Combination of Massage Therapy and VCO to Reduce Fatigue and Increase Skin Moisture for Masseurs

Abstract

Fatigue and skin moisture problems are commonly experienced by masseurs due to unnatural working postures, such as prolonged forward bending, as well as environmental conditions such as air-conditioned rooms that can affect skin hydration. If not properly managed, fatigue and decreased skin moisture may have adverse effects on the body. This study aimed to determine the effect of a combination of the Ali Satia Graha Body Fatigue Therapy Massage Method and Virgin Coconut Oil (VCO) on reducing fatigue and increasing arm skin moisture in masseurs. This research employed a pre-experimental design with a one-group pretest–posttest approach. The study initially involved 23 masseurs working in massage services, from which 12 respondents were selected using inclusion and exclusion criteria. The samples received massage treatment using VCO on the arms for 20 minutes. Arm fatigue was measured using the DASH questionnaire, while arm skin moisture was measured using the SK-IV Digital Moisture Monitor for Skin, both before and after the intervention. The results showed that the level of arm fatigue among masseurs decreased from 27.92 ± 2.234 to 17.00 ± 1.477 with a p-value < 0.000, while arm skin moisture increased from 40.08 ± 3.476 to 45.83 ± 3.589 with a p-value < 0.000. It can be concluded that the treatment had a significant effect on reducing fatigue and increasing skin moisture among respondents and therefore may serve as an alternative method to support fatigue recovery and improve skin hydration