The Effects of Foot Massage on Mental and Physical Functions

Abstract

We examined the effects of foot massage on healthy adult females’ mental and physical functions by electroencephalography as an emotional assessment method. We randomized 20 healthy adult females into 2 groups receiving a massage by a therapist (Group A) and mechanical massage using a commercially available massager (Group B), each of which consisted of 10 subjects. After massage, the lower limb volume significantly decreased in both groups, but Group A showed more favorable results related to comfort, pain, and feeling refreshed. Electroencephalography confirmed increased beta waves, indicating enhanced neuronal activity, in the medial prefrontal cortex and anterior cingulate gyrus of Group A after massage. The results suggest that foot massage by a therapist positively influences not only physical functions, but also mental conditions.