From the National Library of Medicine and the International Journal of Preventative Medicine
Introduction:
Measuring blood pressure is a way to gauge the health of our cardiovascular system. A blood pressure reading of under 120/80 is considered normal, while a reading over 140/90 would be classified as hypertensive. If an individual falls within these two ranges, they could be diagnosed as pre-hypertensive, which is a potential indicator for the development of cardiovascular disease.
Study:
Using a sample of 50 pre-hypertensive women between the ages of 18 and 60, these researchers wanted to test if massage would decrease blood pressure. Participants were separated into two groups- a massage group and control group. Those in the massage group received a brief (10-15 minute) Swedish massage three times a week for three and a half weeks. A member of the research team was in the room to measure their blood pressure. The women in the control group came and laid in a relaxing atmosphere for the same amount of time and number of weeks. However, these participants did not receive any type of massage. Both groups also had their blood pressure taken three days after their last session.
Results:
The researchers found significant differences between both the systolic and diastolic blood pressure of the women in each group.
Women who received massage had significantly lower blood pressure than those who did not. Not only did massage have an immediate effect on blood pressure, but it also lowered blood pressure readings three days after the participant’s last massage.
This means, massage could potentially have long term benefits on blood pressure levels. The results of this study show that massage could be an effective treatment in the lowering or maintenance of blood pressure over time.
Limitations & Further Study:
It is important to note that this study only consisted of pre-hypertensive women, so any implications for any other demographic would need to be studied as well. Looking at the long-term implications for massage on blood pressure would also be very useful. Regardless of any limitations that exist in this study, these results are very promising when it comes to using massage as a potential treatment for elevated blood pressure.
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