Psychophysiological effects of preperformance massage before isokinetic exercise

Sports massage provided before an activity is called pre-event massage. The hypothesized effects of pre-event massage include injury prevention, increased performance, and the promotion of a mental state conducive to performance. However, evidence with regard to the effects of pre-event massage is limited and equivocal. The exact manner in which massage produces its hypothesized effects also remains a topic of debate and investigation. This randomized single-blind placebo-controlled crossover design compared the immediate effects of pre-event massage to a sham intervention of detuned ultrasound. Outcome measures included isokinetic peak torque assessments of knee extension and flexion; salivary flow rate, cortisol concentration, and α-amylase activity; mechanical detection thresholds (MDTs) using Semmes-Weinstein monofilaments and mood state using the Profile of Mood States (POMS) questionnaire. This study showed that massage before activity negatively affected subsequent muscle performance in the sense of decreased isokinetic peak torque at higher speed (p < 0.05). Although the study yielded no significant changes in salivary cortisol concentration and α-amylase activity, it found a significant increase in salivary flow rate (p = 0.03). With the massage intervention, there was a significant increase in the MDT at both locations tested (p < 0.01). This study also noted a significant decrease in the tension subscale of the POMS for massage as compared to placebo (p = 0.01). Pre-event massage was found to negatively affect muscle performance possibly because of increased parasympathetic nervous system activity and decreased afferent input with resultant decreased motor-unit activation. However, psychological effects may indicate a role for pre-event massage in some sports, specifically in sportspeople prone to excessive pre-event tension.     

Interstitial fluid, plasma protein, colloid, and leukocyte uptake into initial lymphatics

Ikomi, Fumitaka, James Hunt, Gayda Hanna, and Geert W. Schmid-Schönbein. Interstitial fluid, plasma protein,colloid, and leukocyte uptake into initial lymphatics.J. Appl. Physiol. 81(5):2060-2067, 1996.Lymphatics serve to remove from the interstitium a range of materials, including plasma proteins, colloid materials, andcells. Lymph flow rates can be enhanced by periodic tissue compressionor venous pressure elevation, but little is known to what degreeenhancement of lymph flow affects material transport. The objective wasto examine the uptake of plasma proteins, a colloidal perflubronemulsion (LA-11063, mean particle diameter = 0.34 µm), and leukocytesinto lymphatics. Prenodal collecting lymphatics in the lower hindlimbof rabbits were cannulated with and without foot massage and afterelevation of venous pressure (40 mmHg). The average lymph flow rateswere elevated ~22-fold by the skin massage but only about threefoldby venous pressure elevation. Lymph-to-plasma protein concentrationratio remained unchanged by the massage but decreased significantlyafter venous pressure elevation. Lymph colloid concentration andleukocyte counts were elevated on average 47 and 8.5 times,respectively, by foot massage, but both decreased after venous pressureelevation. These results suggest that skin movement by massage andelevation of the venous pressure lead to opposite lymph transportkinetics of protein, colloids, and cells. Massage is more effective to enhance material transport out of the interstitium into the initial lymphatics.

     

An analysis of the response in phloem exudation on application of massage to Ricinus

Summary A study, made on the phloem exudation profiles from Ricinus plants given varying degrees of pre-treatment by massage, has revealed that the profiles are governed by sealing systems of considerable complexity. One of the most interesting profiles observed involves an initial rapid escape of sap from a single cut which ceases after several minutes, then recommences and builds up prior to a second slow decline; this has been called the rebleed phenomenon. At least two mechanisms must be postulated to explain this profile satisfactorily.Massage pre-treatment seems to enhance potential exudation quite locally; even half an internode may be treated with little influence on adjacent tissue. The induced build up in potential exudation gradually increased over several days and after suspension of massage declined at a comparable rate. Massage during exudation can be used to stop flow but exudation may recommence after a period, resembling the rebleed exudation profile.     

