Change of stiff neck and stress caused by the self-hand massage that targets the Generation Z

Abstract

Stiff shoulders, which ranks first in women and second in men, lead to chronic pain, producing further symptoms. One of the causes is the straight neck caused using smartphones. Generation Z has a high usage rate, as it is called the smartphone generation. The purpose of this study was to clarify changes in stiff shoulders and stress caused by performing self-hand massage incorporating acupuncture point stimulation in Generation Z. As a result, it was clarified that the stiff shoulders were alleviated, the hardness of the upper trapezius muscles decreased, and the skin temperature of the upper shoulders of the left and right nuchals decreased. Furthermore, it was confirmed that the blood pressure and pulse values decreased, and the POMS subscales “Anger-Hostility”, “Fatigue-Inertia”, “Tension-Anxiety” and “Vigor-Activity” decreased, which helped to relieve stress. In addition, it was suggested that self-hand massage did not improve stiff shoulders in those who used smartphones for a long time per day, and that the effect of hand massage appeared in those who had a higher skin surface temperature on the left side before massage.