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Abstract

Sleep quality is crucial for overall health, particularly among older adults. Kanpu Masatsu (KM), a traditional Japanese self-massage technique using dry towels, has been associated with health benefits for this population. PURPOSE: This study explores the effects of performing Kanpu Masatsu before bedtime on sleep quality and fatigue levels. METHODS: Twelve healthy older adults (3 men and 9 women; age 60.67 ± 1.69 years) were recruited to monitor their sleep over 14 days using a Fitbit Sense 2. During the second week, participants performed a whole-body Kanpu Masatsu within 10 minutes before sleep. Sleep quality was assessed via Fitbit’s sleep score algorithm. Fatigue levels were evaluated using the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy- Fatigue (FACIT-Fatigue) scale. RESULTS: Sleep quality improved with Kanpu Masatsu (without KM: 76.60± 1.39, with KM: 78.24 ± 1.22, p = 0.039). Fatigue levels were decreased during the KM week, as indicated by a higher FACIT score (without KM: 45.50 ± 1.56, with KM: 48.08 ± 0.65, p = 0.028). Sleep heart rate was also reduced when Kanpu Masatsu was performed (without KM: 60.20 ± 1.25, with KM: 57.98 ± 1.39, p = 0.019). Among female participants, sleep quality during KM showed a negative correlation with body mass index (R = 0.846, p = 0.017) and body fat % (R = 0.771, p = 0.042). CONCLUSION: Practicing Kanpu Masatsu before bedtime enhances sleep quality, reduces perceived fatigue, and decreases sleep heart rate, suggesting a role in modulating the autonomic nervous system during sleep. Using wearable technology in a natural setting, this study demonstrates a simple, non-invasive, and culturally rooted intervention that may promote better sleep and reduce fatigue in older adults. Further research with larger sample sizes is warranted.

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