Keisuke Okubo, Maho Nakano
Japan Shiatsu CollegeShiatsu Department

Hiroyuki Ishizuka
Japan Shiatsu CollegeShiatsu instructor

Abstract : Sports are receiving increasing attention in Japan ahead of the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games. The goal of this study was to verify the effect of standard Namikoshi shiatsu therapy on sports performance.
After adequate warm-up, the test subject performed five 50-meter sprints separated by 5-minute rest intervals. The sprints were timed and photographed using a fixed camera to facilitate running posture analysis. Abdominal shiatsu, consisting of the standard 20 points on the abdomen, repeated 3 times, was applied before the initial run and during each 5-minute interval. During control testing, the subject spent the same time resting in supine position. Testing was performed on different days for shiatsu and control sessions.
On average, sprint times were shorter when shiatsu had been applied. Comparison of photographic images also showed changes in trunk rotation, knee flexion, and stride length. These results suggest that Namikoshi standard abdominal shiatsu consisting of pressure to 20 points on the abdomen may have positive effects on sprint performance.

Keywords: Shiatsu, run, sprint, abdominal region, abdominal pressure, trunk, exercise, time, 50m, track and field, manipulative therapy, angular motion, image, rectus abdominis, obliquus externus abdominis muscle, obliquus internus abdominis muscle, Olympic, length of stride, twist, motion, ROM, range of joint motion, joint, load, track, race, performance, massage, start, dash, run, crouch start, running motion, abdominal region shiatsu based on Namikoshi shiatsu therapy’s standard procedures

I．Introduction

　In this study, we examined the effect of standard Namikoshi 20-point abdominal shiatsu ¹ applied to a runner prior to running a 50-meter sprint on ankle, knee, trunk, and shoulder joint ROM, hip flexion speed, and starting hip position, and verified the accompanying changes to stride length and run time.

　Measurements were taken after applying shiatsu stimulation to the test subject on August 15, with control measurements taken on August 2 when the test subject had received no shiatsu stimulation. Shiatsu stimulation consisted of standard Namikoshi 20-point abdominal shiatsu, repeated 3 times, before the initial run and during the 5-minute rest interval prior to each of 5 runs. Adequate stretching was carried out prior to running ².

Ⅱ．Methods

Dates

　August 2 and 15, 2015

Location

　Komazawa Olympic Park athletic field, straight track

Test subject

　27-year-old male Weight: 52 kg Height: 161 cm
　Played soccer from elementary school to university

Equipment

　CASIO Digital Sports Stop Watch HS-70W

Imaging equipment

　SONY HANDYCAM HDR-CX420
　iPhone 6plus

Editing application

　Adobe premiere pro CC 2015
　Adobe photoshop CC 2015

Fig. 1. Experiment protocol

III．Results

Table 1. Comparison of times (sec) with and without abdominal shiatsu

Table 2.

IV．Discussion

　The short-distance running cycle can be divided into two phases: (1) the support phase (when the sole of the foot is in contact with the ground); and (2) the recovery phase (when the sole of the foot is not in contact with the ground). Phases (1) and (2) can each be further divided into three sub-phases. The (1) support phase includes (1)-1 foot strike (the period when a portion of the sole of the foot is in contact with the ground); (1)-2 mid support (The period from when the sole of the foot is in full contact with the ground, supporting the body’s weight, to immediately before the heel loses contact with the ground); and (1)-3 takeoff (the period from when the heel loses contact with the ground to when the toes leave the ground). The (2) recovery phase includes (2)-1 follow-through (the period from when the sole of the foot leaves the ground to when rearward motion of the lower leg ends); (2)-2 forward swing (the period when the lower leg is moving from back to front); and (2)-3 foot descent (the period immediately prior to when the sole of the foot makes contact with the ground). Specific muscles are active during each of these phases, which may vary depending on running speed. When observing the muscles active while running, the abdominal muscles are strongly active only when running 100 m at an average speed of 36 km/h, as compared to 1 km at an average speed of 12 km/h or 16 km/h. During the running cycle, strong abdominal muscle activity is observed from (1)-2 to (2)-2 ³.

