Ania Kania-Richmond1, Martha B Menard2, Beth Barberree3, Marvin Mohring4. 1. University of Calgary, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Calgary, AB, Canada; Massage Therapy Special Interest Group, IN-CAM Research Network, Canada. Electronic address: akrresearchconsulting@gmail.com. 2. Crocker Institute, Kiawah Island, SC, United States; Saybrook University, College of Integrative Medicine and Health Sciences, Oakland, CA, United States; Massage Therapy Special Interest Group, IN-CAM Research Network, Canada. 3. Royal Roads University, Victoria, BC, Canada; Private Practice, Calgary, AB, Canada; Massage Therapy Special Interest Group, IN-CAM Research Network, Canada. 4. Algonquin College, Massage Therapy Program, Ottawa, ON, Canada; Massage Therapy Special Interest Group, IN-CAM Research Network, Canada.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Conducting research on massage therapy (MT) continues to be a significant challenge. PURPOSE: To explore and identify the structures, processes, and resources required to enable viable, sustainable and high quality MT research activities in the Canadian context. PARTICIPANTS: Academically-based researchers and MT professionals involved in research. RESEARCH DESIGN: Formative evaluation and a descriptive qualitative approach were applied. RESULTS: Five main themes regarding the requirements of a productive and sustainable MT research infrastructure in Canada were identified: 1) core components, 2) variable components, 3) varying perspectives of stakeholder groups, 4) barriers to creating research infrastructure, and 5) negative metaphors. In addition, participants offered a number of recommendations on how to develop such an infrastructure. CONCLUSIONS: While barriers exist that require attention, participants' insights suggest there are various pathways through which a productive and sustainable MT research infrastructure can be achieved.
BACKGROUND: Conducting research on massage therapy (MT) continues to be a significant challenge. PURPOSE: To explore and identify the structures, processes, and resources required to enable viable, sustainable and high quality MT research activities in the Canadian context. PARTICIPANTS: Academically-based researchers and MT professionals involved in research. RESEARCH DESIGN: Formative evaluation and a descriptive qualitative approach were applied. RESULTS: Five main themes regarding the requirements of a productive and sustainable MT research infrastructure in Canada were identified: 1) core components, 2) variable components, 3) varying perspectives of stakeholder groups, 4) barriers to creating research infrastructure, and 5) negative metaphors. In addition, participants offered a number of recommendations on how to develop such an infrastructure. CONCLUSIONS: While barriers exist that require attention, participants' insights suggest there are various pathways through which a productive and sustainable MT research infrastructure can be achieved.