MASSAGE THERAPY STUDIES
Aggression
Following a month of two chair massages per week, the
massaged adolescents became less aggressive.
Diego, M., Field, T., Hernandez-Reif, M., Shaw, J., Rothe, E., Castellanos,
D., & Mesner, L. (2002). Aggressive adolescents benefit from massage
therapy. Adolescence, 37, 597-607.
__________
Touching peers during conversations in McDonalds Restaurants occurred
more frequently in Paris than in Miami. In contrast, self-touching and
aggressive behavior occurred more frequently among adolescent peers in
Miami than in Paris.
Field, T. (1999). American adolescents touch each other less and are more
aggressive toward their peers as compared with French adolescents. Adolescence,
34, 753-758.
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Anorexia
Massage therapy reduced anxiety, depressed mood, salivary cortisol
(stress hormone) levels and body dissatisfaction and increased dopamine
levels in women with anorexia.
Hart, S., Field, T. Hernandez-Reif, M., Nearing, G., Shaw, S., Schanberg,
S., & Kuhn, C. (2001). Anorexia symptoms are reduced by massage therapy.
Eating Disorders, 9, 289-299.
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Arthritis
Children with mild to moderate juvenile rheumatoid arthritis
were massaged by their parents 15 minutes a day for 30 days (and a control
group engaged in relaxation therapy). The children’s anxiety and
stress hormone (cortisol) levels were immediately decreased by the massage,
and over the 30-day period their pain decreased on self-reports, parent
reports, and their physician’s reports.
Field, T., Hernandez-Reif, M., Seligman, S., Krasnegor, J. & Sunshine,
W. (1997). Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis: Benefits from massage therapy.
Journal of Pediatric Psychology, 22, 607-617.
__________________________________________________________________________
Asthma
This study showed positive effects of parents massaging their asthmatic
children including increased peak air flow, improved pulmonary functions,
less anxiety and reduced stress hormone (cortisol) in the children. Parental
anxiety also decreased.
Field, T., Henteleff, T., Hernandez-Reif M., Martinez, E., Mavunda, K.,
Kuhn C., & Schanberg S. (1998). Children with asthma have improved
pulmonary functions after massage therapy. Journal of Pediatrics, 132,
854-858.
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Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
Adolescents with ADHD displayed less anxiety, daydreaming behaviors,
inappropriate emotions and hyperactivity, and their conduct improved after
participating in Tai Chi classes.
Hernandez-Reif, M., Field, T., & Thimas, E. (2001). Attention deficit
hyperactivity disorder: benefits from Tai Chi. Journal of Bodywork and
Movement Therapies, 5, 120-123.
__________
Adolescents with ADHD rated themselves as happier and were observed to
fidget less after massage sessions. Also, teachers rated adolescents receiving
massage as less hyperactive and as spending more time on-task.
Field, T., Quintino, O. & Hernandez-Reif, M., & Koslovsky, G.
(1998). Adolescents with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder benefit
from massage therapy. Adolescence, 33, 103-108.
__________
The present study involved 30 children and adolescents between the ages
of 7 and 18 diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
The children were randomly assigned to a wait-list control and a massage
group. Mood state improved for the massage but not the control group based
on smiley face and thermometer scales. The massage group also improved
in classroom behavior in the areas of the Conners Teacher Rating Scales
on anxiety, daydreaming and hyperactivity.
Khilnani, S., Field, T., Hernandez-Reif, M., & Schanberg, S. (2003).
Massage therapy improves mood and behavior of students with attention-deficit/hyperactivity
disorder. Adolescence, 38, 623-38.
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Autism
This study investigated the effects of touch therapy on three problems
commonly associated with autism including inattentiveness (off-task behavior),
touch aversion, and withdrawal. Results showed that touch aversion decreased
in both the touch therapy and the touch control group, off task behavior
decreased in both groups, orienting to irrelevant sounds decreased in
both groups, but significantly more in the touch therapy group, and stereotypic
behaviors decreased in both groups but significantly more in the touch
therapy group.
Field, T., Lasko, D., Mundy, P., Henteleff, T., Talpins, S., & Dowling,
M. (1986). Autistic children's attentiveness and responsitivity improved
after touch therapy. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 27,
329-334.
__________
Children in the massage group exhibited less stereotypic behavior and
showed more on-task and social relatedness behavior during play observations
at school, and they experienced fewer sleep problems at home.
Escalona, A., Field, T., Singer-Strunck, R., Cullen, C., & Hartshorn,
K. (2001). Brief report: improvements in the behavior of children with
autism following massage therapy. Journal of Autism & Developmental
Disorders, 31, 513-516.
_________
Thirty-eight children with autism were given movement therapy in small
groups led by a trained movement therapist. After two months of biweekly
sessions, the children spent less time wandering, more time showing on-task
behavior, less time showing negative responses to being touched, and less
time resisting the teacher than those in the control group.
Hartshorn,K., Olds, L., Field, T., Delage, J., Cullen, C. and Escalona,
A. (2001) Creative movement therapy benefits children with autism. Early
Child and Development and Care,166,1-5.
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Bottle Feeding on Breast-Like Nipples
Infants showed fewer stress behaviors and had greater vagal activity
and more organized feeding patterns during bottle feedings using nipples
that are similar to breast nipples.
Field, T, Schanberg, S., Davalos, M. & Malphurs, J. (1997). Bottlefeeding
with a breast-like nipple. Early Child Development and Care, 132, 57-63.
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Breast Cancer
Massage therapy reduced anxiety and depression and improved immune
function including increased natural killer cell number in women with
breast cancer.
Hernandez-Reif, M., Ironsor, G., Field, T., Hurley, J., Katz, G., Diego,
M., Weiss, S., Fletcher, MA., Shanberg, S and Kuhn, C. (2003) Breast cancer
patients have improve immune and neuroendocrine function following massage
therapy.Journal of Psychosomatic Reseach, 57,45-52.
____________
Women diagnosed with breast cancer received massage therapy or practiced
progressive muscle relaxation (PMR) or received standard treatment. Dopamine
levels, Natural Killer cells, and lymphocytes increased from the first
to the last day of the study for the massage therapy group.
Hernandez-Reif, M., Field, T., Ironson, G., Beutler, J., Vera, Y., Hurley,
J., Fletcher, M., Schanberg, S., Kuhn, S., & Fraser, M. (2005). Natural
killer cells and lymphocytes are increased in women with breast cancer
following massage therapy. International Journal of Neuroscience,115,
495-510.
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Bulimia
Bulimic adolescent girls received massage therapy 2 times a week
for 5 weeks. Effects included an improved body image, decreased depression
and anxiety symptoms, decreased cortisol levels and increased dopamine
and serotonin levels.
Field, T., Shanberg, S., Kuhn, C., Fierro, K., Henteleff, T., Mueller,
C., Yando, R. & Burman, I. (1998). Bulimic adolescents benefit from
massage therapy. Adolescence, 33, 555-563.
