Effect of Traditional Thai Massage on Muscle Oxygen Saturation in Low Back Pain Patients: A Preliminary Study

Abstract

Low Back Pain (LBP) is a common disease found in every age that affects daily life. LBP may cause poor posture of the lumbar spine, and decrease muscle performance which leads to muscle fatigue, reduce blood circulation and reduce muscle oxygen saturation. Traditional Thai Massage (TTM) has been used to treat patients with LBP for a long time with some evidence that it could increase muscle flexibility, improve blood circulation and decrease pain. However, its effect on muscle oxygen saturation has not been explored. This study uses one group pretest-posttest design to preliminary determine this effect. Twenty-three subjects (6 males and 17 females) who had non-specific LBP participated. Each of them was measured on muscle oxygen saturation, visual analog scale (VAS) and Sorensen's test before and immediately after having a 15-minute session of TTM. These measures were compared before and after those of a 15-minute rest period. The results showed significantly increase in muscle oxygen saturation (p < 0.01), increase endurance of back extension (p < 0.05), decrease pain intensity (3.46±2.65) (p < 0.01) and decrease anxiety level (4.04±2.30) (p < 0.01) after received TTM. In conclusion, TTM could improve muscle oxygen saturation level, decrease pain intensity, decrease anxiety level and increase the duration of hold while performing back muscle endurance tests.

Acute Effects of Percussive Massage Therapy on Thoracolumbar Fascia Thickness and Ultrasound Echo Intensity in Healthy Male Individuals: A Randomized Controlled Trial

“…The duration of the percussive massage was 15 min. The use of this percussion frequency was based on the fact that a PT of 30 Hz is appropriate for myofascial release [25], and also that previous studies have found a 15 min duration of back massage to be beneficial [26,27]. The researcher placed the massage head vertically on the participants' backs.…”

Effect of computer workstation set-ups on muscle oxygen saturation and perceived fatigue

“…Several studies documented the sensitivity of oxygenation sensor used in this study. For example, Oatyimprai et al [58] found that the percentage of SmO2 immediately increased after the subject received traditional Thai massage due to the improvement in blood flow. In another study, Schlegel and Hiblbauer [59] found that the SmO2 dropped from 55% to 10% during the isometric exercise.…”

The Effect of Foot Massage Applied to Patients With Congestive Heart Failure on Peripheral Edema and Sleep Quality

“…Manipulative approaches applied to the feet can contribute to the resolution of peripheral edema by increasing the blood flow to the kidney and helping the fluid-volume balance in the body 27. Other studies emphasize that therapeutic approaches such as massage are beneficial for circulation 28–30…”

“…27 Other studies emphasize that therapeutic approaches such as massage are beneficial for circulation. [28][29][30] For this reason, it is thought that foot massage can be used as a useful, easy, and side effect-free method in resolving peripheral edema, one of the most common symptoms of heart failure. Also, important information about the course of heart failure can be obtained with the evaluation during the massage application.…”