Micklewright, D., Griffin, M., Gladwell, V., & Beneke, R. (2005). The effect of selected massage techniques on mood state. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 37(5), Supplement abstract 937.

Healthy Ss (N = 32) were assigned randomly to four 10-minute conditions, supine rest (control), effleurage, petrissage, and tapotement forms of massage. Mood states were measured by POMS before and after each treatment.

Mood state scores were reduced in each of the massage conditions with subscale changes differing between each condition. No subscale changes occurred in the control condition. The massage experiences produced a reduction in the general mood state score but no major differences were noted.

Implication. Massage does manipulate mood state.

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