Research notes on the benefits of seated massage in the workplace

Workplace Massage Research

While scientific research into the benefits of seated massage in the

workplace is limited, the following results from studies done in 1996-7

are indicative. The studies were conducted by Dr. Tiffany Field, et.al.,

from the University of Miami, Florida, USA.

Job Stress

Field, T., Ironson, G., Scafidi, F., Nawrocki, T., Goncalves, A., Burman, I., Pickens, J., Fox, N., Schanberg, S., & Kuhn, C. (1996). “Massage therapy reduces anxiety and enhances EEG pattern of alertness and math computations.” International Journal of Neuroscience, 86, 197-205.

Method: Twenty-six adults were given a chair massage and 24 control group adults were asked to relax in the massage chair for 15 minutes, two times per week for five weeks. On the first and last days of the study they were monitored for EEG before, during and after the sessions.

In addition, before and after the sessions they performed math computations, they completed POMS Depression and State Anxiety Scales and they provided a saliva sample for cortisol. At the beginning of the sessions they completed Life Events, Job Stress and Chronic POMS Depression Scales.

Results: Analyses revealed the following:

frontal delta power increased for both groups, suggesting relaxation;
the massage group showed decreased frontal alpha and beta power (suggesting enhanced alertness), while the control group showed increased alpha and beta power;
the massage group showed increased speed and accuracy on math computations while the control group did not change;
anxiety levels were lower following the massage but not the control sessions, although mood state was less depressed following both the massage and control sessions;
salivary cortisol levels were lower following the massage but not the control sessions but only on the first day; and
at the end of the 5 week period depression scores were lower for both groups but the job stress score was lower only for the massage group.

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Cady, S. H., & Jones, G. E. (1997). “Massage therapy as a workplace intervention for reduction of stress.” Perceptual & Motor Skills, 84, 157-158.

Method: The effectiveness of a 15-minute on-site massage while seated in a chair was evaluated for reducing stress as indicated by blood pressure. Fifty-two employed participants' blood pressures were measured before and after a 15-minute massage at work.

Results: Analyses showed a significant reduction in participants' systolic and diastolic blood pressure after receiving the massage.

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Field, T., Quintino, O., Henteleff, T., Wells-Keife, L., & Delvecchio-Feinberg, G. (1997). “Job stress reduction therapies.” Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine, 3, 54-56.

Method: The immediate effects of brief massage therapy, music relaxation with visual imagery, muscle relaxation, and social support group sessions were assessed in 100 hospital employees at a major public hospital.

Results: Each of the groups reported decreases in anxiety, depression, fatigue, and confusion, as well as increased vigor following the sessions. That the groups did not differ on these variables suggests that these particular therapies, when applied for short periods of time, are equally effective for reducing stress among hospital employees.