Massage therapy effects on well-being and stress perception among older adults

Background: Massage is a widely used complementary therapy but its effects have been little studied among older adults. Non-pharmacologic approaches to positive well-being and stress reduction may be particularly important for older adults, who face potential side effects from prescription drugs. Purpose: The purpose was to assess the effects of massage compared to guided relaxation sessions on stress perception and well-being among older adults. Methods: A randomized pilot study enrolled independently living adults ages 60+ to eight, 50-minute, twice-weekly massage therapy or guided relaxation sessions (control group). Licensed massage therapists provided massage and trained research assistants read guided relaxation scripts. Setting and background music were constant for both groups. Questionnaires were administered at pretest (one week before the first session) and posttest (after the last session) and included the General Well-being Schedule (GWB) and Perceived Stress Scale (PSS). Mixed model analysis in SAS was used. Results: Massage group had mean age of 68 and mean years of education of 16; 72% women, 84% Caucasian. Control group had mean age of 71 and mean years of education of 14; 75% women; 92% Caucasian. Participants were 100% adherent in rescheduling missed appointments within one week. Massage group had significantly better improvement than controls on PSS score (p=.04) and five of six GWB subscales: anxiety (p=.03), depression (p=.01), positive well-being (p=.02), vitality (p=.01), and general health (p=.01). Change in self-control score did not differ between groups (p=.60). Discussion: Massage may assist in improving and maintaining positive well-being among independently living older adults.