Measuring the hemodynamic effects of massage on skeletal muscle

An increase in tissue blood flow is one of the most acknowledged potential effects of massage; however, actual research studies examining this phenomenon are inconsistent and inconclusive. One possible reason for continued uncertainty regarding this topic is methodology, specifically how tissue blood flow is measured because limitations exist in previously utilized technologies.

Researchers from University of Kentucky, Lexington used a Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) which can afford massage researchers a versatile and non-invasive measurement option by providing dynamic information on oxy- and deoxy-hemoglobin concentrations, total hemoglobin concentration, and blood oxygen saturation in deep tissue. Near-infrared diffuse correlation spectroscopy (DCS) is an innovative technique for continuous non-invasive measurement of relative blood flow in deep tissue (rBF). The combination of these two technologies has resulted in a novel hybrid diffuse optical instrument for simultaneous measurement of limb muscle blood flow and oxygenation.

In an article published in Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, the authors demonstrated the used of the instrument  to evaluate the effect of massage on muscle microcirculation. Immediate increase in calf muscle relative blood flow (from 100 to 142%) was found following 8-min lower limb massage on a 28 year-old woman. Read the article here.