Comparing Robotic Massage and Manual Massage: Effects on Relaxation and Well-being

Manual massage has long been acknowledged for its positive impact on psychophysiological states, promoting relaxation and overall wellness. However, the potential benefits of robotic massage in this context remain largely unknown.

A study from France published in Sports Health journal seeks to delve into the effects of both manual and robotic massage on flexibility in the hamstrings and lumbopelvic muscles, as well as their role in inducing relaxation by reducing sympathetic activity.

The study was a single-blind randomized crossover trial. A cohort of 21 participants was engaged in two distinct massage interventions, targeting the soft tissues of the back. The first condition involved a skilled physical therapist administering the massage, while the second condition introduced the novel concept of robotic massage. Comprehensive objective and subjective measurements of performance and well-being were collected before and after each massage session. Additionally, the study incorporated the viewpoints of physical therapists, who provided self-reports on perceived fatigue, tension, and their ability to maintain the massage routine.

Analysis of the data revealed compelling results.

Skin conductance, an indicator of autonomic nervous system activity, showcased a decline from pretest to posttest in both conditions. While the reduction was evident in both manual massage  and robotic massage, the decrease was more pronounced in the manual group.

Both techniques improved relaxation, with similar effects on the nervous system’s sympathetic activity and balance. This suggests shared neurophysiological mechanisms between the two methods. Massage appears to be “autonomically oriented” methods, activating relaxation through bottom-up regulation.

Furthermore, both interventions demonstrated an association with enhanced subjective sensations, such as pain relief, warmth, and overall well-being.

While both interventions reduced physiological arousal, manual massage added benefits in decreased skin conductance and improved mood, well-being, warmth, muscle pain, and anxiety. While flexibility improvements were not observed in either group, perceived efficacy was higher after manual massage. The mental state of participants interacting with robots could impact results.

Both manual and robotic massage improved cognitive performance in mental calculations.

The study also highlighted that robotic massage could help alleviate the physical therapist’s workload.

Despite limitations like a small sample size and the absence of a control group, this investigation suggests that while robotic massage offers benefits, manual massage remains more effective for inducing relaxation.

The feedback from physical therapists introduced a unique perspective, revealing that MM led to greater fatigue and tension for therapists, along with a perceived decline in massage efficiency following repeated interventions. Robotic massage shows promise in assisting therapists and managing workload in healthcare settings with limited resources.