The Effect of Deep Tissue Massage on Respiratory Parameters in Healthy People

The Effect of Deep Tissue Massage on Respiratory Parameters in Healthy People

Deep tissue massage (DTM), based on deep palpation and elimination of fascia restrictions, can reduce symptoms resulting from fascial disorders. The goal of this study was the analysis of the DTM effect on respiratory parameters in healthy people. People of both sexes living in the city of Cracow were recruited to the study by the authors personally and through social media. An original questionnaire was completed in the presence of the examiner in order to collect the participants characteristics data. Questions about past diseases, previous surgical procedures or injuries, currently taken medications or the level of physical activity were asked to check the inclusion/exclusion criteria. The study involved a group of 40 people divided into two subgroups. The experimental group underwent a single DTM session. Classic massage was performed in the control group. Before and after treatment the lung vital capacity, chest circumference and oxygen saturation were measured and a spirometry test was performed. The main hypothesis assumed that static respiratory parameters should increase after the treatment session more in the experimental than in control group while the dynamic respiratory parameters would not differ significantly in both groups before and after treatment.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Physical activity of minimum 30 min. duration, at least 3 times a week.
2. No chest injuries.
3. No contraindications for DTM/classic massage.
4. No serious diseases of the respiratory and/or cardiovascular systems.
5. No tobacco products smoking (incl.e-smoking).
6. No posture defects that could affect the chest mobility.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Contraindications to DTM/classic massage of the chest.
2. Occurrence of serious diseases of the respiratory/cardiovascular system now or in the past.
3. Lack of or low physical activity (< 30 min min. 3 times per week).
4. Tobacco smoking (incl.e-smoking).
5. Chest injuries.
6. Posture defects that may affect the chest mobility.