Issue link: https://www.massageandbodyworkdigital.com/i/72103
ROSEN METHOD BODYWORK FINAL OUTCOMES At the conclusion of the Executive Wellness Program, the nine participants were re-measured with the HRA protocol. Final outcomes were collected and compared to the pre-program measures. The positive health changes in the group were dramatic. All of the health indices of the HRA changed for the positive. Due to the relatively small sample size and the variability of the data across participants, not all of these positive changes were statistically significant. Until this study can be replicated with a larger sample, we can at least say that statistically significant changes were found for blood pressure, functional capacity, weight loss, body fat percentage, and quality of life. The relatively small sizes of the subgroups that participated in Rosen Method bodywork versus traditional massage also did not permit statistical testing. The subjective reporting from the Rosen participants described earlier implied that they were more heavily invested in their future health promotion and that they had psychologically progressed further in a behavior change model. Future research with larger samples can test for quantitative differences between these groups. Ideally, there should be random assignment of Rosen Method or massage to the client groups. This could create bias, however, as a strong dislike for a program component could derail the intervention and defeat its purpose. Six months after the pilot program's conclusion, the entire cohort was reevaluated with self-reporting questionnaires that asked for frequency of independent exercise, current weight loss or gain since the program, and state of well-being as judged against their state at the conclusion of the program. Half of the participants reported that they had been able to maintain a regular Rosen Method, as part of an integrative wellness program, offers the possibility to enhance outcomes because it supports self-awareness. exercise routine and sustain the weight loss. Twenty-five percent reported they were much more active than prior to participating in the program, but they were not active at least three times per week. They also reported, on average, regaining about half of their previously lost pounds. The whole group unanimously reported an improved quality of life, improved sleep habits, and sustained wellness habits related to dietary choices and exercise habits. The impact of the participants' experiences was felt throughout the 14 hospitals of the Queen of the Valley health-care system's administrative structure. In addition to providing an intensive 66 massage & bodywork may/june 2011 health improvement intervention to the participants, the pilot program helped encourage executive support for worksite health promotion. As a result of these positive outcomes and experiences, the corporate office of Queen of the Valley decided to start its own executive wellness program. Increasing awareness of the benefits of health promotion also led the organization to allocate funding toward a new division, focusing on the wellness and health improvement of the communities served.