Appropriate duration for massage to increase peripheral blood flow and skin temperature of foot

Background: Massage is a popular technique to increase peripheral blood flow. However, no evidence that compared appropriate massage duration for improving peripheral blood flow. Objectives: To investigate the immediate effects of massage at various time points on peripheral blood flow and skin temperature of foot. Methods: The study is a time series research design. Thirty healthy volunteers aged 21.97±1.07 years received the Swedish massage at right lower leg and foot for 40 minutes in controlledtemperature room at 24-26°c. Ankle systolic blood pressure of Dorsalis pedis (aSBPd) and Posterior tibial artery (aSBPp), ankle brachial index (ABI), and skin temperature (T) of foot were measured before massage and every 10 minutes. Data were analyzed by one-way repeated measure ANOVA and Bonferoni test, except aSBPd and aSBPp were analyzed by Friedman test and Wilcoxon signed rank test. Results: The time effect of massage was significantly detected on aSBPd (p = 0.001), aSBPp (p = 0.024) and ABI (p=0.002,), but not on a foot skin temperature. The aSBPd and aSBPp at 20, 30, and 40 minutes during massage significantly increased when compared to before massage while ABI significantly increased than before massage just only at 20 and 30 minutes during massage (P<0.01). Conclusion: Massage (discontinuously or pause every 10 minutes) for 20 minutes or more may increase peripheral blood flow to the foot by increase the blood pressure gradient.