Research Paper : The Effect of the Meridian Massage on the Change of the Low Back Pain RPE (Rating of Perceived Exertion) and the Changes of Serum Cortisol as well as Stress Index of Middle Aged Women

Yun, Shin Jung; Pack, Seung Hyen; Shin, Myung Hee

Journal of the Korean Society of Cosmetology 2013;19(4):751-756.
Published online August 31, 2013.

경락마사지가 중년여성의 요통자각도, 스트레스 지수 및 코티졸 변화에 미치는 영향

윤신중, 백승현, 신명희

Research Paper : The Effect of the Meridian Massage on the Change of the Low Back Pain RPE (Rating of Perceived Exertion) and the Changes of Serum Cortisol as well as Stress Index of Middle Aged Women

Shin Jung Yun, Seung Hyen Pack, Myung Hee Shin

Abstract

The purpose of this study is reviewing the effect of meridian massage on the changes of low back pain RPE (Rating of perceived exertion) and stress index and serum cortisol of middle aged women with chronic low back pain between treatment and non-treatment groups. Meridian Massage Group was targeting ten middle-aged women in their 40`s and 50`s who have chronic backache without anatomical malposition. Control Group was targeting ten middle-aged women who have chronic backache but don`t have any special treatments. Meridian massage treatments were performed for 60 minutes at a time, twice a week, and for 10 weeks. The result of the treatment is as follows. After the treatments, low back pain RPE (p<.01), stress index (p<.05), and serum cortisol (p<.05) decreased significantly. There is little change in the control group. On the whole, meridian massage has a positive effect on the decrease of low back pain and stress management of middle aged women with chronic low back pain.

Key Words: Meridian massage, Middle aged women, Low back pain RPE, Stress index, Serum cortisol