What is the effect of Shiatsu on anxiety as measured by the State Trait Anxiety Inventory? A Crossover Trial
By Martin Knowles - Online MSc - Advanced Complementary Medicine
Abstract
Background
Severe anxiety affects more than 12% of the population worldwide, and over 20% of the UK population rate themselves as having high levels of anxiety. Anxiety is the most common symptom encountered by Shiatsu therapists and is one of the main reasons why patients seek treatments. Research evidence on Shiatsu and anxiety, is scant, is of poor quality and does not support the Shiatsu community or its patients.
Aims and objectives
This study aims to evaluate the effect of Shiatsu treatments on self-reported levels of anxiety, addressing research gaps. A methodology based on best practice and research opinion is employed, allowing outcome measures to be analysed and put into the patient’s context.
Methods
A two-arm, two period crossover design was used with 18 participants randomised into two groups receiving individualised Shiatsu treatments once a week for 6 weeks, or usual care. Group “SU” received Shiatsu in the first period whilst group “US” received usual care. Primary and secondary outcome measures were State Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) and Measure Yourself Medical Outcome Profile (MYMOP).
Findings
Significant carry-over effects necessitated analysis of first period data only. Group SU showed a significant improvement in anxiety state levels following Shiatsu. STAI-S was 52.75 (SD=4.83) at baseline and 35.0 (SD=8.56) at week 6 (p=0.0045). MYMOP for group SU showed a clinically significant fall from 4.16 (SD=0.35) to 2.59 (SD=0.79). There was no significant change in trait anxiety scores for group SU, and no improvements in the control group’s measures.
Conclusion
Shiatsu interventions produced significant and lasting improvement in state anxiety and wellbeing levels and show promise for treating this condition. The crossover design, Shiatsu protocol and objectives were executed successfully, and key findings should guide further successful research.
