An Exploratory Comparative Study of the Influence of Thai Massage on Postural Stability in Children with Overweight and Obesity

TL;DR

This study explored whether Thai massage could help improve balance in overweight and obese children, but found no significant differences between massage and a control group.

Contribution

The study is the first to explore the potential effects of Thai massage on postural stability in overweight and obese children.

Findings

Thai massage group showed a non-significant trend toward improved postural stability.

Control group experienced a significant decline in postural stability over time.

No statistically significant differences were found between the two groups.

Abstract

Background: Prolonged obesity in children can lead to a gradual decline in postural stability due to changes in biomechanics, musculoskeletal function, and neuromuscular control. Early interventions may help address these issues. This exploratory study examined the potential influence of Thai massage on postural stability in children with overweight and obesity. Methods: This study employed a quasi-experimental, comparative design and was conducted at the Pa Tueng Sub-district Health Promoting Hospital, Chiang Rai, Thailand. A total of 58 children meeting the criteria for overweight or obesity were systematically assigned to either the Thai massage group or the control group based on the order in which they were recruited. The Thai massage group received 45 min full-body Thai massage sessions combined with stretching exercises twice a week for six weeks (a total of 12 sessions), while the control group was advised to perform daily stretching exercises at home. Postural stability was assessed by measuring sway path length and sway velocity during double-leg and single-leg stances with eyes closed, both before and after the intervention. Results: While no statistically significant differences were found between the groups, the Thai massage group exhibited a non-significant trend toward reduced sway path length and sway velocity, whereas the control group showed a significant increase in both measures (p < 0.05), indicating a decline in postural stability over time. Conclusions: These findings suggest that Thai massage showed a potential trend toward stabilizing postural stability in children with overweight and obesity; however, the between-group differences were not statistically significant. As an exploratory study, further research with longer intervention durations and follow-up assessments is needed to determine whether clinically meaningful effects can be established.

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