Analysing the Influence of Selected Eye Dysfunctions on Palpation Abilities of Massage Therapists

Abstract

Introduction: Palpation arises controversy in the field of physiotherapy. On the one hand, this method provides a lot of valuable information. On the other, issues related to its reliability still exist. Additionally, questions about factors affecting palpation and users’ dispositions should be taken into consideration. Research objectives: The main aim of the study was to determine the impact of visual impairment on the palpatory skills of massage therapists. Material and methods: The research involved 58 participants divided into 3 groups. The first group consisted of 23, visually-impaired massage therapists, the second one was made up of 22 massage therapists and the control group consisted of 13 people unrelated to massage. The subjects took the hair test, the weight test and the measurement of Static Two-Point Discrimination within the fingertips I-III, thenar and hypothenar. Results: The analysis does not show any significant differences between the first and second group. Statistics reveal differences between the group of massage practitioners (group 1 and 2) and the control group. Visual impairment was not the most influential factor in the study. Conclusions: The level of palpation skills may be modified in both visually-impaired and healthy people. However, mechanisms that allow these modifications remain unclear. On the basis of the research, visual impairment is not considered as the only factor affecting palpation skills. Experience in palpation may well be an equally important factor.