The Effect of Head Massage Therapy on the Autonomic Nervous System Clinical Trial
Official title:
Head Massage Intervention to Decrease Physiological Signs of Stress as Assessed by Changes in the Autonomic Nervous System Functions in Healthy Volunteers: A Pilot Study
The autonomic nervous system (ANS) unconsciously regulates the activities of vital organ
systems such as the respiratory, circulatory, and urinary systems. It consists of two major
components, the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS) and the sympathetic nervous system
(SNS), which together are in charge of keeping our body in homeostasis. Homeostasis is the
state of chemical and metabolic balance within an organism; it is disturbed in situations of
uncontrolled stress.
Massage has been shown to decrease SNS and stimulate PNS; but most studies focused on full
body massage, with limited assessment of ANS function, and lacked control groups.
The effects of head massage therapy (HMT) on regulating the activity of the ANS have not
been studied before. In this pilot study, we propose that by randomizing 10 participants to
sessions of HMT and 'Simple Relaxation' (no HMT), and by using a non-invasive method of
measuring the ANS activity (spectral analysis of Heart Rate Variability [HRV] as well as
Pre-ejection Period (PEP)), we will be able to investigate the effects of 10 minutes of HMT
in comparison with the period of no HMT administered. We expect HMT to reduce stress, with a
better and balanced profile of autonomic nervous system after receiving massage.
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Allocation: Randomized, Endpoint Classification: Efficacy Study, Intervention Model: Crossover Assignment, Masking: Open Label, Primary Purpose: Supportive Care