ArticleInternational journal of therapeutic massage & bodywork2026
Effect of Massage Therapy on the Circulatory System: A Literature Review.
Article in International journal of therapeutic massage & bodywork, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.
What it found
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The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.
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Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.
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Authors and funding
3 authors.
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Abstract
Massage therapy has been employed for centuries as a method to promote health and well-being, with notable physiological effects on various body systems. Among these, the circulatory system plays a central role in mediating the therapeutic outcomes of massage. This literature review explores contemporary research investigating the influence of massage therapy on cardiovascular parameters such as blood pressure, heart rate, peripheral circulation, and vascular function. By synthesizing findings from clinical studies, systematic reviews, and mechanistic investigations, this paper evaluates the efficacy and underlying mechanisms of massage therapy in enhancing circulatory health. The review concludes that while evidence supports beneficial effects, variations in massage modalities, duration, and participant characteristics contribute to inconsistent outcomes, necessitating further rigorous investigation. Practically, the evidence suggests that massage therapy, particularly for populations with hypertension or poor peripheral circulation, could be considered as a complementary treatment. However, further clinical trials with standardized protocols are necessary to refine therapeutic practices.
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Registered trials
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