Effects of a 10-minute back rub on cardiovascular responses in healthy subjects

• Published in: The American journal of Chinese medicine (1979) Vol. 29; no. 1; p. 47
• Main Authors: Boone, T, Tanner, M, Radosevich, A
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Singapore 2001
• Subjects: Adult; Back; Cardiac Output; Cardiovascular Physiological Phenomena; Female; Humans; Male; Massage; Oxygen Consumption; Stroke Volume; Time Factors; Vascular Resistance
• ISSN: 0192-415X; 1793-6853
• DOI: 10.1142/S0192415X0100006X

This study determined the cardiovascular responses to a 10-minute back rub. Twelve healthy, college-age males and females (mean age = 22 years) volunteered to participate as subjects. Using an ABA design, the subjects tested for 10 minutes (Control #1) on a padded plinth lying on one side. During the Treatment period, the back rub was administered, which was followed by Control #2. Oxygen consumption (VO2) was determined via the Medical Graphics CPX/D metabolic analyzer, which also estimated cardiac output (Q) using the CO2 rebreathing (equilibrium) method. A repeated measures ANOVA was performed to statistically compare the cardiovascular responses across the three periods. The back rub, when compared to Control #1, had no significant effect on VO2, but the central and peripheral components of VO2 were changed. Cardiac output was decreased as a result of the decreased stroke volume (SV), as a function of the increased peripheral vascular resistance (PVR). We also found an increase in the extraction of oxygen (a-vO2 diff) in the peripheral tissues. These results indicate that the VO2 response during the back rub was achieved by reciprocal central (SV,Q) and peripheral (a-vO2 diff) adjustments. Following the back rub, (i.e., Control #2 vs. Treatment), the decrease in VO2, VCO2, Ve, and a-vO2 diff appears to indicate that it was effective in inducing relaxation. Since HR, SV, and Q were unchanged, the VO2 response was a result of the decreased a-vO2 diff. Hence, the findings suggest certain positive implications for the health care industry.