Asian J Beauty Cosmetol. 2013; 11(4): 655-663.
Effects of Meridian Growth Massage on Body Composition, Physiological and Psychological Variables of School-age Children
ABSTRACT
Meridian growth massage was given to 3rd graders (16 students: experimental group, 17 students: control group) who have been worried that they are not growing any more due to genetic or environmental reasons twice a week (40 minutes at a time) for three months in the age of lookism. Then, the effects on body composition (height, BMI, body fat percentage, basic metabolic rate), physiological variables (growth hormone IGF-1, stress hormone Cortisol) and psychological variables (subjective satisfaction) were comparative analyzed before and after a test. In terms of body composition, first, a significant difference in height was observed in both experimental group to which meridian growth massage was given and control group, In particular, experimental group was higher than control group by 1.18 cm in terms of height. In terms of body weight, experiment group increased by 0.57 kg while control group increased by 1.13 kg. A statistically significant difference was found in both groups. In terms of BMI, no significant difference was observed in both groups. In terms of body fat percentage as well, no significant difference was observed in both groups. In terms of basic metabolic rate, experimental and control groups were 23.38 kcal and 28.41 kcal respectively. A significant difference was detected in both groups because of increase in height and body weight. Regarding physiological variables, second, experimental group was higher than control group by 41.59 ng/mL in terms of growth hormone (IGF-1) with statistically significant difference. In terms of stress hormone (cortisol), experimental group decreased by 1.77 ㎍/㎗ while control group increased by 1.88 ㎍/㎗. As a result, significant difference was observed between the two groups. When it comes to psychological variables, third, a very positive response was observed in the experimental group in terms of subjective satisfaction. In conclusion, it appears that meridian growth massage is highly valuable as a moderating variable which can create fertile ground for children to grow well by reducing stress and increasing growth hormone in the age of lookism.
Keywords :
Meridian, Growth Massage, Body Compo sition Physiological Variable, Growth Hormone IGF-1, Stress Hormone Cortisol
