Comparison of Immediate Impact of Massage and Foot Mobilization on Balance in Obese Women Nurses (35-45 Years Old) in Tehran University Hospitals

Reduced balance and changes in posture are among the physical activity constraints in obese individuals. Devising techniques and methods for improving balance in obese women and preventing them from falling as well as its consequences are among the health system’s challenges. This article’s aim was to compare and evaluate the immediate effects of massage and mobilization of feet and ankles on balance among obese female nurses.

The current study assessed 45 female nurses in Tehran University Hospitals (age range: 35-45 years and body mass index [BMI] over 30-40). They were randomly divided into three groups consisting of 15 people: The massage group (age: 38.73±3.39 years), (height: 154.67±5.55 cm), (weight: 79.50±8.63 kg), (BMI: 33.28±1.82 kg/m2), the mobilization group (age: 40.87±3.09 years), (height: 155.33±6.72 cm), (weight: 80.83±8.34 kg), (BMI: 33.60±1.88 kg/m2) and control group (age: 40.00±3.00 years), (height: 155.80±4.06 cm), (weight: 80.63±4.55 kg), (BMI: 33.28±1.24 kg/m2). The therapeutic protocol included 20 minutes of foot massage in the massage group and 20 minutes of mobilization on the feet and ankles in the mobilization group. In the control group, no treatment was performed. In this study, the subjects in the three groups were analyzed by two clinical balance tests: “One-Leg Standing (OLS) Test” and “Time Up & Go Test (TUG)” Assessments were made before and immediately after the intervention. The data was statistically examined via Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA) using SPSS software v. 21.

The analysis of Covariance findings indicated significant differences between the groups. Both massage and mobilization groups showed differences in the OLS scale score for both right and left legs and regarding the TUG test, significant differences were seen in the experimental groups compared to the control group (P=0/00). No significant differences were discovered between the efficacy of massage and balance mobilization (P≥0/05).

According to the findings, feet plantar massage and mobilization can improve functional balance in obese female nurses and no differences were detected regarding their effect and utilization.