The effects on mental fatigue and the cognitive function of mechanical massage and binaural beats (brain massage) provided by massage chairs. (August 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Lim, Jeong-Hwan; Kim, Hyeri; Jeon, Chuljin; Cho, Soohyun
• Is Part Of: Complementary therapies in clinical practice. Volume 32(2018)
• Page Start: 32
• Page End: 38
• Publication Date: 2018-08
• Subjects: Massage chair -- Mechanical massage -- Binaural beats -- Mental fatigue -- Electroencephalography (EEG) -- Cognitive function; Integrative medicine -- Periodicals; Integrative medicine -- Research -- Periodicals; Alternative medicine -- Periodicals; 615.5
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ctcp.2018.04.008
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1744-3881

Abstract

Abstract: Objective: To verify whether the mechanical massage using massage chairs and binaural beats (brain massage) affect the mental fatigue recovery and cognitive enhancements. Methods: 25 healthy adults used massage chairs that could provide mechanical massage and binaural beats (brain massage) for 20 min. Mental fatigue and cognitive function were assessed before and after receiving brain massage using electroencephalogram (EEG) and 5 prolonged cognitive tests. Results: When a person received a brain massage on the massage chair, the decrease in mental fatigue was statistically significant compared to taking a rest or receiving a mechanical massage only on the massage chair. In addition, sustained attention, verbal short-term and long-term memory and non-verbal long-term memory were statistically significantly increased after using brain massage. Conclusion: Brain massage (mechanical massage and binaural beats) are effective in reducing mental fatigue and improving the cognitive function. Highlights: Our EEG analysis shows that brain massage with the massage chair are effective in reducing mental fatigue. Brain massage with massage chair can help improve cognitive function such as concentration and memory. Brain massage gives more positive effects on mental fatigue and cognitive function rather than just a mechanical massage.