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Research: HATAYAMA and COLLEAGUES,
Listed in Issue 167
Abstract
HATAYAMA and COLLEAGUES, User Science Institute, Kyushu University, Minami-ku, Fukuoka, Japan. hata@usi.kyushu-u.ac.jp studied the effects of a 45 minute facial massage upon nervous system activity, anxiety and mood in healthy women .
Background
The aim of this study was to clarify the effects of 45 min of facial massage on the activity of autonomic nervous system, anxiety and mood in 32 healthy women.
Methodology
Autonomic nervous activity was assessed by heart rate variability (HRV) with spectral analysis. In the spectral analysis of HRV, we evaluated the high-frequency components (HF) and the low- to high-frequency ratio (LF/HF ratio), reflecting parasympathetic nervous activity and sympathetic nervous activity, respectively. The State Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) and the Profile of Mood Status (POMS) were administered to evaluate psychological status.
Results
The score of STAI and negative scale of POMS were significantly reduced following the massage, and only the LF/HF ratio was significantly enhanced after the massage.
Conclusion
It was concluded that the facial massage might refresh the subjects by reducing their psychological distress and activating the sympathetic nervous system.
References
Hatayama T, Kitamura S, Tamura C, Nagano M and Ohnuki K. The facial massage reduced anxiety and negative mood status, and increased sympathetic nervous activity. Biomedical Research. 29(6): 317-20. Dec 2008.