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Burn
Massage therapy sessions given prior to debridement (skin brushing)
decreased depression and anger, and the subjects appeared less anxious
during behavior observations and reported less pain. Lower pulse and cortisol
suggested lower stress levels.
Field, T., Peck, M., Krugman, S., Tuchel, T., Schanberg, S., Kuhn, C.,
& Burman, I.(1998). Burn injuries benefit from massage therapy. Journal
of Burn Care and Rehabilitation, 19, 241-244.
_______________
Massage therapy given prior to dressing young children's severe body burns
decreased distress behaviors. Nurses also reported greater ease in completing
the dressing change procedure for the children in the massage group.
Hernandez-Reif, M., Field, T., Largie, S., Hart, S., Redzepi, M., Nierenberg,
B., & Peck, M. (2001). Childrens' distress during burn treatment is
reduced by massage therapy. Journal of Burn Care and Rehabilitation, 22,
191-195.
_______________
Massage therapy given to burn patients reduced itching, pain, and anxiety
and improved mood immediately after the first and last therapy sessions,
and the ratings on these measures improved from the first day to the last
day of the study.
Field, T., Peck, M., Hernandez-Reif, M., Krugman, S., Burman, I., &
Ozment-Schenck, L. (2000). Postburn itching, pain, and psychological symptoms
are reduced with massage therapy. Journal of Burn Care & Rehabilitation,
21, 189-193.
____________________________________________________________________________
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
A daily self-massage for stretching tendons alleviated pain and
increased nerve conducting velocity following one month in adults with
carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS).
Field, T.., Diego, M., Cullen, C., Hartsorn, K., Gruskin, A., Hernandez-Reif,
M. and Sunshine, W. (2004). Carpal Tunnel Syndrome symptons are lessened
fallowing massage therapy. Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies,8,
9-14.
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Cerebral Palsy
Massage therapy helped children with CP reduce spasticity, gain
more muscle flexibility, and motor function and have more positive social
interaction.
Hernandez-Reif, M., Field,T., Largie, S., Diego, M., Manigat, N., Seonares,
J., Bornstein, J and Waldman, R. (2005). Cerebral Palsy Symptoms in children
decreased following massage therapy. Early Child Development and Care,
175, 445-456
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Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Immediately following massage therapy, depressed mood, anxiety
and stress hormone (cortisol) levels were reduced. Following 10 days of
massage therapy, fatigue related symptoms, particularly anxiety and somatic
symptoms, were reduced, as were depression, difficulty sleeping and pain.
Stress hormone (cortisol) also decreased and dopamine increased.
Field, T, Sunshine, W., Hernandez-Reif, M., Quintino, O., Schanberg, S.,
Kuhn, C., & Burman, I. (1997). Chronic fatigue syndrome: Massage therapy
effects on depression and somatic symptoms in chronic fatigue syndrome.
Journal of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, 3, 43-51.
____________________________________________________________________
Cocaine Exposed Newborns
Cocaine exposed newborns had fewer postnatal complications and
showed increased weight gain, and better performance on the Brazelton
Neonatal Behavior Assessment Scale (particularly on the motor scale),
and less stress behaviors following 10 days of massage.
Scafidi, F., Field, T., Wheeden, A., Schanberg, S., Kuhn, C., Symanski,
R., Zimmerman, E., & Bandstra, E. S. (1996). Cocaine exposed preterm
neonates show behavioral and hormonal differences. Pediatrics, 97, 851-855.
_____________
Cocaine-exposed preterm neonates were randomly assigned to a massage therapy
or a control group as soon as they were considered medically stable. The
treatment group received massages for three 15-minute periods over 3 consecutive
hours for a 10-day period. Findings suggested that the massaged infants
(1) averaged 28% greater weight gain per day, (2) showed significantly
fewer postnatal complications and stress behaviors, and (3) demonstrated
more mature motor behaviors on the Brazelton examination.
Wheeden, A., Scafidi, F.A., Field, T., Ironson, G., Valdeon, C. &
Bandstra, E. (1993). Massage effects on cocaine-exposed preterm neonates.
Journal of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, 14, 318-322.
____________________________________________________________________
Cognition (Learning)
Four-month-old
infants were given either 8 minutes of massage, play, or no stimulation
prior to an audiovisual habituation task. Infants who received massage
showed response recovery from habituation during test trials, whereas
those in the other two conditions did not.
Cigales, M., Field, T., Lundy, B., Cuadra, A., Hart, S. (1997). Massage
enhances recovery from habituation in normal infants. Infant Behavior
and Development, 20, 29-34.
___________________
Preschoolers were given WPPSI subtests before and after receiving a 15-minute
massage or spending 15-minutes reading stories with an experimenter. Performance
on the Block Design improved following massage, and accuracy was greater
on the Animal Pegs in the massage group.
Hart, S., Field, T., Hernandez-Reif, M., & Lundy, B. (1998). Preschoolers’cognitive
performance improves following massage. Early Child Development &
Care, 143, 59-64.
_______________________________________________________________________________
Cystic Fibrosis
Children receiving daily bedtime massages from their parents reported
being less anxious, and their mood and peak air flow readings improved.
Hernandez-Reif, M., Field, T., Krasnegor, J., & Martinez, E. (1999).
Cystic fibrosis symptoms are reduced with massage therapy intervention.
Journal of Pediatric Psychology, 24, 183-189.
____________________________________________________________________
Demographics
Field, T., Hernandez-Reif, M., Diego, M., & Fraser, M. (2007).
Lower back pain and sleep disturbance are reduced following massage therapy.
Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapy, 11, 141-145.
• During the neonatal period the depressed mothers scored higher
on depression, anger, and anxiety. They also reported using more substances,
such as cigarettes, caffeine, and medications (primarily antibiotics).
The scores on their Feelings about Pregnancy and Delivery Scale were lower
including the coping, support, intimacy, and cultural effects scores.
_________________________________________________________________________
Dancers
Massage therapy improved range of motion, mood, and performance
(including balance and posture) and decreased stress hormone (cortisol)
after one month of twice weekly massage therapy.
Leivadi, S., Hernandez-Reif, M., Field, T., O'Rourke, M., D'Arienzo, S.,
Lewis, D., Del Pino, N., Schanberg, S., & Kuhn, C. (1999). Massage
therapy and relaxation effects on university dance students. Journal of
Dance Medicine & Science, 3, 108-112.
____________________________________________________________________
Depressed Adolescents
A 30-minute back massage was given daily for a 5-day period to
hospitalized depressed and adjustment disorder children and adolescents.
Compared with a control group who viewed relaxing videotapes, the massaged
subjects were less depressed and anxious and had lower saliva cortisol
levels after the massage.
Field, T., Morrow, C., Valdeon, C., Larson, S., Kuhn, C., & Schanberg,
S.(1992). Massage reduces depression and anxiety in child and adolescent
psychiatric patients. Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent
Psychiatry, 31, 125-131.
