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CLICK ON RESEARCH TITLES TO GO TO ABSTRACT

CHARGE TRANSFER IN THE LIVING MATRIX. Oschman JL. Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies 2009;13:215–228.

The living matrix is defined as the continuous molecular fabric of the organism,

consisting of fascia, the other

connective tissues, extracellular matrices, integrins, cytoskeletons, nuclear matrices and DNA. It constitutes a body-wide reservoir of charge. Recent research has emphasised the

significance of charge transfer in relation to the scavenging or neutralisation of free radicals delivered to sites of injury during and after the oxidative burst. Evidence comes from studies of the role of electrons in mitigating the consequences

of inflammation when living systems are connected to the earth (earthing). One hypothesis to explain the effects of earthing is that charges from the ground substance reservoir prevent “collateral damage” to healthy tissues in the vicinity of an injury. A second hypothesis is that earthing allows electrons to replenish charge in the ground substance reservoirs, making electrons available throughout the body.

sportEX comment These two essays are not the usual

original research we report on these pages, but they are extremely thought-provoking. The

first discusses the dilemma faced by many therapists. Their techniques undoubtedly work, but there is no evidence base to prove it. Will there ever be? In the second article, through research into what happens in the body at an atomic level, the author speculates that the movement of electrons is a phenomenon that helps to explain how bodywork and movement therapies can facilitate the resolution of injuries and how patients with inflammatory conditions may “deplete” a therapist during hands-on treatments. The author goes on to suggest that the optimum treatment position for the therapist is barefoot contact with the ground, in order to cause “earthing” of the charge. Powerful stuff.

THE ATTITUDES TOWARD MASSAGE (ATOM) SCALE: RELIABILITY, VALIDITY, AND ASSOCIATED FINDINGS. Moyer CA, Rounds J. Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies 2009;13:22–33.

The “Attitudes toward massage” (ATOM) scale is a nine-item measure of an overall

attitude towards massage. It includes two distinct subscales assessing the attitudes of (1) massage as healthful and (2) massage as pleasant. These subscales are reliable,

co-vary with major personality traits and dispositional sensitivities, and are positively correlated with broader attitudes toward complementary and alternative medicine.

sportEX comment One of the criticisms levelled at

EFFECT OF PILATES AND TAIJI QUAN TRAINING ON SELF-EFFICACY, SLEEP QUALITY, MOOD, AND PHYSICAL PERFORMANCE OF COLLEGE STUDENTS. Caldwell K, Harrison M, Adams M, Triplett NT. Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies 2009;13:155–163.

The purpose of this investigation was to examine the effects of

a semester of either Pilates or taiji quan training on perceived self-efficacy, sleep quality and mood, strength and balance in college-age individuals. Results: Self-efficacy was found to be improved in the Pilates and taiji quan groups, and there was a trend towards improvement in sleep quality. Mood was found to be improved significantly in the Pilates group, while the taiji quan group showed a trend towards improvement. There were no changes or group differences in the strength or balance measures.

sportEX comment Taiji quan is better known in the UK as tai chi. This type of study has more often been done using older populations, so it’s good to see that the effects are applicable to a younger group. Although the performance outcome measures (strength and balance) didn’t improve, mood and sleep quality did. A lot of the work done by sports massage practitioners is aimed at promoting relaxation through sleep in tense, nervous athletes, and so this type of exercise may be a worthwhile adjunct. Incidentally, the moves of tai chi are excellent training for moving around a massage couch.

This was a pilot study concerning the application of fascial manipulation in 28 subjects with chronic posterior brachial pain. This method involves a deep kneading of muscular fascia at specific points, termed “centres of coordination” and “centres of fusion”, along myofascial sequences, diagonals and spirals. Visual analogue scale (VAS) measurement of pain administered before the first session and after the third session was compared with a follow-up evaluation at 3 months. Results: The application of fascial manipulation technique may be effective in reducing pain in chronic shoulder dysfunction.

sportEX comment Does what it says on the tin. Pain

was reduced after a series of treatments, which was the object of the exercise.

research in many systematic reviews is that methods and outcome measures vary so much from paper to paper that it is often difficult to make comparisons. This scale may be a useful template for further research.

APPLICATION OF FASCIAL MANIPULATION TECHNIQUE IN CHRONIC SHOULDER PAIN: ANATOMICAL BASIS AND CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS. Day JA, Stecco C, Stecco A. Journal of Bodywork and

Movement Therapies 2009;13:128–135.

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sportEX dynamics 2009;22(Oct):4-6