Circulatory and EEG changes during resuscitation in experiments

In anaesthetized dogs blood pressure (BP), carotid artery flow (CAF), oxygen tension of arterial blood (paO2) and brain surface (bs-pO2), ECG, frequency analyzed EEG were measured and/or recorded. The changes in these parameters were detected before and during ventricular fibrillation with external and direct heart massage as well as after defibrillation. Comparisons were made between the effect of oxygen and room air ventilation. The ratio of successful resuscitation was 88% with direct heart massage and O2 respiration, 76% with external thoracic massage and O2 ventilation, and 68% with external massage combined with room air respiration. The highest BP and CAF could be achieved with direct heart massage. The results suggest that the minimal requirement for success is to achieve a BP of 5 kPa (40 mmHg) and 13 ml/min CAF. In dogs with large and stiff thorax this minimal pressure and flow could not be attained. During effective massage with room air ventilation brain surface pO2 increases moderately, but with O2-respiration it returns to normal. Small or no changes in bs-pO2 indicates unfavourable prognosis. The start bs-pO2 elevation coincides with the reappearance of the first EEG waves, while pO2 increase on the brain surface precedes the normalization of EEG.     

Blood volume as a controlling factor for body water homeostasis inHirudo medicinalis

Summary Raising the blood volume in leeches by blood transfusion from donor leeches resulted in temporarily increased urinary flow. Displacement of the blood within the leech by massage, produced temporarily increased urinary flow in segments with elevated blood volume and seemed to decrease urinary flow in segments with lowered blood volume. It is suggested that blood volume and body water homeostasis are controlled by a feed-back system.     

Use of oxytocin and cloprostenol to facilitate semen collection by electroejaculation or transrectal massage in bulls

Two experiments were conducted with 24 bulls in which semen collection was attempted by transrectal massage (RM) and electroejaculation (EE). In experiment 1, bulls received the following treatments on successive semen collection days: saline 10 min prior to electroejaculation (control); saline 10 min prior to 2 min of transrectal massage followed by electroejaculation; cloprostenol (CLO) 10 min prior to 2 min of transrectal massage followed by electroejaculation; oxytocin (OXY) 10 min prior to 2 min of transrectal massage followed by electroejaculation. Transrectal massage consisted of general, back and forth motion over the ampullae, prostate and urethra with a flattened hand.

In experiment 2, bulls received saline (control), oxytocin, or cloprostenol 10 min before attempting semen collection by transrectal massage. Massage was applied specifically to the ampullae for a maximum of 5 min or until a semen sample was obtained. Electroejaculation was attempted in all bulls following transrectal massage.

In experiment 1, semen was obtained in <1% of bulls by transrectal massage. However, by using an improved massage technique in experiment 2, semen was obtained in 97.2% of attempts. Semen was obtained in 96.9 and 98.9% of attempts by electroejaculation in experiments 1 and 2, respectively.

Oxytocin treatment increased the time to penile protrusion during electroejaculation in experiment 1 and during massage in experiment 2. In experiment 1, oxytocin decreased the time to semen emission and tended to decrease the number of electroejaculation stimuli to semen emission. Cloprostenol treatment, in experiment 1, resulted in an increased number of electroejaculation stimuli to penile protrusion, but did not affect the number of stimuli required for semen emission.

Massage of the ampullae prior to electroejaculation reduced both the time to semen emission and the number of electroejaculation stimuli required for semen emission. Transrectal massage of the ampullae was very effective in this experiment for producing semen emission, but quantity of semen samples was less than for electroejaculation. The usefulness of transrectal massage for semen collection in breeding soundness evaluations needs to be investigated further under field conditions.     

The uses ofAtuna racemosa Raf. (Chrysobalanaceae) in Samoa

The Uses of Atuna racemosaRaf. (Chrysobalanaceae) in Samoa. Economic Botany 58(3):470-475, 2004. An ethnobotanical study was made of the uses ofAtuna racemosa subsp.racemosa (Chrysobalanaceae) in Samoa. The main use is of the cotyledons to extract an anti-inflammatory massage oil and a putty to caulk boats. Minor uses as a medicinal and of the wood are reported and a survey of herbarium material shows that the fruit of Atuna is widely used throughout the Pacific region.     

