An Exploratory Study of Neurohormonal Responses of Healthy Men to Massage

ABSTRACT Objective: This research examined the relationship between plasma oxytocin (OT), arginine vasopressin (AVP), cortisol, and anxiety before, during, and after a massage in healthy adult men. Design: A randomized, controlled, crossover, repeated-measures, prospective experimental design with subjects acting as their own controls was used. Setting: The research was conducted at a Midwestern University. Subjects: Fourteen (14) healthy men between the ages of 19 and 45 years of age were randomly assigned to the order of two conditions: a 20-minute massage (experimental condition) or a 20-minute reading period (control condition). Methods: Blood samples were collected at time intervals during each data collection session. Plasma OT, AVP, and cortisol levels were evaluated by enzyme immunoassay (EIA). The Spielberger State Anxiety Inventory (SAI) and autonomic measures were recorded pre- and postcondition. Results: Both experimental (massage) and control (reading) conditions elicited a significant increa...