Research has revealed that using a massage chair can result in calorie expenditure comparable to jogging. Receiving massages twice daily on a massage chair could burn calories similar to jogging for 15 minutes. This scientific finding demonstrates that massage chairs alone can provide exercise-like benefits.

According to a study by Professor Jong-Hoon Park’s research team from the Department of Physical Education at Korea University, a 60 kg woman using a massage chair for 30 minutes twice daily can burn approximately 103 kcal, equivalent to jogging for 14 minutes at a pleasant pace. The same woman would expend similar energy walking slowly for 30 minutes or briskly for 17 minutes. For an 80 kg man, the energy expenditure was about 137 kcal, comparable to jogging for 15 minutes.

The study involved 10 men and women in their 20s and 30s (five men and five women) under four conditions:

• A: Sitting on a massage chair without receiving a massage
• B: Receiving general massages, such as kneading and tapping
• C: Undergoing a lumbar-focused massage program
• D: Combining a lumbar-focused massage program with stretching

The results showed that calorie consumption per minute was significantly higher in scenarios B, C, and D compared to A. Among these, C and D demonstrated the greatest calorie burn, with energy consumption rates of 1.579 kcal/kg/hr and 1.710 kcal/kg/hr, respectively.

These findings suggest that incorporating massages into daily routines can increase daily energy expenditure. Activities like massage, which are simple and enjoyable, can contribute to combating obesity and metabolic syndrome by enhancing calorie consumption.

Professor Park stated, “With chronic stress, lack of exercise, and Western dietary habits, one in five adults in Korea suffers from metabolic syndrome. Maintaining a balance between energy intake and expenditure is essential for health and weight management. This study confirms that regular use of massage chairs can promote energy consumption, potentially improving metabolic syndrome, especially as people spend more time at home.”

[출처:중앙일보 Source: The JoongAng] https://www.joongang.co.kr/article/23766381