Research

Collaborative Research Projects with the Human Performance Laboratory at the University of New Brunswick

Introduction

Since 2001 the Atlantic College of Therapeutic Massage (ACTM) has been involved in several research projects associated with the health and wellness of Massage Therapists. To date, the research literature focusing on the profession of Massage Therapy has centered around the validity of specific techniques or case studies on the efficacy of specific modalities. Unlike many professions, the Massage Therapist uses their body as their work tool and therefore places physical and biomechanical strain on their musculoskeletal system.

The ACTM has teamed up with Dr. Wayne Albert, Associate Professor at the University of New Brunswick. Dr. Albert’s research at the Human Performance Laboratory is focused on musculoskeletal injuries and health and wellness in the workplace. In the past couple of years, students from the ACTM and graduate students under Dr. Albert’s supervision have been teamed up to conduct research projects pertaining to the physical demands associated with the profession of Massage Therapy.

Currently, three research studies have been completed:

1. A Biomechanical Assessment of Massage Therapists
Currently In Press with the journal Occupational Ergonomic
Download the study (62kb PDF)

2. Ergonomic Comparison of
Massage Therapy Equipment: Chair vs Table
Currently submitted to the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics
Abstract from the journal article
Download the study (985kb PDF)

3. Musculoskeltal Injuries Amongst Massage Therapists:
A Cross-Canada Survey
A summary of the results
Download the study (985kb PDF)

The Atlantic College of Therapeutic Massage encourages research in all areas of massage therapy by incorporating research projects and case studies within the program. The following ACTM graduates had their papers published in the media.

1. Matthias Mann, Lynne McKenzie, and Pierre Wust (ACTM 2005) combined their efforts on their research project which was a nationwide study on the use of latex and vinyl examination gloves with massage oils. This study was published in the Massage Therapy Canada Magazine.
   Download the study
2. Eric Mathis' (ACTM 2006) case study on Massage Therapy and Cancer was published in the Massage Therapy Practice Magazine and was awarded "Honorable Mention" in the Massage Therapy Foundation Student Case Report Contest.
   View study
3. Karen Totton's (ACTM 2006) study on Massage Therapy as an Effective Intervention for Agitation in Elderly with Dementia was published in the Journal of Soft Tissue Manipulation.
   Download the study
4. Sarah Welch (ACTM 2008) case study on glove use and HIV massage therapy client was published in Science Direct.
   View the study (link to 'Science Direct' website)
   
   
   

Atlantic College of Therapeutic Massage
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Fredericton, N.B. E3B 5H8
(506) 451-8188
FAX: (506) 451-8402

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