The effect of a single massage based on the tensegrity principle on postural stability in young women

Abstract

OBJECTIVE

: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of normalized muscle tension via tensegrity-based massage on postural stability in a sample of female young adults.

METHODS

: Nineteen females aged 21.8 $\pm$ 1.9 years were recruited presenting abnormal tension at muscles adhering to any of the following structural sites: superior iliac spine, lateral sacropelvic surface, linea aspera at 1/2 of femur length, and superior nuchal line of the occiput. Balance and postural control were assessed during bipedal stance using a force platform in multiple conditions: hard surface or soft foam surface with the head in either a neutral posture or tilted backward. Baseline and 3-min and 15-min post-treatment measures were collected while barefoot and eyes closed. Main outcomes measures included center of pressure variability, range, radius, and velocity in the anteroposterior (AP) mediolateral (ML) dimensions.

RESULTS

: In the solid surface with neutral head posture condition only AP COP measures decreased significantly ( $p<$ 0.05). In the soft surface condition, significant differences were observed in the AP and ML dimensions among most measures ( $p<$ 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS:

A single application of tensegrity-based massage positively influenced postural control in young adult females, particularly in the AP direction.