Since 2006, through the MTRF, CMTO has made significant contributions towards Massage Therapy research conducted by researchers, Massage Therapists working with researchers and Massage Therapists undertaking graduate studies across Canada.
Highlights about the MTRF:
- Over $450,000 in grant funds awarded;
- 26 Massage Therapy research projects from across Canada funded;
- 4 Massage Therapists pursuing research training through a Master’s or PhD program at a Canadian university supported through the MTRF;
- Researchers in 9 provinces from 21 different research institutions in Canada (universities, teaching hospitals and colleges) have received MTRF grants.
To ensure Massage Therapists’ have access to the findings and knowledge generated through the MTRF, CMTO provides a summary of each project in progress and a final report of each completed project.
Go to:
MTRF Funded Studies – COMPLETED
MTRF Funded Studies – IN PROGRESS
MTRF Funded Studies – COMPLETED
Recipient Name |
Institution |
Project Title |
Grant Amount |
Year Received |
Files |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Amanda Baskwill |
Humber College |
Patients’ Experiences of Ending Massage Therapy Care |
$13,209 |
2017 |
|
Amanda Baskwill |
Humber College |
Flunking or Flying Colours: A Canadian Massage Therapy Education Environmental Scan |
$27,558 |
2017 |
|
Dr. Martin Descarreaux |
Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières |
The Effect of Massage Therapy on Trunk Muscular Fatigue in Patients with Chronic Low Back Pain |
$24,000 |
2015 |
|
Dr. Nathaly Gaudreault |
Université de Sherbrooke |
Can Massage Therapy Promote Recovery of Locomotion following Spinal Transection? |
$47,158 |
2015 |
|
Dr. Anne Leis & Donelda Gowan-Moody |
University of Saskatchewan |
Development of a Taxonomy of Adverse Events in Massage Therapy: A Modified Delphi Consensus Study |
$19,479 |
2014 |
|
Dr. Greg Wells & Gillian White |
University of Toronto |
The Effect of Massage Therapy on Inflammatory Mediators in Skeletal Muscle Employed at Rest and following High-Intensity Intermittent Sprint Exercise |
$20,000 |
2014 |
|
Amanda Baskwill |
Humber College |
Exploring Utilization and Knowledge of, and Attitudes, Barriers and Supports to Evidence-Informed Massage Therapy |
$5,000 |
2013 |
|
Dr. Fuschia Sirois |
Université de Sherbrooke |
The Effects of Massage Therapy on the Anxiety and Sleep Quality of Individuals with Fibromyalgia: A Pilot Study |
$17,850.40 |
2013 |
|
Pamela Hammond |
Princess Margaret Hospital |
“Today I understand it better”: Evaluating Breast Cancer Patients’ Success in Learning Lymphatic Self-Massage at the Princess Margaret Hospital Lymphedema Clinic |
$14,627.50 |
2010 |
|
Jean Paul Collet |
BC Children’s Hospital |
A Pilot Study to Assess the Feasibility, Efficacy and Safety of a Massage Intervention to Affect Changes in the Autonomic Nervous System of Intensive Care Unit Pediatric Patients with Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome |
$14,964 |
2010 |
Collet – Student MSc Thesis (L Guan)
|
Bernadette Nedelec |
Centre de recherché du Centre hospitalier du L’Universite de Montreal (CRCHUM) |
Preliminary Evaluation of the Effect of Massage on Adult Burn Scars |
$13,294.10 |
2010 |
|
Cathy Fournier |
Wilson Centre for Research in Education, Toronto General Hospital |
Professional Status within an Interprofessional Context: A View of Massage Therapy |
$5,840 |
2010 |
|
Lucie Brosseau |
University of Ottawa |
The Implementation of Bilingual Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPGs) on Effective Massage for Neck, Back and Tendonitis Amongst Educators |
$14,781.30 |
2010 |
Brosseau – MT for Neck Pain – Recommendations Brosseau – MT for Low Back Pain – Recommendations Brosseau – Deep Tendon Frictions for Tendinitis – Recommendations |
David Behm |
Memorial University of Newfoundland |
The Effect of Massage on Range of Motion and Muscle Performance |
$14,687.73 |
2010 |
N/A |
Ania Kania |
University of Calgary |
Hospital-Based Massage Therapy – A Survey of Canadian Hospitals |
$7,894 |
2009 |
Kania Abstract – JCIM – IN-CAM Symposium 2012 |
Wayne Albert |
University of New Brunswick |
The Effects of Therapeutic Massage on Muscle Oxygenation in Fibromyalgia Patients |
$14,690 |
2009 |
|
Kimberley Dawson & Peter Tiidus |
Wilfred Laurier University |
Effectiveness of Regular Proactive Massage Therapy for Novice Recreational Runners |
$14,981 |
2008 |
|
Donelda Gowan-Moody & Anne Leis |
University of Saskatchewan |
Massage Therapists’ Research Utilization and Perceptions towards Research |
$8,929 |
2008 |
|
Victoria Wiltshire & Michael Tschakovsky |
Queen’s University |
Massage and Post Exercise Muscle Lactate Removal |
$9,000 |
2007 |
Wiltshire & Tschakovsky – MTRF Final Report |
Patricia Janssen |
University of British Columbia |
Massage Therapy and Labour Outcomes |
$13,000 |
2007 |
N/A |
Robert Gilbert |
Dalhousie University |
Use of Massage Therapy to Reduce Anxiety and Improve Sleep in Patients Participating in an Inpatient Withdrawal Management (Detox) Program: A Randomized Controlled Pilot Study |
$7,000 |
2007 |
|
Trish Dryden & John Barrett |
Centennial College and Sunnybrook and Women’s College Health Sciences Centre |
Women’s Experience of Massage Therapy during High Risk Pregnancy: A Qualitative Study |
$20,000 |
2007 |
Dryden & Barrett – MTRF Final Report Dryden – Project Summary – College Standard 2005 |
MTRF Funded Studies – IN PROGRESS
2017/2018 MTRF Funding Competition – Grant Recipients
Dr. Lucie Pelland, Queen’s University
Title: Myofascial Massage in Cerebral Palsy: Objective Measurement of Outcomes to Advance Knowledge and Practice
Grant amount: $24,166
Grant received: May 2018
Project Summary: Cerebral palsy is the most common cause of physical disability in children in Canada. CP is clinically described by impairments in posture and movement that evolve as the child grows and the demands for muscle strength and extensibility increase. As such, medical treatment focuses primarily on controlling spasticity to allow the muscles to lengthen with growth, and on correcting residual impairments in limb alignment to ameliorate function. We propose that myofascial release may be of therapeutic benefit to improve the mechanical parameters of spastic muscles in children with cerebral palsy. We will be using state-of-the-art motion capture combined with novel computing approaches and muscle imaging to provide objective and reliable measurements that are necessary to inform practice.
2018/2019 MTRF Funding Competition – Grant Recipients
Dr. Maryam Faiz, University of Toronto
Title: Manipulating the Gut Microbiota with Massage Therapy as a Treatment Strategy for Stroke
Grant amount: $39,710
Grant received: February 2019
Project Summary: Stroke is a devastating disease. In addition to long-lasting impairments in movement and cognition, many stroke survivors show symptoms of stress and anxiety. Recently, scientists have discovered that stroke causes a reduction in the number and types of bacteria in our gut. Massage therapy is a type of alternative medicine used in rehabilitation therapy to help with physical movements but also to reduce stress and anxiety in stroke survivors. We are interested in understanding whether massage therapy can change the gut bacteria after stroke and improve stroke recovery. If successful, massage therapy will become a new standard of care for stroke patients undergoing rehabilitation.
Dr. Trisha Scribbans, University of Manitoba
Title: Myofascial Release (MFR) of the Pectoral Fascia: Effects on Shoulder Posture, Upper Limb Reaching Strategies and Performance
Grant amount: $32,094
Grant received: February 2019
Project Summary: Prolonged office work is associated with postural adaptations, especially rounded shoulder posture (RSP) and a forward head, collectively known as Upper Crossed Syndrome (UCS). Techniques that focus on improving the flexibility of fascia, known as myofascial release (MFR), are a relatively new addition to the practice of Massage Therapy that improve joint movement, strength and the performance of functional tasks. The results of this study will provide critical information necessary to determine if MFR techniques are able to treat postural dysfunctions that contribute to the incidence of injuries/pain in the neck, shoulder and upper back.
2019/2020 MTRF Funding Competition – Grant Recipients
Dr. Nathaly Gaudreault & Dr. Nathalie Bureau, Université de Sherbrooke & Université de Montréal
Title: Ultrasound Imaging Measurements of the Thoracolumbar Fascia following Massage Therapy: A Proof of Concept Study
Grant amount: $23,500
Grant received: September 2020
Project Summary: Nonspecific low back pain (NSLBP) is a musculoskeletal disorder defined as lower back pain that may radiate to the proximal region of the lower limb. It represents an important public health issue, with an estimated prevalence of 38% among the general population. The deep fascia is believed to be a potential generator of pain and soft tissue stiffness in patients with NSLBP. A variety of “fascia” therapies are used by massage therapists; however, the precise effective mechanisms remain poorly understood. The overall aim of the present research is to develop ultrasonographic parameters that characterize the structure and the mechanical properties of the deep fascia, and to explore the effect of a massage therapy technique on these parameters.