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Father-infant interactions are enhanced by massage therapy

 Conclusion:
By the end of the study, the fathers who massaged their infants were more expressive and showed more enjoyment and more warmth during floor-play interactions with their infants.

Cullen, C., Field, T., Escalona, A. & Hartshorn, K. (2000). Father-infant interactions are enhanced by massage therapy. Early Child Development and Care, 164, 41-47.

The efficacy of classical massage on stress perception and cortisol following primary treatment of breast cancer

Results:

Compared with the control group, women in the intervention group reported lower mood disturbances and perceived stress levels were reduced after massage therapy.

 Listing, M., Krohn, M., Liezmann, C., Kim, I, Reisshauer, A., Peters, E., Lapp, B.F. & Rauchfuss, M. (2010).

Effects of therapeutic massage on the quality of life among patients with breast cancer during treatment

Methods: Breast cancer patients received a massage for 3 consecutive weeks.

Results: Participants reported lower state anxiety, and improved sleep quality, and quality of life/ function.

Sturgeon, M., Wetta-Hall, R., Hart, T., Good, M., & Dakhil, S. (2009). Effects of therapeutic massage on the quality of life among patients with breast cancer during treatment. Journal of Complementary Medicine, 15, 373-380.

The effects of employer-provided massage therapy on job satisfaction, workplace stress, and pain and discomfort.

Abstract

Long-term care staff have high levels of musculoskeletal concerns. This research provided a pilot program to evaluate the efficacy of employer-funded on-site massage therapy on job satisfaction, workplace stress, pain, and discomfort. Twenty-minute massage therapy sessions were provided. Evaluation demonstrated possible improvements in job satisfaction, with initial benefits in pain severity, and the greatest benefit for individuals with preexisting symptoms. A long-term effect was not demonstrated.

Source Holistic Nursing Practice. 23(1):19-31, 2009 Jan-Feb.

Breast cancer patients have improved immune functions following massage therapy

Results:

The immediate massage therapy effects included reduced anxiety, depressed mood, and anger. The longer-term massage effects included reduced depression and hostility, increased urinary dopamine, serotonin values, natural killer cell number and lymphocytes. Avoidance coping was associated with greater NK cell number and intrusive coping with lower dopamine levels.

 Hernandez-Reif, M., Ironson, G., Field, T., Katz, G., Diego, M., Weiss, S., Fletcher, M., Schanberg, S. & Kuhn, C. (2003). Breast cancer patients have improved immune functions following massage therapy. Journal of Psychosomatic Research, 57, 45-52.

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