　The reason abdominal muscle activity is only observed in short-distance running is due to the strong angular momentum generated between arm swinging and the pelvis. While running, the pelvis produces rotational motion on a vertical axis, generating angular momentum around the vertical axis. Arm swinging is important for reducing trunk deflection due to this motion; in practice, the angular momentum produced by arm swinging eliminates the trunk deflection due to pelvic angular momentum. This is a distinguishing characteristic of short-distance running ⁴.

　In running there is an ideal leg trajectory. According to research conducted using a sprint training machine, leg motion effectively utilizes flexible twisting and rotational motions in the pelvis and trunk and is also necessary to adroitly maintain balance. Also important is that this motion originates in the epigastric fossa, around the level of the upper lumbar and lower thoracic vertebrae ⁵.

　Muscles thought to be affected by abdominal region shiatsu include the muscles related to maintaining abdominal pressure (diaphragm, rectus abdominis, external abdominal obliques, internal abdominal obliques). When these abdominal wall muscles contract in coordination with the pelvic floor muscles, intra-abdominal pressure rises. It is known that increased intraabdominal pressure significantly reduces the load placed on upper and lower lumbar intervertebral discs ⁶.

　Based on the above discussion, one possible explanation for improved running performance and shorter times recorded in this study is that abdominal shiatsu resulted in more coordinated performance of muscles involved in maintaining intraabdominal pressure and improved trunk stability. It is also possible that improved response time from the start of the sprint to the first step resulted in faster running times, but analysis would be problematic at this stage.

Ⅴ．Conclusions

　Abdominal shiatsu does not directly affect the lower limbs, which are the focus of running. However, it may have an effect on the trunk, from where such motion originates, contributing to more ideal motion in the upper and lower limbs.

　Nevertheless, many points in this study remain unclear, and it is possible that there would be no effect on middle or long distance running times, where abdominal muscle activity is less apparent. More specialized testing and analysis is required.

References

1 Ishizuka H: Shiatsu ryohogaku, first revised edition, International Medical Publishers, Ltd. Tokyo, 2008 (in Japanese)
2 Sugiura S: Sutoretchingu & womuappu buibetsu tekunikku to kyogibetsu purogruramu. Oizumi shoten, 2008 (in Japanese)
3 Kawano I, Tsukuba Daigaku et al editorial supervision: Konin asuretikku torena senmon kamoku teksuto, dai 6 suri. Bunkodo, 2011 (in Japanese)
4 Shikakura J et al editors, Kawano I et al editorial supervision: Konin asuretikku torena senmon kamoku tekisuto, dai 7 kan asuretikku rehabiriteshon. Bunkodo, 2011 (in Japanese)
5 Kobayashi K: Ranningu pafomansu wo takameru supotsu dosa no sozo. Kyorin shoin: 42, 2001 (in Japanese)
6 Sakai T et al translator: Purometeus kaibogaku atorasu kaibogaku soron undokikei dai 2 ban. Igaku shoin, 2013 (in Japanese)

Additional reference

Saito H: Undogaku. Ishiyaku Shuppan, 2003

Filming cooperation: Clothing Valley Digital Studio

Michiko Kuroda
Japan Shiatsu CollegeShiatsu instructor

Report on Shiatsu Overseas

In order to promote the international spread of shiatsu, a therapy developed in Japan, the Namikoshi Academy • Japan Shiatsu College sends instructors to Vancouver, Canada once a year to provide practical guidance. In 2015, Japan Shiatsu College instructor Michiko Kuroda delivered a presentation to instructors of the Canadian College of Shiatsu Therapy and therapists at the Japan Shiatsu Clinic on the theme of applied abdominal shiatsu. Below is the report submitted by Ms. Kuroda on her presentation.

　On September 26, 2015 I delivered a lecture to the staff of the Japan Shiatsu Clinic. At the Japan Shiatsu Clinic, operated by Japan Shiatsu College graduate Kiyoshi Ikenaga, many students of different nationalities engage in study of anatomy, physiology, and the fundamentals of Namikoshi shiatsu. Although I attended as an instructor, I myself learned much from the experience. Following is the content of the lecture I delivered.

1．Introduction

　The abdomen is a region for which significant therapeutic effect can be expected from shiatsu, but which can be challenging to treat.

