None listed
Conditions
Brief summary
In the proposed study the first aim is to scientifically evaluate the effects of mechanical massage fron an armchair and mental relaxation program, separately or in combination in regard to health and well-being. A second aim will be to explore the underlying mechanisms behind the effects on health and well-being in response to these treatments. We are particularly interested in exploring the role of endogenous oxytocin in the mechanisms that promote health and well-being. Such knowledge might be of importance for the development of other types of health-promoting interventions.
Interventions
Study groups
In total, 93 employees participated in the study. Each participant was randomly assigned to one of the following study groups: i) Sitting in the armchair and use the massage program while listening to the mental training programs (n=19), ii) Sitting in the armchair and use the massage program only (n=19), iii) Sitting in the armchair and listen to the mental training programs only (n=19), iv) Sitting in the massage chair but not use either the massage program nor listen to the menta
Study groups In total, 93 employees participated in the study. Each participant was randomly assigned to one of the following study groups: i) Sitting in the armchair and use the massage program while listening to the mental training programs (n=19), ii) Sitting in the armchair and use the massage program only (n=19), iii) Sitting in the armchair and listen to the mental training programs only (n=19), iv) Sitting in the massage chair but not use either the massage program nor listen to the mental training program. Study design The study lasted for a total of 8 weeks. During these weeks the participants in group i-iii took a break for their regular work and sat in the chair for 15 minutes three times each week, preferably between at 13.00-16.00. The participants who used the massage program (i.e., group i and ii) all used the same massage program, but were able to make individual adjustment regarding the strength of the massage. The participants who listened to the mental training programs (i.e., group i and iii) listened to different programs in the following order: ”Recovery”-week one, “Mindfulness-learn to live in the present”, week two,“The way to a better and deeper sleep”-week three, “Reduce the negative stress” -week four., "Learn to think positively”-week five "Increase your mental strength”-week six, “How to get a greater enjoyment of life”-week seven and”Recovery”-week eight. The participants in group iv took a break from their regular work and sat in the chair for 15 minutes three times each week, however they did not use neither the massage program nor listen to the mental training programs. Group v served as a control group and continued their work as usual. The intervention was followed by the participants kept a diary throughout the study period. They described, for example, technical questions regarding the treatment, experiences of treatment, disease. In three of the workplaces the participants choose themselves when to use the chair. In the fourth workplace, due to a hectic schedule, the participants were assigned specific time points when to use the chair.
Sponsors
University of Skovde
Study design
Allocation
Randomised controlled trial
Intervention model
Parallel
Primary purpose
Prevention
Masking
Open (masking not used)
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
All
Age
19 Years to 65 Years
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
Healthy employees (i.e., without self-reported serious and/or chronic illnesses and able to perform their work assignment) with no previous experience of using mechanical massage chair and/or the mental training program were asked if they wanted to participate in the study.
Exclusion criteria
Employees who suffered from fever, skin diseases, kidney disease as well as pregnant women were excluded from the study due to health risks.
Outcome results
None listed