Abstract / Summary
This exploratory study examined the relationship between the massage modalities used, the length of the massage treatment, and the areas of the body massaged on the perceived self-reported effort level and muscular fatigue as well as the ergonomic sensor data for average composite risk score and average fatigue risk score. Participants completed their normal routine of massages while wearing sensors: watch placed on the upper arm to collect physiological data; GoX ® sensor placed on the dominant upper arm and back of the shirt to collect ergonomic data. Participants performed massages in their regular clinic, following their normal treatment plan. Following each session, a survey was completed about the massage treatment, including areas massaged, techniques used and self-reported effort and muscle fatigue. Mean self-reported effort level was 10.71± 2.40, light level on the Borg Scale. Mean self-reported muscular fatigue level was 2.69 ± 0.75, light activity on the RPE scale. Length of time of the massage session was not a strong indicator of subjective or objective measures. No one technique provided an increased risk of fatigue. This exploratory study gave a snapshot into fatigue and risks for work-related musculoskeletal disorders in massage therapists while practicing in their normal clinical setting.