____________
Depressed adolescent mothers received ten 30-minute sessions of massage
therapy or relaxation therapy over a five-week period. Although both groups
reported lower anxiety following their first and last therapy sessions,
only the massage therapy group showed behavioral and stress hormone changes
including a decrease in anxious behavior, pulse, and salivary cortisol
levels. A decrease in urine cortisol levels suggested lower stress following
the five-week period for the massage therapy group.
Field, T., Grizzle, N., Scafidi, F., & Schanberg, S. (1996). Massage
and relaxation therapies' effects on depressed adolescent mothers. Adolescence,
31, 903-911.
________________________________________________________________________________
Depressed Mothers' EEG Patterns are Changed by
Massage and Music Therapy
Brief sessions of massage therapy and music therapy were noted
to shift the EEG of depressed mothers from greater relative right frontal
activation (a pattern associated with depression) to symmetry.
Jones, N., & Field, T. (1999). Right frontal EEG asymmetry is attenuated
by massage and music therapy. Adolescence, 34, 529-534.
Tornek, A., Field, T., Hernandez-Reif, M., Diego, M. and Jones, N.(2003).
Music effects on EEG in intrusive and withdrawn mothers with depressive
symptoms.Psychiatry, 66 (3), 234-243.
____________________________________________________________________
Depressed Mothers' Infants Prefer Touch
Infants showed more eye contact when adults, who were smiling
and cooing, also touched them as compared to infants who received smiling
and cooing without touch.
Pelaez-Nogueras, M., Gewirtz, J.L., Field, T., Cigales, M., Malphurs,
J., Clasky, S., & Sanchez, A. (1996). Infant preference for touch
stimulation in face-to-face interactions. Journal of Applied Developmental
Psychology, 17, 199-213.
____________________________________________________________________
Depressed Mothers' Touching Increases Infants'
Positive Affect and Attention
Depressed mothers increased their infant's positive affect and
attentiveness by providing touch stimulation.
Pelaez-Nogueras, M., Field, T., Hossain, Z., & Pickens, J. (1996).
Depressed mothers' touching increases infants' positive affect and attention
in still-face interactions. Child Development, 67, 1780-1792.
____________________________________________________________________
Depressed Mothers Touching Infants
Mothers with depressive symptoms who were more likely to touch
their infants in a negative way were more likely to be classified as intrusive.
Malphurs, J., Raag, T., Field, T., Pickens, J., & Pelaez-Nogueras,
M. (1996). Touch by intrusive and withdrawn mothers with depressive symptoms.
Early Development and Parenting, 5, 111-115.
____________________________________________________________________
Depressed Mothers Touching Newborns
Mothers with depressed symptoms were compared to mothers with
non-depressed symptoms one day after delivery on how they touched their
newborns following an initial feeding. Depressed mothers touched their
newborns less frequently.
Lundy, B.L., Field, T., Cuadra, A., Nearing, G., Cigales, M. & Hashimoto,
M. (1996). Mothers with depressive symptoms touching their newborns. Early
Development and Parenting, 5, 124-130.
____________________________________________________________________
Depressed Teenage Mothers
Teenage mothers who received massage therapy versus those who received
relaxation therapy were less depressed and less anxious both by their
own report and based on behavior observations. In addition, their urinary
cortisol levels were lower and their serotonin levels were higher, indicating
they were less stressed and less depressed.
Field, T., Grizzle, N., Scafidi, F., & Schanberg, S. (1996). Massage
and relaxation therapies' effects on depressed adolescent mothers. Adolescence,
31, 903-911.
____________________________________________________________________
Dermatitis in Children
Children's affect and activity levels improved as did all measures
of skin condition including less redness, lichenification, excoriation,
and pruritis after massage therapy. Parents' anxiety levels also decreased.
Schachner, L., Field, T., Hernandez-Reif, M., Duarte, A., & Krasnegor,
J. (1998). Atopic Dermatitis Symptoms Decrease in Children Following Massage
Therapy. Pediatric Dermatology, 15, 390-395.
____________________________________________________________________
Diabetes
Following one month of parents massaging their children with
diabetes, the children's glucose levels decreased to the normal range
and their dietary compliance increased. Also the parents' and children's
anxiety and depression levels decreased.
Field, T., Hernandez-Reif, M., LaGreca A., Shaw, K., Schanberg, S., &
Kuhn, C. (1997). Massage therapy lowers blood glucose levels in children
with Diabetes Mellitus. Diabetes Spectrum 10, 237-239.
____________________________________________________________________
Down Syndrome
Infants with Down syndrome improved in muscle tone and in performance
on motor tasks following massage therapy.
Hernandez-Reif, M., Ironson, G., Field, T., Largie, S., Deigo, M., Mora,
D., & Bornstein, J. (2006). Children with Down Syndrome improved in
motor function and muscle tone following massage therapy. Journal of Early
Intervention, 176, 395-410.
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EEG & EKG
Twenty healthy adults were randomly assigned to a moderate pressure or
a light pressure massage therapy group, and EKGs were recorded during
a 3-min baseline, during the 15-min massage period and during a 3-min
postmassage period. EKG data were then used to derive the high frequency
(HF), low frequency (LF) components of heart rate variability and the
low to high frequency ratio (LF/HF) as noninvasive markers of autonomic
nervous system activity. The participants who received the moderate pressure
massage exhibited a parasympathetic nervous system response characterized
by an increase in HF, suggesting increased vagal efferent activity and
a decrease in the LF/HF ratio, suggesting a shift from sympathetic to
parasympathetic activity that peaked during the first half of the massage
period. On the other hand, those who received the light pressure massage
exhibited a sympathetic nervous system response characterized by decreased
HF and increased LF/HF.
Diego, M. A. and Field, T. (2009). "Moderate pressure massage elicits a parasympathetic nervous system response." The International journal of neuroscience 119(5): 630-8.
____________
Twenty-six adults were given a chair massage and 24 control
group adults were asked to relax in the massage chair for 15 minutes,
two times per week for five weeks. On the first and last days of the study
they were monitored for EEG before, during and after the sessions. The
massage group exhibited: 1) increased frontal delta power (suggesting
relaxation); 2) decreased frontal alpha and beta power (suggesting enhanced
alertness); 3) increased speed and accuracy on math computations ; 4)
lower anxiety levels; 5) lower salivary cortisol levels; and 6) lower
depression scores at the end of the 5 week period.
Field, T., Ironson, G., Scafidi, F., Nawrocki, T., Gonclaves, A., Burman,
I., Pickens, J., Fox, N., Schanberg, S., & Kuhn, C. (1996). Massage
therapy reduces anxiety and enhances EEG pattern of alertness and math
computations. International Journal of Neuroscience, 86, 197-205.
