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Effects of automated massage chair therapy on mental health and physical health: A comprehensive study
Xin Lee1, Juliana Usman1, Norhamizan Hamzah2
1Department of Biomedical Engineering, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia.
Background And Objective:
Automated massage chair therapy is a non-pharmacological intervention widely believed to enhance wellness, yet evidence regarding its effects remains limited. This 3-part study evaluated the effects of automated massage chair therapy on mental and physical health.
Methods:
In Part 1, 20 moderately stressed students were randomized to receive a 20-minute automated massage chair therapy session followed by a 20-minute control session, or vice versa, with a 48-hour washout period. Blood pressure (BP), heart rate (HR), electroencephalogram (EEG), State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), and Visual Analog Scale (VAS) were measured. In Part 2, 20 hypertensive hospital staff received three 20-minute automated massage chair therapy sessions on alternate days. BP, HR, and skin blood flow (SBF) were measured. In Part 3, 20 hospital staff with chronic low back pain received three 20-minute automated massage chair therapy sessions on alternate days. Electromyogram (EMG) and VAS were measured.
Results:
Automated massage chair therapy significantly reduced diastolic blood pressure (DBP), HR, stress, and anxiety among moderately stressed students. In hospital staff with hypertension, SBF did not change significantly, whereas BP and HR decreased significantly after automated massage chair therapy. In hospital staff with chronic low back pain, low back function improved, and pain was significantly reduced after automated massage chair therapy.
Conclusion:
These findings indicate that automated massage chair therapy may help reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and alleviate low back pain.
