2016 Volume 34 Issue 3 Pages 213-225
This study aimed to use physiological/psychological indicators to investigate the effects of tactile massage on mothers of children with autism spectrum disorder. Under fixed room conditions, some of the 17 participants were treated with the tactile procedure (tactile massage) for 20 minutes on the first day and with the resting procedure (resting in a seated position) for 20 minutes on the next day, while the others were treated with the resting procedure on the first day and the tactile procedure on the next day. Salivary cortisol concentration, salivary secretory immunoglobulin A concentration, and heart rate variability were used as physiological indicators, while the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory Form JYZ and the Profile of Mood States-Brief Form were used as psychological indicators. Our results revealed no marked differences in physiological indicators between participants treated with the tactile procedure and those treated with the resting procedure. However, tactile massage treatment led to significant improvements in the anxiety and mood psychological indicators.
