A Pilot Study on the Effect of Massage on Stress among Female Japanese University Students

Abstract

Aim
The majority of previous studies with medical and clinical samples shows an immediate effect of massage on reducing stress.
However, there are a few such studies with non-medical and non-clinical samples. The present study examined the stress reduction
effect of massage given by same sex peers among university Japanese women.
Methods
Eleven female university students who belong to the same junior-year seminar class participated in this study. They were paired off
and performed back massage each other for approximately 10-minutes as a part of class work. Their stress levels were measured
using the saliva amylase monitor kit before the massage, 5, 10, and 15-minutes after the massage. Their levels of dislike of being
touched were also assessed by the Touch Hesitation Scale.
Results
Results indicated that the reduction of stress at five minutes after the massage was not statistically significant (Z=-1.05, ns), but the
reduction at 10-minutes after massage was statistically significant (Z=-2.00, p=0.045) and at 15-minutes was marginally significant
(Z=-1.82, p=0.068). The individual’s level of dislike of being touched did not relate to any reduction in their level of stress.
Conclusion
The results of this study suggested that casually practiced massage could contribute to women’s health by reducing stress.