Effects of the intelligent-turtle massage on the physical symptoms and immune functions in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome

J Tradit Chin Med. 2009 Mar;29(1):24-8. doi: 10.1016/s0254-6272(09)60026-1.

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the effects of the intelligent-turtle massage on the physical symptoms and immune functions in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS).

Methods: 182 cases of CFS were randomly divided into an experimental group of 91 cases treated by the intelligent-turtle massage, and a control group of 91 cases treated with the conventional massage method. After 2 courses of treatment, the therapeutic effects were statistically analyzed with the accumulated score for the improved clinical symptoms; and the changes of IgA, IgM and IgG were compared in 96 cases.

Results: There was a significant difference between the two groups in the accumulated scores for improvement of the symptoms (P<0.05). A remarkable difference was found in the therapeutic effect. And there was a significant difference in the IgA, IgM and IgG levels between the two groups (P<0.05).

Conclusion: The intelligent-turtle massage is an effective therapy for relieving the physical symptoms of CFS, and it may show certain effects on the immune functions.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Fatigue Syndrome, Chronic / immunology*
  • Fatigue Syndrome, Chronic / therapy*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Immunoglobulin A / blood
  • Immunoglobulin A / immunology
  • Immunoglobulin G / blood
  • Immunoglobulin G / immunology
  • Immunoglobulin M / blood
  • Immunoglobulin M / immunology
  • Male
  • Massage*
  • Middle Aged
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Immunoglobulin A
  • Immunoglobulin G
  • Immunoglobulin M