, lipid levels, oxidative stress, blood pressure and pulmonary and autonomic function.
Singh VP, Khandelwal B, Sherpa NT. Psycho-neuro-endocrine-immune mechanisms of action of yoga in type ll diabetes. Anc Sci Life. 2015;35:12-7.METHODS: The purpose of this study was to analyze the psycho-neuro-endocrine-immune mechanisms of yoga on type II diabetes.
RESULTS: This study found that yoga effects on type II diabetes derive from parasympathetic activation and decreased stress including less HPA axis activation leading to better metabolic and psychological profiles, increased insulin sensitivity and improved glucose tolerance and lipid metabolism.
Yoga practice
Cramer H, Ward L, Steel A, Lauche R, Dobos G, Zhang Y. Prevalence, patterns, and predictors of yoga use: results of a U.S. nationally representative survey. Am J Prev Med. 2016;50:230-5.
METHOD: The purpose of this survey was to see how many people within the U.S. practice yoga & the benefits they believe they gained.
RESULTS: 21 million Americans practiced yoga, mainly young, non Hispanic white, college educated, healthy, living in the west females. They mainly reported an increase in energy, an enhance in immune function, and heart and disease prevention.
Park CL, Braun T, Siegel T. Who practices yoga? A systematic review of demographic, health-related, and psychosocial factors associated with yoga practice. J Behav Med. 2015;38:460-71.
METHOD: The purpose of this systematic review to see who practiced yoga & why.
RESULTS: The most common practitioners of yoga were women who practiced to relieve distress and physical problems, for better health.
Yoga research trends
Jeter PE, Slutsky J, Singh N, Khalsa SB. Yoga a therapeutic intervention: A bibliometric analysis of published research studies from 1967 to 2013. J Altern Complement Med. 2015;21:586-92.
METHOD: The purpose of this bibliometric analysis was to analyze the increase in publications about yoga and what type of research was being done.
RESULTS: There was a 45% increase in studies being randomized controlled trials, 18% being controlled, and 37% being uncontrolled trials.
Yoga safety
Matsushita T, Oka T. A large-scale survey of adverse events experienced in yoga classes. Biopsychosoc Med. 2015;18:9.
METHOD: The purpose of this survey in Japan was to see the adverse effects of yoga on its practitioners.
RESULTS: Close to thirty percent of yoga practitioners noted having undesirable experiences with yoga. However, they were in poor physical condition prior to taking yoga and reported the classes were physically and mentally stressful.
Cramer H, Ward L, Saper R, Fishbein D, Dobos G, Lauche R. The safety of yoga: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Am J Epidemiol. 2015;182:281-93.METHOD: The purpose of this meta-analysis was to see if yoga was in fact a safe practice.
RESULTS: The study found that yoga was just as safe as typical