안마의자를 활용하는 마사지가 성인 남녀의 자율신경균형도에 미치는 즉각적 영향: 전향적 관찰연구

Immediate Effect of Massage Using a Massage Chair on Autonomic Balance in Adult Men and Women: An Observational Study

Objectives The aim of this study was to examine the immediate impact of a massage chair intervention on homeostasis and the balance of the autonomic nervous system in individuals aged 20 to 64. Methods This study was a single-center, prospective, single-arm, investigator-initiated observational study. Non-underweight adults without significant health concerns underwent a 40-minute massage chair intervention. Measurements of heart rate variability, functional near-infrared spectroscopy, and vital signs were conducted before and after the intervention. Additionally, participants completed the Mibyeong questionnaire and a satisfaction survey. Results A 40-minute massage chair session led to a notable decrease in average heart rate and low frequency to high frequency (LF/HF) ratio, coupled with an increase in root mean square of the successive differences (RMSSD) and standard deviation of NN interval (SDNN). No adverse reactions were noted. Subjects with elevated sympathetic nerve activity exhibited a reduction in LF/HF ratio, whereas those with heightened parasympathetic activity demonstrated an increase in LF/HF ratio post-intervention. Conclusions The findings indicate that the massage chair intervention has the potential to activate the parasympathetic nervous system, promote blood pressure homeostasis and autonomic nervous system balance. However, further research over a more extended period is crucial to validate these conclusions.