Proceedings of the 17th International Conference on Humanities, Psychology and Social Sciences
Year: 2024
DOI:
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Evaluation of the Impact of Preventive Massage on Psychophysical Well-being in Young Adults in Reference to E-sport Athletes
Anna Ostrowska, Mirosław Mikicin, Grzegorz Pawiński, Anna Mróz
ABSTRACT:
There is limited research evaluating the impact of e-sport on the psychophysical health of young people. Relaxing “chair massage” seems to be a good proposal for health prevention, reduction of muscle tension and stress. The present study is part of a larger university research project. Initially, young adults who do not regularly play computer games were examined. This group serves as a control group for the target studies in the second phase of the research. The aim of the study was to assess the impact of a single, relaxing 15- minute chair massage session on the muscle pain threshold and anxiety levels in young men. A total of 26 participants aged 18-25 (mean age 21.67 ± 1.53) were examined. The algometry method was used to collect data from 6 trigger points in the neck area (trapezius muscles and levator scapulae). Anxiety levels were evaluated using the State Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI X-1). The algometry results proved significant for all measured points (p<0.05), with the greatest mean change from 4,71 ± 2,40 to 5,75 ± 1,98 kg/cm2, indicating an increase of the pain threshold. Anxiety levels also changed significantly: before the massage 17 participants reported low anxiety levels, whereas post-massage evaluations showed reduced anxiety in all participants (p<0.05). The study highlights the effectiveness of “chair massage” as a quick and effective method of relaxation in young adults, particularly in the context of prolonged sitting at the computer of E-sport athletes. Its cost-effectiveness and feasibility make it a valuable tool for stress and muscle tension relief for those in need.
keywords: algometry; anxiety state; chair massage; muscle pain threshold; relaxation