Is there any evidence that brief seated backrubs do anything to reduce stress and related symptoms?
Yes. According to a 2005 University of Illinois analysis of 37 studies on the effects of massage, brief one-time backrubs of the type provided by Stressbusters reduced anxiety, blood pressure, and heart rate. The same review found that short massages over time reduced these same psychological and physical states as well as depression and pain. The study also revealed that individuals with limited training could provide backrubs that produce beneficial results. Click here to review complete study results. Current assessment of the Stressbusters program has found significant reductions in reported stress, loneliness, overwhelmed feelings and muscle tension among those who received backrubs and wellness information. Additionally, nearly 40% of study subjects said that the Stressbusters event they attended was their first contact with student health services that semester (Fall 2009).