__________________________________________________________________________
Elderly
Retired Volunteers Providing Versus Receiving Massage
Elderly retired volunteers were assessed after giving infants
massage for a month versus receiving massage for a month themselves. Results
were: 1) they reported less anxiety and fewer depressive symptoms and
an improved mood after giving infants massage; 2) their pulse decreased;
3) their cortisol levels decreased; and 4) they reported improved self
esteem and a better lifestyle (e.g. fewer doctor visits and more social
contacts) after the one month period. These effects were stronger for
giving infants the massages than receiving massages themselves, suggesting
that the massager can benefit from simply giving massages.
Field, T., Hernandez-Reif, M., Quintino, 0., Schanberg, S. & Kuhn,
C. (1998). Elder retired volunteers benefit from giving massage therapy
to infants. Journal of Applied Gerontology, 17, 229-239.
____________
Senior citizens participated in four, 50-minute movement therapy sessions
over a 2-week period and were compared to senior citizens in a wait list
control group who received the movement sessions only after the end of
the study. The movement therapy participants improved on their gait, their
leg strength increased, and their leg pain significantly decreased.
Hartshorn, K., Delage, J., Field, T., & Olds, L. (2001). Senior citizens
benefit from movement therapy. Journal of Bodywork and Movement Thrapies,
5, 1-5.
____________________________________________________________________
Father-Infant Massage
Fathers gave their infants daily massages 15 minutes prior to
bedtime for one month. The fathers in the massage group showed more optimal
interaction behavior with their infant.
Cullen, C., Field, T., Escalona, A., & Hartshorn, K. (2000). Father-infants
interactions are enhanced by massage therapy. Early Child Development
and Care, 164, 41-47.
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Fibromyalgia Syndrome
Massage therapy (as compared to transcutaneous electrical stimulation)
improved sleep patterns and decreased pain, fatigue, anxiety, depression
and cortisol levels in adults with fibromyalgia.
Sunshine, W., Field, T., Schanberg, S., Quintino, O., Fierro, K., Kuhn,
C., Burman, I., and Schanberg, S. (1996). Fibromyalgia benefits from massage
therapy and transcutaneous electrical stimulation. Journal of Clinical
Rheumatology, 2, 18-22.
_________
Fibromyalgia patients slept better (showed lower activity levels suggesting
more deep sleep), and had lower substance P levels and less pain following
a month of biweekly massages.
Field, T., Diego, M., Cullen, C., Hernandez-Reif, M., Sunshine, W., &
Douglas, S. (2002). Fibromyalgia pain and substance P decrease and sleep
improves after massage therapy. Journal of Clinical Rheumatology, 8, 72-76.
Forty patients with fibromyalgia were randomly assigned to a movement/massage
therapy group or a relaxation control group two times per week for 3 weeks.
The movement/massage therapy group showed decreased depressed mood, state
anxiety and regional pain immediately after the first and last sessions
of the study and decreased depressed mood, state anxiety and regional
pain at baseline from the first to the last session.
Field, T., Delage, J. and Hernandez-Reif, M. (2003). Movement and massage
therapy reduces fibromyalgia pain.Journal of Bodywork annd Movement Therapies,7,
49-52.
____________________________________________________________________
Food Texture
Infants preferred pureed textures while toddlers and preschoolers
preferred chunky textures. However, when infants were given experience
with more complex textures, they too preferred the chunky textures.
Lundy, B.C., Field, T., Carraway, K., Hart, S., Malphurs, J., Rosenstein,
M., Pelaez-Nogueras, M., Coletta, F., Ott, D.and Hernandez-Reif, M. (1998).
Food texture preferences in infants versus toddlers. Early Child Development
and Care, 146, 69-85.
____________________________________________________________________
Insulin & IGF-1
Preterm infants who received massage therapy not only showed greater weight gain but also a greater increase in serum insulin and IGF-1 levels, suggesting that massage therapy might be prescribed for all growing neonates.
Field, T., Diego, M., Hernandez-Reif, M., Dieter, J. N., Kumar, A. M., Schanberg, S. and Kuhn, C. (2008). "Insulin and insulin-like growth factor-1 increased in preterm neonates following massage therapy." J Dev Behav Pediatr 29(6): 463-6.
____________________________________________________________________
HIV
Increased weight gain and improved performance on the Brazelton
Newborn Scale (motor and state scales) were experienced by HIV-exposed
newborns who were given massage.
Scafidi, F. & Field, T. (1997). Massage therapy improves behavior
in neonates born to HIV positive mothers. Journal of Pediatric Psychology,
21, 889-897.
____________
Natural killer cells, CD4 cells and CD4/CD8 ratio increased after one
month of massage therapy for adolescents with HIV.
Diego, M.A., Field, T., Hernandez-Reif, M., Shaw, K., Friedman, L., and
Ironson, G. (2001). HIV adolescents show improved immune function following
massage therapy. International Journal of Neuroscience, 106, 35-45.
____________
This study examined massage therapy effects on anxiety and depression
levels and on immune function in HIV adults. In those who received a 45-minute
massage five times weekly for a 1-month period: 1) anxiety, stress and
cortisol levels were significantly reduced; and 2) natural killer cells
and natural killer cell activity increased, suggesting positive effects
on the immune system.
Ironson, G., Field, T., Scafidi, F., Hashimoto, M., Kumar, M., Kumar,
A., Price, A., Goncalves, A., Burman, I., Tetenman, C., Patarca, R., &
Fletcher, M. A. (1996). Massage therapy is associated with enhancement
of the immune system's cytotoxic capacity. International Journal of Neuroscience
84, 205-218.
____________________________________________________________________
Hypertension
Massage therapy decreased diastolic blood pressure, anxiety and
cortisol (stress hormone) levels in adults with hypertension.
Hernandez-Reif, M., Field, T., Krasnegor, J., Theakston, H., Hossain,
Z., & Burman, I. (2000). High blood pressure and associated symptoms
were reduced by massage therapy. Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies,
4, 31-38.
___________________________________________________________________
Infants
Infants who received massage therapy versus those who
were rocked experienced 1) greater daily weight gain; 2) more organized
sleep/wake behaviors; 3) less fussiness; 4) improved sociability and soothability,
5) improved interaction behaviors; and 6) lower cortisol and norepinephrine
and increased serotonin levels.
Field, T., Grizzle, N., Scafidi, F., Abrams, S., & Richardson, S.,
Kuhn, C. and Shanberg, S.(1996). Massage therapy for infants of depressed
mothers. Infant Behavior and Development, 19, 109-114.
____________________________________________________________________
Job Performance/Stress
Massaged adults showed 1) decreased frontal EEG alpha and beta
power and increased delta power consistent with enhanced alertness; 2)
math problems were completed in significantly less time with significantly
fewer errors after the massage; and 3) anxiety, cortisol (stress hormone)
and job stress levels were lower at the end of the 5 week period.
