Objective: To investigate the potential benefits of using massage chairs for improving health.
Data sources: A rapid scoping review was conducted using PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar from inception to November 1, 2022.
Study selection: Using the keyword strategy ("massage chair*" OR "massage-chair*"), only studies in English were selected. Two reviewers independently screened the studies, and conflicts were resolved by consensus. Studies involving physical massage therapy were excluded.
Data extraction: A total of 59 articles were identified, and 18 were included in the final analysis. Quality assessment was performed, following STROBE, CONSORT and CASP guidelines. The following data were extracted: authors, year, country, study design, study objective, age, gender, participants, measures, and main findings.
Data synthesis: The results of the present review indication that the utilization of massage chairs may positively affect both physical and mental health concerns. This review especially found a more significant number of studies showing benefits in mental health. However, two case reports indicated complications when using massage chairs.
Conclusions: The use of massage chairs could have benefits on cognitive function improvement, stress reduction and mental fatigue decline, muscle stiffness improvement, pain reduction, and potential benefits for quality of life.
Keywords: Massage chair therapy; Massage chair trials; Massage therapy review; Mental health; Musculoskeletal pain.
Copyright © 2023. Published by Elsevier Inc.