Effects of traditional thai massage on heart rate, blood pressure, and anxiety in depression patients: A pilot study

Abstract

Major Depressive Disorder has been predicted asthe second leading cause of death and disability by the year 2020. Massage is the most popular complementary and alternative medical treatment for depression. It is likely to effectively reduce anxiety. This study aimed to preliminarily examine the immediate effects of Traditional Thai Massage (TTM) on heart rate, blood pressure, and anxiety on patients with depression. The study was conducted at a district hospital, and 5 Local Health Promoting Hospitals in Khon Kaen province, Thailand. A single group pre-post design was applied. Fifteen patients diagnosed with depression participated in the study. Before and immediately after the intervention, blood pressure, heart rate, and anxiety state (using the state trait anxiety inventory; STAI) were measured. The results demonstrated a significant reduction on heart rate (mean different 5.57±4.80 bpm: p=0.001), and STAI after receiving TTM (mean score different 38.47±5.51: p < 0.001). However, no significant difference was found in blood pressure (p=0.12). TTM seems to have some beneficial immediate effects on patients with depression concerning reducing heart rate, and anxiety. A further study using randomized controlled trial with larger sample size and long-term follow-up is suggested to verify the effects.