Field, T., Ironson, G., Scafidi, F., Nawrocki, T., Goncalves, A., Burman,
I., Pickens, J., Fox, N., Schanberg, S., & Kuhn, C. (1996). Massage
therapy reduces anxiety and enhances EEG pattern of alertness and math
computations. International Journal of Neuroscience, 86, 197-205.
____________
Hospital nursing and physician staff members were provided massage therapy,
relaxation therapy and music therapy. These therapies significantly reduced
anxiety, depression and fatigue as well as increased vigor.
Field, T., Quintino, O., Henteleff, T., Wells-Keife, L., & Delvecchio-Feinberg,
G. (1997). Job stress reduction therapies. Alternative Therapies in Health
and Medicine, 3, 54-56.
____________________________________________________________________
Labor Pain
Massage therapy during the first 15 minutes of every hour of
labor decreased anxiety and pain and the need for pain medication. In
addition, the massaged mothers had shorter labor, shorter hospital stay
and less depressed mood.
Field, T., Hernandez-Reif, M., Taylor, S., & Quintino, 0., & Burman,
I. (1997). Labor pain is reduced by massage therapy. Journal of Psychosomatic
Obstetrics and Gynecology, 18, 286-291.
____________________________________________________________________
Lower Back
Field, T., Hernandez-Reif, M., Diego, M. & Fraser, M. (2007).
Lower back pain and sleep disturbances are reduced following massage therapy.
Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapy, 11, 141-145.
• Participants in the massage therapy group, compared to participants
in the relaxation group, reported feeling less pain, depression, anxiety
and sleep disturbance. They also showed improved trunk and pain flexion
performance.
________________________________________________________________________
Leukemia
Twenty children with leukemia were provided daily massages by
their parents and were compared to a standard treatment control group.
Following a month of massage therapy, depressed mood decreased in the
children's parents, and the children's white blood cell and neutrophil
counts increased.
Field, T., Cullen, C., Diego, M., Hernandez-Reif, M., Sprinz, P., Beebe,
K., Kissell, B., & Bango-Sanchez, V. (2001) Leukemia immune changes
following massage therapy. Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapy, 3,
1-5.
______________________________________________________________________________
Migraine Headaches
Massage therapy decreased the occurrence of headaches, sleep
disturbances and distress symptoms and increased serotonin levels in adults
with migraine headaches.
Hernandez-Reif, M., Field, T., Dieter, J., Swerdlow. & Diego, M.,
(1998). Migraine headaches were reduced by massage therapy. International
Journal of Neuroscience, 96, 1-11.
____________________________________________________________________
Mothers Massaging their Preterm Infants
Feijó, L., Hernandez-Reif, M., Field, T., Burns, W., Valley-Gray,
S. & Simco, E. (2006). Mothers' depressed mood and anxiety levels
are reduced after massaging their preterm infants. Infant Behavior &
Development, 29, 476-80.
• Both groups of mothers in the study had lower depressed mood scores
following the massage session. However, only the group who massaged their
infants had lower anxiety scores after the session.
____________________________________________________________________
Multiple Sclerosis
Massage therapy decreased anxiety and depressed mood, and improved
hand strength, self-esteem, body image and social functioning in adults
with multiple sclerosis.
Hernandez-Reif, M., Field, T., Field, T., & Theakston, H. (1998).
Multiple Sclerosis patients benefit from massage therapy. Journal of Bodywork
and Movement Therapies, 2, 168-174.
____________________________________________________________________
Newborns
Women who had extended and early contact with their newborns
looked at, talked to, and touched their infants more, watched less television,
and talked less on the telephone than mothers with minimal contact with
their infants. These findings suggest that increased postpartum contact
with infants leads not only to more interaction, but also to more touching
as well as touching in more intimate places (face and head), thus highlighting
the value of rooming-in arrangements for mothers and infants.
Prodromidis, M., Field, T., Arendt, R., Singer, L., Yando, R. & Bendell,
D. (1995). Mothers touching newborns: A comparison of rooming-in versus
minimal contact. Birth, 22, 196-200
______________________________________________________________________
Oil Versus No Oil Massage
Infants showed fewer stress behaviors (e.g. grimacing and clenched
fists) and lower cortisol levels (stress hormones) following massage with
oil versus massage without oil.
Field, T., Schanberg, S., Davalos, M. & Malphurs, J. (1996). Massage
with oil has more positive effects on newborn infants. Pre and Perinatal
Psychology Journal, 11, 73-78.
_____________________________________________________________________
Parkinson's Disease
Adults with Parkinson's Disease were assigned to receive massage
therapy or progressive muscle relaxation twice a week for five weeks.
The massage group received higher physician scores on daily living activities
and the participants rated themselves as having improved daily functioning
and less disturbed sleep.
Hernandez-Reif, M., Field, T., Largie, S., Cullen, C., Beutler, J., Sanders,
C. Weiner, W., Rodriguez-Bateman, D., Zelaya, L., Schanberg, S., &
Kuhn, C. (2002). Parkinson's disease symptoms are differentially affected
by massage therapy versus progressive muscle relaxation: A pilot study.
Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, 6, 177-182.
____________________________________________________________________
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Massage therapy decreased the anxiety, depression and stress
hormone levels (cortisol) of children who had post-traumatic stress disorder
following Hurricane Andrew. In addition, their drawings became less depressed.
Field, T., Seligman, S., Scafidi, F., & Schanberg, S. (1996). Alleviating
postraumatic stress in children following Hurricane Andrew. Journal of
Applied Developmental Psychology, 17, 37-50.
_____________________________________________________________________
Pregnancy Massage
Field, T., Diego, M., Hernandez-Reif, M., Deeds, O. and Figueiredo, B.
(2009). "Pregnancy massage reduces prematurity, low birthweight and
postpartum depression." Infant Behav Dev 32(4): 454-60.
Pregnant women diagnosed with major depression were given 12 weeks of
twice per week massage therapy by their significant other or only standard
treatment as a control group. The massage therapy group women versus the
control group women not only had reduced depression by the end of the
therapy period, but they also had reduced depression and cortisol levels
during the postpartum period. Their newborns were also less likely to
be born prematurely and low birthweight, and they had lower cortisol levels
and performed better on the Brazelton Neonatal Behavioral Assessment habituation,
orientation and motor scales.
________
Field, T., Deeds, O., Diego, M., Hernandez-Reif, M.,
Gauler, A., Sullivan, S., Wilson, D. and Nearing, G. (2009). "Benefits
of combining massage therapy with group interpersonal psychotherapy in
prenatally depressed women." Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies
13(4): 297-303.
One hundred and twelve pregnant women who were diagnosed depressed were
randomly assigned to a group who received group Interpersonal Psychotherapy
or to a group who received both group Interpersonal Psychotherapy and
massage therapy. The group Interpersonal Psychotherapy (1h sessions) and
massage therapy (20 min sessions) were held once per week for 6 weeks.
