Summary A randomized between-groups design was used to evaluate massage
therapy versus relaxation therapy effects on chronic low back pain. Treatment
effects were evaluated for reducing pain, depression, anxiety and sleep disturbances,
for improving trunk range of motion (ROM) and for reducing job absenteeism
and increasing job productivity. Thirty adults (M age ¼ 41 years) with low back pain
with a duration of at least 6 months participated in the study. The groups did not
differ on age, socioeconomic status, ethnicity or gender. Sessions were 30 min long
twice a week for 5 weeks. On the first and last day of the 5-week study participants
completed questionnaires and were assessed for ROM. By the end of the study, the
massage therapy group, as compared to the relaxation group, reported experiencing
less pain, depression, anxiety and sleep disturbance. They also showed improved
trunk and pain flexion performance.
& 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.