Massage and stretching reduce spinal reflex excitability without affecting twitch contractile properties

Both stretching and massage can increase range of motion. Whereas the stretching-induced increases in ROM have been attributed to changes in neural and muscle responses, there is no literature investigating the ROM mechanisms underlying the interaction of stretch and massage. The objective of this paper was to evaluate changes in neural and evoked muscle responses with two types of massage and static stretching. With this repeated measures design, 30 s of plantar flexors musculotendinous junction (MTJ) and tapotement (TAP) massage were implemented either with or without 1 min of concurrent stretching as well as a control condition. Measures included the soleus maximum H-reflex/M-wave (H/M) ratio, as well as electromechanical delay (EMD), and evoked contractile properties of the triceps surae. With the exception of EMD, massage and stretch did not significantly alter triceps surae evoked contractile properties. Massage with and without stretching decreased the soleus H/M ratio. Both TAP conditions provided greater H/M ratio depression than MTJ massage while the addition of stretch provided the greatest inhibition. Both massage types when combined with stretching increased the duration of the EMD. In conclusion, MTJ and TAP massage as well as stretching decreased spinal reflex excitability, with TAP providing the strongest suppression. While static stretching prolongs EMD, massage did not affect contractile properties.     

Prevention of postoperative phlebothrombosis by means of pneumatic massage of the extremities in animals]

Thromboembolism may be considered as the most serious complication in the postoperative period. Due to improvements in anaesthesia and postoperative supervision even those patients who are in a bad state of health may be operated upon. The frequency of postoperative phlebothrombosis, however, has increased in recent years. External pneumatic massage of the extremities will speed up the blood flow in the veins and increase the fibrinolytic activity in the vein wall. In animal experiments we could observe a significant decrease of the thrombus size in artificially produced thrombosis in the vena femoralis of dogs, if after thrombus induction the external pneumatic massage was applied.     

Relief of dental pain by ice massage of the hand.

Patients suffering from acute dental pain were treated with ice massage of the web between the thumb and index finger of the hand on the same side as the painful region. Control groups received tactile massage alone or with explicit suggestion that the massage was intended to alleviate their pain. Changes in pain intensity produced by the procedures were measured with the McGill Pain Questionnaire. Ice massage decreased the intensity of the dental pain by 50% or more in the majority of patients. Furthermore, the pain reductions produced by ice massage were significantly larger than those produced by tactile massage alone or with explicit suggestion. The results indicate that ice massage has pain-reducing effects comparable to those of transcutaneous electrical stimulation and acupuncture. The fact that cold signals are transmitted to the spinal cord exclusively by A-delta fibres and not by C fibres provides a potential method for differentiating the various feedback systems that mediate analgesia produced by different forms of intense sensory input. Ice massage provides a simple method for the palliative control of pain in dental clinics.     

Semen characteristics of the quaker parakeet (Myiopsitta monachus)

This report describes characteristics of semen samples collected from eight captive quaker parakeets (Myiopsitta monachus) using the massage technique. Overall, semen characteristics were (mean±SE, range in parentheses, n=8 males): ejaculate volume 1.96±0.26μl (1.02–2.96), sperm concentration 346.6±64.6 million/ml (74.8–579.3), and number of sperm per ejaculate 0.71±0.16 million (0.09–1.53). Significant differences were observed between males for all three semen characteristics. Semen pH for the eight males ranged from 8.05 to 8.5. The semen samples were collected early in the breeding season, so the data reported may not be representative of ejaculates from males in peak breeding condition. However, this study provides the first rigorous semen data from this species and demonstrates that good‐quality semen samples, suitable for artificial insemination, can be collected regularly from quaker parakeets using the massage technique. Zoo Biol 21:507–512, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

Effectiveness of massage therapy for subacute low-back pain: a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND: The effectiveness of massage therapy for low-back pain has not been documented. This randomized controlled trial compared comprehensive massage therapy (soft-tissue manipulation, remedial exercise and posture education), 2 components of massage therapy and placebo in the treatment of subacute (between 1 week and 8 months) low-back pain. METHODS: Subjects with subacute low-back pain were randomly assigned to 1 of 4 groups: comprehensive massage therapy (n = 25), soft-tissue manipulation only (n = 25), remedial exercise with posture education only (n = 22) or a placebo of sham laser therapy (n = 26). Each subject received 6 treatments within approximately 1 month. Outcome measures obtained at baseline, after treatment and at 1-month follow-up consisted of the Roland Disability Questionnaire (RDQ), the McGill Pain Questionnaire (PPI and PRI), the State Anxiety Index and the Modified Schober test (lumbar range of motion). RESULTS: Of the 107 subjects who passed screening, 98 (92%) completed post-treatment tests and 91 (85%) completed follow-up tests. Statistically significant differences were noted after treatment and at follow-up. The comprehensive massage therapy group had improved function (mean RDQ score 1.54 v. 2.86-6.5, p < 0.001), less intense pain (mean PPI score 0.42 v. 1.18-1.75, p < 0.001) and a decrease in the quality of pain (mean PRI score 2.29 v. 4.55-7.71, p = 0.006) compared with the other 3 groups. Clinical significance was evident for the comprehensive massage therapy group and the soft-tissue manipulation group on the measure of function. At 1-month follow-up 63% of subjects in the comprehensive massage therapy group reported no pain as compared with 27% of the soft-tissue manipulation group, 14% of the remedial exercise group and 0% of the sham laser therapy group. INTERPRETATION: Patients with subacute low-back pain were shown to benefit from massage therapy, as regulated by the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario and delivered by experienced massage therapists.     

