Effects of Massage Versus Rest on Hormones

Overview

This study will investigate the effects of 15 minutes of massage compared to 15 minutes of quiet rest on physiological variables. Specifically, the investigators will measure the effects on levels of the social hormone oxytocin, and on other physiological variables that interact with oxytocin or that may be influenced by massage (including ACTH, Beta-endorphin, and IL-1alpha). The investigators will also investigate whether, in the case of hormones changes, these influence social decision making.

Full Title of Study: “Investigating the Effects of Massage vs. Rest on Oxytocin, ACTH, and B-endorphins”

Study Type

  • Study Type: Interventional
  • Study Design
    • Allocation: Randomized
    • Primary Purpose: Basic Science
    • Masking: Single
  • Study Primary Completion Date: August 2006

Detailed Description

Interested participants will have the experiment explained both verbally and in writing, and asked to give their informed consent in writing. After consent, the participants will be led to a private room for their first 30ml blood draw by a qualified phlebotomist. Participants will then have a second 30ml blood draw.

Interventions

  • Procedure: Massage or Rest
    • Participants either received 15 minutes of moderate pressure Swedish massage on the upper back, or rested quietly sitting in a chair for 15 minutes.

Clinical Trial Outcome Measures

Primary Measures

  • Oxytocin
    • Time Frame: Within 5 minutes following experimental manipulation of either 15 minutes massage or rest.
    • Participants receive a blood draw at baseline and immediately following 15 minutes of massage or rest and oxytocin will be measured from this sample.

Secondary Measures

  • Adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH)
    • Time Frame: Within 5 minutes following experimental manipulation of either 15 minutes massage or rest.
    • Participants will receive a blood draw at baseline and immediately following 15 minutes of massage or rest, and ACTH will be measured in these blood samples.
  • Beta-endorphin
    • Time Frame: Within 5 minutes following experimental manipulation of either 15 minutes massage or rest.
    • Participants will receive a blood draw at baseline and immediately following 15 minutes of massage or rest, and B-endorphin will be measured from these samples.
  • Interleukin-1alpha (IL-1a)
    • Time Frame: Within 5 minutes following experimental manipulation of either 15 minutes massage or rest.
    • Participants will receive a blood draw at baseline and immediately following 15 minutes of massage or rest, and IL-1a will be measured from these samples.

Participating in This Clinical Trial

Inclusion Criteria

  • Anyone English speaking and over the age of 18. Exclusion Criteria:

  • Minors and anyone who has used illicit drugs or alcohol in the last 24 hours.

Gender Eligibility: All

Minimum Age: 18 Years

Maximum Age: N/A

Are Healthy Volunteers Accepted: Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Investigator Details

  • Lead Sponsor
    • Claremont Graduate University
  • Collaborator
    • Gruter Institute
  • Provider of Information About this Clinical Study
    • Paul J. Zak, Ph.D., Center for Neuroeconomic Studies, Claremont Graduate University

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