Effects of Massage on Range of Motion and Flexibility Among Older Adults

FUNDING SOURCE: American Massage Therapy Association Foundation

TIMELINE: October 1, 2000 to December 31, 2001

PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: Patricia Sharpe, PhD (USC-PRC)

CO-INVESTIGATORS: Harriet Williams, PhD (USC-SPH)

This research examines the effects of massage on anxiety, depression, quality of life, sleep, perceived stress, range of motion, flexibility, and balance among older adults, ages 60 and older. The massage intervention combines techniques from classic Swedish massage, Neuromuscular therapy, and myofascial techniques. The attention-control group receives a guided relaxation session. Subjects were randomly assigned to a treatment group that receives four weeks of twice- weekly massage sessions (n = 25) or a control group that receives guided relaxation (n = 24). Data were collected before and after the four-week study period.

PUBLICATIONS:
Sharpe, P.A., Williams, H.G., Granner, M.L., Hobart, M. (2002) Methods for improving the range of motion of older adults. Massage Therapy Journal, Fall, 86-97.