The data suggested that the group who received psychotherapy plus massage
attended more sessions on average, and a greater percentage of that group
completed the 6-week program. The group who received both therapies also
showed a greater decrease in depression, depressed affect and somatic-vegetative
symptom scores on the Center for Epidemiological Studies-Depression Scale
(CES-D), a greater decrease in anxiety scale (STAI) scores and a greater
decrease in cortisol levels. The group therapy process appeared to be
effective for both groups as suggested by the increased expression of
both positive and negative affect and relatedness during the group therapy
sessions. Thus, the data highlight the effectiveness of group Interpersonal
Psychotherapy and particularly when combined with massage therapy for
reducing prenatal depression.
________
Field, T., Figueiredo, B., Hernandez-Reif, M., Diego,
M., Deeds, O. & Ascencio, A. (2008). Massage therapy reduces pain
in pregnant women, alleviates prenatal depression in both parents and
improves their relationships. Journal of Bodywork & Movement Therapies.
• Self-reported leg pain, back pain, depression, anxiety, and anger
decreased more for the massaged pregnant women than the control group.
Additionally, the partners who massaged the pregnant women versus the
control group women reported less depressed mood, anxiety, and anger across
the course of massage therapy period; improving their relationship.
________
This study showed decreased anxiety and stress hormones (norepinephrine)
during pregnancy and fewer obstetric and postnatal complications including
lower prematurity rates following pregnancy massage.
Field, T., Hernandez-Reif, M., Hart, S., Theakston, H., Schanberg, S.,
Kuhn, C., & Burman, I. (1999). Pregnant women benefit from massage
therapy. Journal of Psychosomatic Obstetrics and Gynecology, 19, 31-38.
________
Fetal
activity during midgestation was studied in response to vibratory stimulation
of the mother's abdomen, foot massage, hand massage, or control condition.
The fetuses of mothers who received a 3-minute foot massage showed greater
movement than the control fetuses.
Diego, M., Dieter, J., Field, T., Lecanuet, J., Hernandez-Reif, M., Beutler,
J., Largie, S., Redzepi, M., & Salman, F. (2002). Fetal activity following
vibratory stimulation of the mother's abdomen and foot and hand massage.
Developmental Psychobiology, 41, 396-406.
________
Depressed pregnant women were recruited during the second trimester of
pregnancy and randomly assigned to a massage therapy group, a progressive
muscle relaxation group or a control group that received standard prenatal
care alone. Immediately after the massage therapy sessions the women reported
lower levels of anxiety and depressed mood and less leg and back pain.
By the end of the study the massage group had higher dopamine and serotonin
levels and lower levels of cortisol and norepinephrine. These changes
may have contributed to the reduced fetal activity and the better neonatal
outcome for the massage group (i.e. lesser incidence of prematurity and
low birthweight), as well as their better performance on the Brazelton
Neonatal Behavior Assessment.
Field, T., Diego, M., Hernandez-Reif, M., Schanberg, S., & Kuhn, C.
(2004). Massage therapy effects on depressed pregnant women. Journal of
Psychosomatic Obstetrics & Gynecology,1-9.
______________________________________________________________________________
Premenstrual Symptoms
The mood of women with premenstrual symptoms improved, and anxiety,
pain and water retention symptoms decreased after massage therapy.
Hernandez-Reif, M., Martinez, A., Field, T., Quintino, O., Hart, S. &
Burman, I. (2000). Premenstrual Syndrome symptoms are relieved by massage
therapy. Journal of Psychosomatic Obstetrics and Gynecology, 21, 9-15.
____________________________________________________________________
Preschoolers' Touch
Teachers touching children was rarely observed in infant, toddler
and preschool nurseries. These data were then presented to the teachers
along with examples of appropriate touch, and they were requested to provide
more touching in the classroom. The amount of touching subsequently increased.
Field, T., Harding, J. Soliday, B., Lasko, D., Gonzalez, N. & Valdeon,
C. (1998). Touching in infant, toddler and preschool nurseries. Early
Child Development and Care, 98, 113-120.
____________
Preschoolers demonstrated less "task" related touch but more
"communication" related touch in their classroom as compared
to the infants and toddlers in their classrooms. Affectionate touch and
aggressive touch was more prevalent among toddlers than other age children.
Cigales, M., Field, T., Hossain, Z., Pelaez-Nogueras, M. & Gewirtz,
J. (1996). Touch among children at nursery school. Early Child Development
and Care, 126, 101-110.
____________
This study compared a high touch culture (France) and a low touch culture
(U.S.) on preschool playgrounds and at McDonald's Restaurants in Paris
and Miami. Data analyses suggested that preschool children in Paris were
touched more by their mothers and touched each other more and were less
aggressive toward their peers.
Field, T. (1999) Preschoolers in America are touched less and are more
aggressive than preschoolers in France. Early Child Development and Care,
151, 11-17.
____________________________________________________________________
Pressure
Three types of commonly used massage therapy techniques were
assessed: (1) moderate massage, (2) light massage, or (3) vibratory stimulation
group. Changes in anxiety and stress were assessed, and EEG and EKG were
recorded. Anxiety scores decreased for all groups, but the moderate pressure
massage group reported the greatest decrease in stress.The moderate pressure
massage group also experienced a decrease in heart rate and EEG changes
including an increase in delta and a decrease in alpha and beta activity,
suggesting a relaxation response. Finally, this group showed increased
positive affect, as indicated by a shift toward left frontal EEG activation.
The light pressure massage group showed increased arousal, as indicated
by decreased delta and increased deta activity and increased heart rate.
The vibratory stimulation group also showed increased arousal, as indicated
by increased heart rate and increased theta, alpha, and beta activity.
Diego, M.A., Field, T., Sanders, C. & Hernandez-Reif, M. (2004). Massage
therapy of moderate and light pressure and vibrator effects on EEG and
heart rate. International Journal of Neuroscience, 114, 31-44.
__________
This study assessed the effects of moderate and light pressure massage
on the growth and development of young infants. Infants in the moderate-pressure
massage group were more alert while the infants in the light-pressure
massage group were more excitable, agitated, and fussy. The moderate-pressure
massage infants exhibited greater weight gain and a greater increase in
body length.
Field, T., Hernandez-Reif, M., Diego, M., Feijo, L., Vera, Y., & Gil,
K. (2004). Massage therapy by parents improves early growth and development.
Infant Behavior and Development, 27, 435-442.
____________________________________________________________________________
Preterm
Infant Stimulation Reviews
Early touch interventions and their effects on high-risk infants
are reviewed.
Field, T. (1986). Interventions for premature infants. Journal of Pediatrics,
109, 183-191.
___________
Preterm infants who received tactile stimulation showed greater weight
gain. A potential underlying mechanism for the massage/weight gain relationship
is an increase in vagal tone, which in turn increases food absorption.
Field, T. (1988). Stimulation of preterm infants. Pediatrics in Review,
10, 149-154.
___________
Alleviating Stress in Intensive-Care Neonates: Intensive care nursery
environments and their effects as well as positive tactile stimulation
effects are reviewed.
