The effects of extracorporeal shock wave therapy vs hand massage on serum lipids in overweight and obese women

BACKGROUND: The purpose of our study was to investigate the effects of extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) and hand massage therapy (HMT) on serum lipids and body composition in Korean women. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We randomly classified 60 participants into overweight and obese groups. Subjects received ESWT and HMT twice a week for six weeks (a total of 12 sessions). RESULTS: Body weight and body mass index decreased significantly in obese women from both groups. Waist circumference significantly declined in obese women and overweight women in both treatment groups (p < 0.001). Body fat significantly decreased in the ESWT group of obese women (p < 0.01), while a significant reduction in abdominal obesity was noted only in the HMT group of overweight women (p < 0.01) and the ESWT group of obese women (p < 0.01). There was a significant decrease in triglycerides in the ESWT group of obese women (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that ESWT and HMT could be helpful for the management of people with excess abdominal fat and obesity. Moreover, ESWT is more effective than HMT for improving abdominal obesity and triglyceride levels in obese women as compared to overweight women.