Physiological Mechanisms of the Effect of Manual Therapy on the Orthostatic Response of the Cardiovascular System

A study was made of the influence of a ten-day course of therapeutic massage of the back and neck and manual therapy of the cervical and thoracic parts and the cervicothoracic transition on the orthostatic response of the cardiovascular system. These procedures considerably decreased the venous inflow, dilated arteries, and weakened the activity of the sympathetic nervous system. A decrease in blood flow in a standing position was compensated for by an increased heart rate.__________Translated from Fiziologiya Cheloveka, Vol. 31, No. 4, 2005, pp. 65–69.Original Russian Text Copyright © 2005 by Isaev, Sabir’yanov, Lichagina, Sabir’yanova.     

经筋推拿治疗颈源性头痛的疗效及对颈椎活动度的影响

目的:探讨经筋推拿治疗颈源性头痛(CEH)的临床疗效,分析其对患者颈椎活动度的影响。方法:选取2017年3月至2017年6月山东省中医院收治的70例CEH患者,按照随机数字表法分为推拿组36例和针刺组34例,推拿组给予经筋推拿治疗,针刺组给予针刺治疗。观察两组治疗前后的疼痛视觉模拟(VAS)评分、头痛积分及颈椎活动度评分,比较两组临床总有效率。结果:推拿组患者治疗后总有效率为97.22%,显著高于针刺组患者82.35%(P0.05)。两组治疗1个疗程后、治疗后1个月的VAS评分、头痛积分、颈椎活动度评分均较治疗前降低,且推拿组低于针刺组(P0.05)。结论:经筋推拿治疗CEH能够缓解疼痛和改善颈椎功能,疗效显著,值得临床推广应用。     

Radial Shock Wave Devices Generate Cavitation

BackgroundConflicting reports in the literature have raised the question whether radial extracorporeal shock wave therapy (rESWT) devices and vibrating massage devices have similar energy signatures and, hence, cause similar bioeffects in treated tissues.ResultsFOPH measurements demonstrated that both rESWT devices generated acoustic waves with comparable pressure and energy flux density. Furthermore, both rESWT devices generated cavitation as evidenced by high-speed imaging and caused mechanical damage on the surface of x-ray film. The vibrating massage device did not show any of these characteristics. Moreover, locomotion ability of C. elegans was statistically significantly impaired after exposure to radial extracorporeal shock waves but was unaffected after exposure of worms to the vibrating massage device.ConclusionsThe results of the present study indicate that both energy signature and bioeffects of rESWT devices are fundamentally different from those of vibrating massage devices.

Clinical Relevance

Prior ESWT studies have shown that tissues treated with sufficient quantities of acoustic sound waves undergo cavitation build-up, mechanotransduction, and ultimately, a biological alteration that “kick-starts” the healing response. Due to their different treatment indications and contra-indications rESWT devices cannot be equated to vibrating massage devices and should be used with due caution in clinical practice.     

EFFECTS OF MASSAGE UNDER HYPOXIC CONDITIONS ON EXERCISE-INDUCED MUSCLE DAMAGE AND PHYSICAL STRAIN INDICES IN PROFESSIONAL SOCCER PLAYERS

