Research Studies Evaluating Acupressure Mats
Below are five studies that have investigated the therapeutic benefit of acupressure mat therapy.
The Benefit of a Mechanical Needle Stimulation Pad in Patients with Chronic Neck and Lower Back Pain: Two Randomized Controlled Pilot Studies
Link to the study: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3446809/
The objective of this study was to determine whether needle pad stimulation (acupressure mat) affects self-reported pain and/or sensory thresholds in patients with chronic neck and lower back pain. The researchers followed 40 patients with chronic neck pain, and 42 patients with chronic back pain. Treatment involved the use of needle stimulation pad once daily for 30 minutes, for 14 days.
The results of the study revealed the following:
Reflexo-Therapy With Mechanical Cutaneous Stimulation: Pilot Study
Link to the study: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/233934675_Reflexo-Therapy_With_Mechanical_Cutaneous_Stimulation_Pilot_Study
This study reviewed the development of early Russian studies on a medical device that was developed to deliver skin stimulation to treat a variety of disorders, and also looked at the results of a pilot research program that was conducted at the Community Wholistic Health Center in Carrboro, NC. The study investigated the effects of acupressure mat treatment on patients after 2 weeks of regular use.
The results of the study revealed the following:
Relaxing on a Bed of Nails: An Exploratory Study of the Effects on the Autonomic, Cardiovascular, and Respiratory Systems, and Saliva Cortisol.
Link to the study: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21208128
This study investigated the subjective and physiologic response of 32 individuals lying on a bed of nails, called the Shakti-mat, and of listening to relaxing music and instructions for 20 minutes.
The results of the study revealed the following:
Does Relaxation on an Acupressure Mat Induce Beneficial Effects? A Randomized Controlled Pilot Study.
Link to the study: https://www.pagepress.org/journals/index.php/ams/article/view/ams.2011.e5/pdf_95
This study investigated the effects of acupressure mat treatment on 36 participants using the mat for15 minutes a day over a 3-week period.
The results of the study revealed the following:
Formal Clinical Trials on Acupressure Mats
Link to the study: https://pranamat.es/Pranamat-ECO-clinical-studies.pdf
The purpose of this study was to determine the acute and long-term effects of 20-minute sessions of lying on an acupressure mat over a period of 30 days. Microcirculation and metabolic processes in the skin and back region in patients with spondylosis of the vertebral column were monitored during the study period.
The results of the study revealed the following:
Research Studies on Acupressure
While the literature investigating the therapeutic benefits of acupressure mats is limited, there is an abundance of literature outlining the benefits of acupressure. Below some of the recent literature is summarized.
Acupressure for Chronic Low Back Pain: A Single System Study
Link to the study: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5574337/
The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of acupressure in treating a 54-year old male with a 20-year history of lower back pain. During the first phase of the study, the participant received conventional physical therapy treatment. During the second phase of the study, the participant received conventional physical therapy treatment in combination with acupressure.
The results of the study revealed the following:
The Efficacy of Acupressure for Symptom Management: A Systematic Review
Link to the study: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3154967/
The purpose of this review was to analyze 43 randomized controlled trials that investigated the effectiveness of acupressure for the management of various symptoms.
The results of the study revealed the following:
Acupressure for the Treatment of Musculoskeletal Pain Conditions: A Systematic Review
Link to the study: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.3109/10582452.2012.673543
The purpose of this review was to evaluate 180 articles to determine the effectiveness of acupressure for the treatment of musculoskeletal pain.
The results of the study revealed the following:
The Effects of Acupressure on Depression, Anxiety and Stress in Patients with Hemodialysis: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Link to the study: https://www.journalofnursingstudies.com/article/S0020-7489(14)00296-X/fulltext
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of acupressure on anxiety, stress, depression, and general psychological distress in 108 patients on hemodialysis. The participants in the acupressure group received their normal hemodialysis treatment combined with 15 minutes of acupuncture, three times per week for a 4-week period, while the control group only received their normal hemodialysis treatment.
The results of the study revealed the following:
Effect of Acupressure and Trigger Points in Treating Headache: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Link to the study: https://www.worldscientific.com/doi/abs/10.1142/S0192415X10007634
The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of acupressure for chronic headaches compared to muscle relaxant medication. 28 participants were included in the month long study, 14 were randomly assigned to the acupressure group and 14 were assigned to the muscle relaxant medication group.
The results of the study revealed the following:
As Acupressure Decreases Pain, Acupuncture May Improve Some Aspects of Quality of Life for Women with Primary Dysmenorrhea: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis
Link to the study: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2005290115001144
The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of acupuncture and acupressure intervention in the treatment of women with primary dysmenorrhea by researching using a systematic review of 8 studies with a meta-analysis of 4 studies.
The results of the study revealed the following: