Auton Neurosci. 2009 Oct 5;150(1-2):111-5. Epub 2009 Apr 18.The effect of massage on immune function and stress in women with breast cancer
Billhult A, Lindholm C, Gunnarsson R, Stener-Victorin E.
Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology/Physiotherapy, The Sahlgrenska Academy at Göteborg University, Göteborg, Sweden. annika.billhult@vgregion.se
A study was done to examine the short-term effects of light pressure effleurage on patients with breast cancer undergoing radiation therapy. Thirty women, aged 50 to 75 years were allocated to either receive massage or a control visit where they were given an equal amount of attention.
Light pressure effleurage massage decreased the deterioration of natural killer cells (NK) activity occurring during radiation therapy. Lowered heart rate and systolic blood pressure. No effects were demonstrated on cortisol and diastolic pressure.
The conclution of the study was that single full-body light pressure effleurage massage has a short-term effect on NK cell activity, systolic blood pressure and heart rate in patients with breast cancer.
The long-term clinical importance of these findings needs to be further investigated.
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