Field, T. (1987). Alleviating stress in NICU neonates. Journal of the
American Osteopathic Association, 87, 646-650.
__________
Alleviating Stress in Newborns: Stressful effects of intensive care nursery
environments are reviewed including the effects of high-intensity noise,
bright lights, cold, invasive and painful procedures. Touch interventions
were associated with 1) fewer startle responses, 2) decreased need for
ventilation, and 3) fewer clenched fists. The stimulated infants averaged
greater weight gain, were awake and active for a greater period of time
and scored better on the Brazelton Scale.
Field, T. (1990). Alleviating stress in newborn infants in the intensive
care unit. Perinatology, 17,1-9.
____________
In a review of preterm infant massage studies, massage therapy was found
to facilitate weight gain only when the intervention was started when
the preterm infant weighed between 1100 and 1300 g.
Hernandez-Reif, M., Field, T., Diego, M., & Beutler, J. (2001). Letter-to-the-Editor:
Evidence-Based Medicine and Massage. Pediatrics, 108 (4), 1053.
____________
Review of supplementary stimulation programs for preterm infants including
nonnutritive sucking, kangaroo care, and massage therapy.
Field, T., Hernandez-Reif, M and Freedman, J. (2004). Stimulation programs
for preterm infants. Social Policy Report, 18, 1-19.
____________________________________________________________________
Heart rate (HR) responses to the removal of a monitoring lead were assessed in 56 preterm infants who received moderate pressure, light pressure or no massage therapy. The infants who received moderate pressure massage therapy exhibited lower increases in HR suggesting an attenuated pain response. The heart rate of infants who received moderate pressure massage also returned to baseline faster than the heart rate of the other two groups, suggesting a faster recovery rate.
Diego, M. A., Field, T. and Hernandez-Reif, M. (2009). "Procedural pain heart rate responses in massaged preterm infants." Infant Behav Dev 32(2): 226-9.
____________
Routine heelstick procedures and tactile-kinesthetic
massage were performed on stabilized preterm neonates to examine the differential
effects on Transcutaneous Oxygen Tension (TcPO2). TcPO2 levels during
the heelstick were significantly lower than during the massage stimulation.
The findings indicate that social forms of touch such as massage do not
appear to have a medically compromising effect on TcPO2.
Morrow, C., Field, T., Scafidi, F.A., Roberts, J., Eisen, L., Larson,
S.K., Hogan, A.E., and Bandstra, E.S. (1991). Differential effects of
massage and heelstick procedures on Transcutaneous Oxygen Tension in preterm
neonates. Infant Behavior and Development, 14, 397-414.
____________________________________________________________________
Preterm Newborns Gain More Weight
Preterm infants gained 47% more weight, became more socially
responsive, and were discharged 6 days earlier at a hospital cost savings
of $10,000 per infant (or 4.7 billion dollars if the 470,000 preemies
born each year were massaged). The underlying biological mechanism for
weight gain in the massaged preterm newborns may be an increase in vagal
tone and, in turn, an increase in insulin (food absorption hormone).
Field, T., Schanberg, S. M., Scafidi, F., Bauer, C. R., Vega-Lahr, N.,
Garcia, R., Nystrom, J., & Kuhn, C. M. (1986). Tactile/ kinesthetic
stimulation effects on preterm neonates. Pediatrics, 77, 654-658.
__________
Preterm infants gained more weight following as few as 5 days of massage
therapy.
Dieter, J., Field, T., Hernandez-Reif, M., Emory, E and Redzepi, M. (2003).
Stable preterm infants gain more weight and spent less time sleeping and
more time in the drowsy states following 5 days of massage therapy a.
Journal of Pediatric Psychology, 28, (6) 403-411.
__________
Preterm Infants received tactile/kinesthetic stimulation over a 10-day
period. The infants averaged 21% greater weight gain per day and spent
more time awake and active during sleep/wake behavior observations.
Scafidi, F., Field, T., Schanberg, S., Bauer, C, Tucci, K., Roberts, J.,
Morrow, C., & Kuhn, C.M. (1990). Massage stimulates growth in preterm
infants: A replication. Infant Behavior and Development ,13,167-188.
__________
Preterm infants received three daily 15-minute massages for 10 days. The
massage therapy infants gained significantly more weight per day than
did the control infants. For the massage therapy group, the pattern of
greater caloric intake and more days in Intermediate care before the study
period along with more obstetric complications differentiated the high
from the low weight gainers, suggesting that the infants who had experienced
more complications before the study benefited more from the massage therapy.
Scafidi, F., Field, T., & Schanberg, S. (1993). Factors that predict
which preterm infants benefit most from massage therapy. Developmental
and Behavioral Pediatrics, 14, 176-180.
__________
Although the underlying mechanism for this relationship between massage
therapy and weight gain has not yet been established, possibilities that
have been explored in studies with both humans and rats include (a) increased
protein synthesis, (b) increased vagal activity that releases food-absorption
hormones like insulin and enhances gastric motility and (c) decreased
cortisol levels leading to increased oxytocin.
Field, T. (2001). Massage therapy facilitates weight gain in preterm infants.
Current Directions in Psychological Science, 10, 51-54.
__________
Massaged infants exhibited consistent short-term increases in vagal activity and gastric motility on both the first and the last days of the 5-day study that were associated with weight gain during the 5-day treatment period. No changes in basal vagal activity or gastric motility were noted across the 5-day treatment period. Conclusion: Preterm infant massage is consistently associated with increases in vagal activity and gastric motility that may underlie the effects of massage therapy on preterm infant weight gain.
Diego, M. A., Field, T., Hernandez-Reif, M., Deeds, O., Ascencio, A. and Begert, G. (2007). "Preterm infant massage elicits consistent increases in vagal activity and gastric motility that are associated with greater weight gain." Acta Paediatr 96(11): 1588-91.
__________
Compared with preterm neonates receiving sham massage, preterm neonates
receiving massage therapy exhibited greater weight gain and increased
vagal tone and gastric motility during and immediately after treatment.
Gastric motility and vagal tone during massage therapy were significantly
related to weight gain. The weight gain experienced by preterm neonates
receiving moderate-pressure massage therapy may be mediated by increased
vagal activity and gastric motility.
Diego MA, Field T, Hernandez-Reif M. (2005). Vagal activity, gastric motility,
and weight gain in massaged preterm neonates. J Pediatr. 147, 50-5
____________________________________________________________________
Preterm Newborns Sleep Better
Preterm infants who were massaged before sleep fell asleep more
quickly and slept more soundly with better sleep patterns. They showed
improved weight gain as compared to infants who were not massaged before
sleep.
Scafidi, F., Field, T., Schanberg, S., Bauer, C., Vega-Lahr, N., &
Garcia, R. (1986). Effects of tactile/kinesthetic stimulation on the clinical
course and sleep/wake behavior of preterm neonates. Infant Behavior and
Development, 9, 91-105.
