The effect of deep tissue massage on respiratory parameters in healthy subjects-A non-randomised pilot study

Bartosz Trybulec; Bartosz Macul; Karolina Kościńska; Katarzyna Nawrot-Porąbka; Marta Barłowska; Paweł Jagielski

doi:10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e15242

The effect of deep tissue massage on respiratory parameters in healthy subjects-A non-randomised pilot study

Heliyon. 2023 Apr 5;9(4):e15242. doi: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e15242. eCollection 2023 Apr.

Authors

Bartosz Trybulec¹, Bartosz Macul², Karolina Kościńska², Katarzyna Nawrot-Porąbka³, Marta Barłowska⁴, Paweł Jagielski⁵

Affiliations

¹ Dept. of Physiotherapy, Institute of Physiotherapy, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 9 Medyczna Str., 30-688, Cracow, Poland.
² Graduate on Physiotherapy in Institute of Physiotherapy, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 12 Michałowskiego Str., 31-126, Cracow, Poland.
³ Dept. of Medical Physiology, Institute of Physiotherapy, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 12 Michałowskiego Str., 31-126, Cracow, Poland.
⁴ Dept. of Biomechanics and Kinesiology, Institute of Physiotherapy, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 8 Skawińska Str., 31-066, Cracow, Poland.
⁵ Dept. of Nutrition and Drugs Research, Institute of Public Health, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 8 Skawińska Str., 31-066, Cracow, Poland.

Abstract

Background: Deep tissue massage (DTM), based on deep palpation and elimination of fascia restrictions, can reduce symptoms resulting from fascial disorders. The goal of this study was the analysis of the DTM effect on respiratory parameters in healthy people.

Material and methods: The study involved a group of 40 people divided into two subgroups. The experimental group underwent a single DTM session. Classic massage was performed in the control group. Before and after treatment the chest circumference and oxygen saturation were measured and a spirometry test was performed.

Results: The chest expandability significantly increased in both groups with greater effect in DTM group. Vital capacity and saturation, significantly increased in the experimental group. No significant changes in dynamic parameters were noticed in the control group, while FVC slightly decreased in the experimental group.

Conclusions: In this study, deep tissue massage appeared to improve chest expendability and vital capacity with simultaneous decrease of FVC in healthy subjects. Further studies are needed to specify the effect of DTM on the respiratory system.

Keywords: Chest; Deep tissue; Fascial release; Healthy subjects; Massage; Spirometry.