Effect of aroma shiatsu massage therapy on cognitive function in healthy adolescents: A non-randomized controlled...

Cognitive functions are essential to daily life as they encompass the fundamental abilities required for any activity. Despite the importance of cognitive health in adolescents, the effects of aroma shiatsu massage therapy on cognitive function in this age group have not been previously investigated. Thus, the objective of the study was to assess the effect of aroma shiatsu massage therapy on cognitive function in adolescents aged 17-19 years.

A total of 100 healthy adolescents were allocated into study group (SG) (n = 50) and control group (CG) (n = 50). The SG underwent a single 10 min session of aroma shiatsu massage therapy on selected acupuncture points, while CG underwent rest in sitting position for 10 min. Audio reaction time (ART), Visual reaction time (VRT) and Critical flicker fusion frequency (CFFF) were assessed before and immediately after the intervention. Within-group differences were analyzed using the Wilcoxon Signed Ranks Test, and between-group differences were assessed using ANCOVA.

Results of the study showed a significant reduction in ART and VRT (p < 0.05 for both) with no significant changes in CFFF (p = 0.785) in SG, whereas CG showed a significant reduction in VRT (p < 0.05) with no significant changes in ART (p = 0.991) or CFFF (p = 0.648). Moreover, the between group analysis showed no significant change in CFFF, ART and VRT.

A single 10 min session of aroma shiatsu massage therapy showed significant cognitive improvements within the treated group, but these were not significantly different from the control group. However, larger, longer-term studies are needed to confirm these findings.