__________
Preterm Infants Develop Better: Preterm infants who received massage therapy
as newborns showed greater weight gain and more optimal cognitive and
motor development eight months later.
Field, T., Scafidi, & Schanberg, S. (1987). Massage of preterm newborns
to improve growth and development. Pediatric Nursing, 13, 385-387
__________
Examined the effectiveness of pre-bedtime massages for infants and toddlers
with sleep onset problems. Found that, compared to bedtime stories, massages
produced fewer sleep delays and a shortened latency to sleep onset. Field,
T., & Hernandez-Reif, M., (2001). Sleep problems in infants decrease
following massage therapy. Early Child Development and Care, 168, 95-104.
__________
Depressed versus non-depressed mothers were interviewed on their breastfeeding
practices and perceptions of their infants' feeding behavior when their
infants were eight-months-old. The depressed mothers less often breastfed,
they stopped breastfeeding their infants significantly earlier in infancy
and they scored lower on a breastfeeding confidence scale. Independent
of maternal depression, mothers who breastfed rather than bottle fed their
infants had higher confidence levels and rated their infants as less alert
and less irritable during feedings.
Field, T., Hernandez-Reif, M.,, Feijo, L. (2002). Breastfeeding in Depressed
Mother-Infant Dyads. Early Child Development and Care 172, 539 - 545
__________
Healthy, low-risk preterm infants gained more weight and slept less with
just 5 days of massage, in contrast to 10 days in previous studies. Results
support the continued use of massage as a cost-effective therapy for medically
stable preterm infants.
Dieter JN, Field T, Hernandez-Reif M, Emory EK, Redzepi M. (2003) Stable
preterm infants gain more weight and sleep less after five days of massage
therapy. J Pediatr Psychol, 28, 403-11.
____________________________________________________________________
Preterm Newborns Temperature Regulation
Temperature was assessed in 72 preterm infants randomly assigned to a
control or a massage therapy group. A greater increase in temperature
was noted for preterm infants receiving massage therapy versus a control
group, even though the incubator portholes remained open during the 15
min massage therapy session but not for the control group over an equivalent
time period.
Diego, M. A., Field, T. and Hernandez-Reif, M. (2008). "Temperature increases in preterm infants during massage therapy." Infant Behav Dev 31(1): 149-52.
____________________________________________________________________
Psychiatric Patients (Child and Adolescent)
Following five 30-minute massages these children/ adolescents had better
sleep patterns, lower depression and anxiety and lower stress hormone
levels (cortisol and norepinephrine).
Field, T., Morrow, C., Valdeon, C., Larson, S., Kuhn, C., & Schanberg,
S. (1992). Massage therapy reduces anxiety in child and adolescent psychiatric
patients. Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry,
31, 125-130.
____________________________________________________________________
Rat Pups
Maternally deprived rat pups showed increased growth
hormone following simulated rubbing.
Pauk, J., Kuhn, C., Field, T., and Schanberg, S. (1986). Positive effects
of tactile versus kinesthetic or vestibular stimulation on neuroendocrine
and ODC activity in maternally deprived rat pups. Life Science, 39, 2081-2087.
____________________________________________________________________
Review Papers
Research is reviewed on the critical nature of rubbing the rat
pup and the preterm newborn for their growth and development.
Schanberg, S. & Field, T. (1987). Sensory deprivation stress and supplemental
stimulation in the rat pup and preterm human neonate. Child Development,
58, 1431-1447.
__________
Massage Therapy for Infants and Children: The effects of massage therapy
on infants and children with various medical conditions are reviewed.
The conditions range from infants who are premature, cocaine-exposed,
HIV-exposed and infants of depressed mothers. The childhood conditions
include asthma, burns, cancer, dermatitis, diabetes, eating disorders
(bulimia), juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, posttraumatic stress disorder,
and psychiatric disorders.
Field, T. (1995). Massage therapy for infants and children. Developmental
and Behavioral Pediatrics, 16, 105-111.
__________
Massage Therapy Effects: Infant, child and adult massage therapy studies
ranging across many conditions including attention disorders, depression,
addictions, pain syndromes, immune and autoimmune disorders are reviewed
along with potential underlying mechanisms.
Field, T. (1998). Massage therapy effects. American Psychologist, 53,
1270-1281.
__________
Massage Therapy Effects on Infants and Children: Infant and child massage
therapy studies ranging across several conditions are reviewed along with
recommendations to pediatricians and parents.
Field, T. (1999). Massage therapy: More than a laying on of hands.Contemporary
Pediatrics, 16, 77-94.
__________
Massage Therapy: Research on massage therapy and its effects on various
conditions including depression, anorexia nervosa, smoking, fibromyalgia,
migraine headaches, immune disorders, and diabetes.
Field, T. (2002). Massage therapy. Complementary and Alternative Medicine,
86, 163-171.
__________
This review covers massage therapy research from the last decade, as an
update to the American Psychologist 1998 review paper. Models are presented
for potential biochemical and physiological mechanisms underlying the
massage therapy effects.
Field, T. Diego, M. Hernandez-Reif, M. (2006). Massage therapy research.
Developmental Review.
__________________________________________________________________
Sexual Abuse
Massage therapy reduced aversion to touch and decreased anxiety,
depression and cortisol levels in women who had been sexually or physically
abused.
Field, T., Hernandez-Reif, M., Hart, S., Quintino, O., Drose, L., Field,
T., Kuhn, C., & Schanberg, S (1997). Sexual abuse effects are lessened
by massage therapy, Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, 1,65-69
____________________________________________________________________
Sleep
Preschool children who had received massage fell asleep sooner
and slept longer during nap time, had decreased activity levels and better
behavior ratings.
Field, T., Kilmer, T., Hernandez-Reif, M., & Burman, I. (1996). Preschool
Children's Sleep and Wake Behavior: Effects of massage therapy. Early
Child Development and Care, 120, 39-44.
__________
Infants who received massage therapy before bedtime by a parent experienced
less difficulty falling asleep and better sleep patterns.
Field, T. & Hernandez-Reif, M. (2001). Sleep problems in
infants decreased0
following massage therapy. Early Child Development and Care, 168, 95-104.
____________________________________________________________________
Smoking
Cravings, anxious behaviors and the number of cigarettes smoked
were reduced by self-massage (rubbing ear lobes or hands whenever subjects
experienced a craving).
Hernandez-Reif, M., Field, T., and Hart, S. (1999). Smoking cravings are
reduced by self-massage. Preventive Medicine, 28, 28-32.
____________________________________________________________________
Spinal Cord Injuries
Massage therapy improved functional abilities, range of motion
and muscle strength in spinal cord injury patients.
Diego, M., Field, T., and Hernandez-Reif, M., Brucker, B., Hart, S., &
Burman, I. (2002). Spinal cord patients benefits from massage therapy.
International Journal of Neuroscience, 112,133-142.