Reports based on experiences from masseurs and players, mostly without any scientific background, suggest that the combination of a classical regeneration method (i.e. massage) with exposure to hypoxia may enhance regeneration in soccer. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether this specific combination could affect blood parameters related to muscle damage and physical strain after a soccer game. Approximately 15 hours after two separate championship games, 10 professional male outfield players of the first Austrian division were exposed to normobaric hypoxia (F_iO₂ 13.5% ∼ 4000m) or normoxia for 1 hour (30 minutes rest followed by 30 min massage) (cross-over design). Creatine kinase (CK), urea and uric acid (UA) were measured 4 days before the first game, and 15 and 63 hours after the two games. Match play increased CK values independently of the intervention. No effect of the massage in combination with hypoxia was seen. A trend was found between Δ UA ([UA] 48 hours after exposure minus [UA] before exposure) in response to hypoxia and SaO₂ measured in hypoxia (r=0.612, p=0.06). Results show that massage under hypoxic conditions had no additional positive effect on the measured parameters compared to massage alone. Solely the trend of a relationship for Δ UA and SaO₂ might indicate that redox alterations are a potential consequence of hypoxic exposure.     

中药熏蒸联合推拿治疗腰椎间盘突出症的临床效果

目的：探讨中药熏蒸联合推拿治疗腰椎间盘突出症的临床效果。方法：选择2013 年12 月到2015 年1 月我院收治的112 例 腰椎间盘突出症患者为研究对象,根据治疗方法的不同分为研究组和对照组。对照组给予常规推拿治疗措施,研究组给予常规推 拿措施联合中药熏蒸治疗。比较两组患者的住院时间,下肢放射痛、麻木、腰痛的发生率及临床疗效。结果：研究组患者的住院时 间及下肢放射痛、麻木、腰痛的发生率均较对照组明显缩短或降低,其治疗总有效率为92.9%,显著高于对照组,均有统计学差异 (P＜0.05)。结论：中药熏蒸联合推拿方法治疗腰椎间盘突出症的临床效果优于单一推拿治疗措施,可有效改善患者的临床症状,缩 短疗程,提高治疗有效率,值得临床推广使用。     

Mast cells in the lymphatics of the frog tongue

Summary In Rana catesbiana (10 adults) and Rana nigromaculata (2 adults), a number of mast cells are found within the lymphatics of the tongue. The round mast cells cluster in a monocellular layer in certain parts of the lymphatic walls and are either in close adhesion to the endothelial cells, or in contact with them with a slender cytoplasmic process.Microscopic examination of the lymph taken from the sublingual lymph sac reveals that the mast cells on the lymphatic wall can become free to move into the lymph only by vigorous massage of the tongue. Otherwise the lymph contains only a few free mast cells.The origin of the mast cells in this peculiar, supra-endothelial position is discussed. A figure that might suggest the migration of mast cells from the connective tissue into the lymphatics was encountered only rarely.This work is dedicated to Dr. Berta Scharrer on her 60th birthday.     

Studies on the effect of manual massage of the ovaries on the reproductive activity of the mare

The aim of this study was to determine the influence of hand massage of mares' ovaries on breeding activity and hormonal changes in the winter anestrous period and during the luteal phase of the oestrus cycle. The experiment was conducted on 5 experimental and 5 control mares. In winter, (January) the experimental mares underwent 30-sec daily massage of both ovaries, for 30 d, and in summer (August) from the 6th day of the cycle to the occurrence of estrus. The sexual behavior of all mares was determined each day by individual teasing by a vigorous stallion, and the ovaries were checked by palpation per rectum and with an USG. Every second day blood samples were drawn from each mare to determine progesterone and estradiol in the plasma. Ovarian massage during deep winter anestrus had no significant effect on acceleration of the mares' active breeding season. Nevertheless, a higher concentration of estradiol was observed in the experimental group. These differences occurring on the 11th, 17th and 20th days were found to be significant (P ≤ 0.05). It was shown that during the summer period, in the luteal phase of the cycle, ovarian massage shortened the length of the estrous cycle, and ovulation was brought on somewhat earlier.     

Variations of broncho-alveolar lavage techniques affect cell recoveries

Broncho-alveolar lavage (BAL) has become a routine method of sampling airway and alveolar milieu. Variations of BAL techniques, such as application of chest massage, may have an effect on cell yields. We compared numbers and composition of cells obtained by BAL with and without chest massage from naive rats and from rats infected 7 days earlier with 3,000 larvae of Nippostrongylus brasiliensis. Both techniques revealed significant increases in numbers of agranulocytes and granulocytes after N. brasiliensis infection, but the total yield of cells was 4-5 times greater when massage was used. The use of massage consistently increased the yield of macrophages, but did not result in consistently greater yields of lymphocytes or granulocytes.