Christina Serpa, thesis research
My name is Christina Serpa. I am a Master of Physical Education student under Dr. Angela Loucks-Atkinson and Dr. David Hancock at Memorial University, in the School of Human Kinetics & Recreation. I am contacting you to invite you to participate in my master’s thesis research project entitled “Exploring perceptions of the Mentastics Trager Psychophysical Integration Method in chronic pain management.”
Background:In Canada, more than 20% of adults suffer from chronic pain and have been suffering for 10 or more years. The cost of pain management appears to have skyrocketed with chronic pain sufferers paying out almost 17000$ Canadian a year from their own pockets. On top of this high cost, it is estimated that 75% of those suffering from chronic pain need more pain management options but cannot afford to try anything new. There is a little know method called “Mentastics,” a division of the Massage technique “Trager MD Psychophysical Integration method. It was developed by Dr. Milton Trager for those unable to afford or have access to a certified massage Trager MD therapist. Some of the health benefits are that this method may aid in inducing a state of mental and physical relaxation in participants.
We are looking for individuals who are Canadian residents over the age of 40, diagnosed with any type of chronic non-malignant (non-cancerous) pain in the past 5 years. We are specifically seeking to recruit individuals having experienced chronic pain for more than 5 years and that have participated in one or multiple pain management protocols Ideally, you will have a good internet connection with an electronic device that will allow you to view a webpage with a video and participate in a virtual online interview. Participation in this study is NOT a requirement of the Facebook groups involved in posting this study on my behalf and will not be reported to anyone.
What you will do in this study:You will be asked to watch a 15-minutes video introducing the Mentastics Trager Md technique. Mentastics consists of participating in a combination of mental meditative type exercises with gentle stretching. You will then be asked to participate in a 60-minute online interview (e-interview). I will ask you about your opinions and perceptions of the Mentastics Trager Md technique video. There will be some background questions asked, such as age and sex, along with questions about your medical history concerning chronic pain, in addition to the opinion and perception questions about the Mentastics video. You will have the right to refuse to answer any question in addition to withdrawing from the study at any time. An audio recording will be taken of the e-interview.
Length of time:Total time commitment is approximately 1.5 hours (video= 15 min, interview = 1hours;
Informed Consent:Prior to beginning the interview, an informed consent form will be presented to you. I will ask that you read the form and email me back the form with your e-signature or photo of the last page of the form. During the virtual interview, you will have the opportunity to ask questions and confirm that you would still like to take part in the study. You will be free to withdraw from the study at any time during the data collection process.
Participation:If you wish to schedule an interview, please respond to this website with your current availability for a virtual interview of approximately 60 minutes, between 10 am to 2pm eastern standard time, from Monday to Saturday.
Thank you,Christina Serpa, Master of Physical Education (Student)Memorial University
This website is dedicated to Christina Serpa's Trager Psychophysical Integration MD Method, MPE Mentastics research. The original work and international association can be found by clicking here.
The research video may be viewed by clicking below.
This website is dedicated to Christina Serpa's Trager Psychophysical Integration MD Method, MPE Mentastics research. The original work and international association can be found by clicking here.