Affiliations: [a] Human Performance Laboratory, Faculty of Kinesiology, University of New Brunswick, Fredericton, NB, Canada | [b] Atlantic College of Therapeutic Massage, Fredericton, NB, Canada | [c] Department of Kinesiology, Faculty of Applied Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
Correspondence:
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Address for correspondence: Wayne J. Albert, PhD, Associate Professor, Faculty of Kinesiology, 2 Robert Kelly Dr., Lady Beaverbrook Gym, room C104, University of New Brunswick, Fredericton, NB E3B 5A3, Canada. Tel.: +1 506 447 3254; Fax: +1 506 453 3511; E-mail: walbert@unb.ca
Abstract: This study was undertaken to investigate the biomechanical demands on the low back of Massage Therapists performing typical massage therapy techniques and the nature of the associated cumulative exposure. Ten Massage Therapists performed a standardized relaxation back massage that incorporated a series of basic massage therapy techniques used in standard treatments. The 44-minute massage treatment was videotaped and a posture-matching approach was used to determine 3D peak and cumulative loads on the low back. Although the resultant peak low back loads would be considered safe in relation to current published compression and shear guidelines, the cumulative loading values were well within the ranges considered disconcerting in other health care and industrial workers. The therapists were found to assume non-neutral trunk, neck and arm postures for a significant portion of the massage, which could place these professionals at risk of cumulative musculoskeletal disorders.