　Here, using standard Namikoshi abdominal shiatsu as a base, I would like to examine the topic from the perspective of both Western and Eastern medicine, with the hope of encouraging you to more actively employ abdominal shiatsu in your treatments.

2．Standard Namikoshi abdominal shiatsu

　Research by the Shiatsu Therapy Research Lab at the Namikoshi Institute has shown that abdominal shiatsu, a distinguishing characteristic of Namikoshi shiatsu, affects the autonomic nervous system to slow cardiac pulse, lower blood pressure, increase muscular blood flow, stimulate gastrointestinal peristalsis, and reduce pupil diameter, as well as having an effect on the musculoskeletal system (Fig. 1).

　In addition, the rectus abdominis and iliopsoas muscles can also be treated, making the abdominal region an extremely important area for treating lumbar pain.

Fig 1. Standard order of abdominal shiatsu

Fig. 2. Effect of rectus abdominis and iliopsoas hypertonus on pelvic angle and lumbar spinal curvature

3．Western medical perspective: an anatomical approach

　As mentioned previously, abdominal shiatsu can be highly effective for both regulating the autonomic nervous system and treating lumbar pain. Now let’s examine the effect of tension in the abdominal muscles on posture.

　As shown in Fig. 2, hypertonus in the rectus abdominis and iliopsoas has a significant effect on pelvic angle and lumbar spinal curvature.

　Next, I would like to consider how to approach the psoas major from the abdominal region. Whereas the rectus abdominis is a superficial muscle, the psoas major is deep. Therefore the key to treating the psoas major muscle is to have a clear image of its origin, insertion, and path.

Iliopsoas (Fig. 3)

Origin:
　Vertebral bodies and intervertebral discs, Th12-L5 (superficial head)
　Transverse processes of all lumbar vertebrae (deep head)
Insertion:Lesser trochanter of the femur
Innervation: Femoral nerve (L1~L4)
Actions: flexion of hip joint; anterior pelvic tilt
Test: Thomas test (flexion contracture of hip joint)

Fig. 3. Iliopsoas

Actions of the iliopsoas (Fig. 4)

(1) When pelvis and lumbar vertebrae are fixed
　→ Flexion of hip joint
(2) When femur is fixed
　→ Lumbar lordosis; anterior pelvic tilt

Fig. 4. Actions of the iliopsoas

Illustration of rectus abdominis and iliopsoas

Factors to consider during pressure application
(1) Recipient’s posture

(2) Have a clear objective

4．Eastern medical perspective: abdominal diagnosis

What is abdominal diagnosis?
Abdominal diagnosis involves assessing the patient’s physical condition through palpation of the abdomen to detect stiffness or tension in the abdominal wall, resistance or pain when pressure is applied, watery sounds in the organs, and so on.
In Western medicine, the main objective of abdominal palpation is to determine the condition of the organs from outside the abdominal wall; but in Eastern medicine, abdominal diagnosis is used to determine the quantity of healthy ki, which provides resistance to disease, along with the qualities of ki, blood, and body fluids, based on tension, stiffness, and indurations in the abdominal skin and muscles.

In abdominal diagnosis, responses specific to each area are examined

Typical responses

Incorporating abdominal diagnosis into abdominal shiatsu
(1) Recipient’s posture

(2) Objective

5．Conclusion

　For this lecture, my motivation for addressing abdominal shiatsu was to focus on treatment of lumbar pain via shiatsu to the rectus abdominis and psoas major muscles and also to introduce abdominal diagnosis. Of course, when treating an actual patient, it is necessary to evaluate not just the abdominal region, but the quadriceps femoris, hamstrings, and other muscles as well, and conduct a thorough diagnosis that includes listening, observation, and interview techniques in addition to abdominal diagnosis.
　It is my hope that you will keep these techniques in mind as another perspective from which you can assess your patients and as a means of understanding their condition.

References

1. Collected Reports of The Shiatsu Therapy Research Lab 1998-2012, Japan Shiatsu College (in Japanese)
2. Purometeus kaibogaku atorasu kaibogaku soron undokikei. Igaku shoin (in Japanese)
3. Toyoigaku kihonto shikumi. Seitosha (in Japanese)