1997). Massage techniques involve petrissage (kneading), effleurage (long strokes), friction and tapotement (chopping or hacking movements) to relax, stretch, stimulate, increase circulation and reduce adhesions in muscles and soft tissue (Weerapong & Kolt 2005) Many published randomised studies comparing TM and SM relate to low back pain and show some evidence of effectiveness further studies. (Netchanok, Wendy & Marie, 2012). No research was available involving comparison of effectiveness of TM and SM for fatigue across multiple treatment sessions. One comparative study (Cowen et al. 2006) researched TM and SM by measuring physiological and psychological outcomes; although the purpose of this study was to compare the results of a single massage treatment, the resulting recommendations included future research involving repeated treatments over a longer time-period. The case for research to enhance knowledge, enable the regulation of therapies and therapists, and allow the public and health professionals to make informed choices is clear. The aim of this study was therefore to compare both the efficacy MANUSCRIPT ACCEPTED The study design was a mixed-methods exploratory prospective randomised crossover trial. Participants received three (45 minutes) once weekly TMs with three once weekly (45 minute) SMs. Self-reported fatigue and/or depleted energy in terms tiredness, pain and arousal states were collected. Participants’ social constructions of the massage programmes and complementary therapies were elicited to explore and to compare their experiences. Qualitative and quantitative data were collected at three time points: before randomisation (baseline), at cross-over point week four and one week after the six-week intervention period (week seven). In blocks of four, participants were randomised to two treatment orders (2 x n = 2 x10 = 20 = N). Participants in Treatment Order 1 received three, once weekly, 45- minute SM sessions, followed by three, once weekly, 45-minute TM sessions. In Treatment Order 2, the order of massage types was reversed. Both whole-body Thai and whole-body SMs comprised massage of the back of the body (legs, back and shoulders) and the front (neck, face, arms, shoulders, legs and feet). All massage treatments were delivered by a qualified and insured TM and SM therapist with eight years’ experience. The massage therapist trained in Thailand at the Old Medicine School in Northern Style Traditional TM; and in England in MANUSCRIPT ACCEPTED ACCEPTED MANUSCRIPT 6 Body Massage and Sports Massage. She is a member of the Federation of Holistic Therapists (FHT) and The Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council (CNHC). Participants Participants were recruited via an invitation e-mail sent to all staff over 18 years at a UK University with the following criteria. Inclusion criteria were: any staff member suffering from fatigue and/or depleted energy; persons in good command of the English language. Exclusion criteria were: anyone suffering from physical conditions contra-indicated for massage treatment, or not having the mental capacity to complete diary entries. (Although it cannot be guaranteed that the selfreported of symptoms at the start of the study was genuine, both the qualitative results and the quantitative results clearly demonstrate evidence for symptom relief. These results lend credibility to the genuine nature of the self-reported symptoms at the start of the study). Maximum study capacity was set at 20 participants. Within the space of a week, over 200 staff replied. All people received a phone call from the therapist to discuss motivation and commitment. Finally, 20 participants (Treatment Order 1; 7 female, 3 male, mean age 42.3 years, range 28-64, SD = 11.4; Treatment Order 2; 8 female, 2 male, mean age 37.6 years, range 25-59, SD = 10.9) were selected based on their ability to commit to the sixweek study dates and their willingness to complete personal diary entries. All participants completed all outcome measures at all three time points bar, except for one male participant from Treatment Order 1 who did not complete the final MANUSCRIPT ACCEPTED ACCEPTED MANUSCRIPT 7 quantitative data collection and final TM due to work commitments. No incentives were offered for participation. Procedures Research ethics clearance was obtained and participants received a copy of a participant’s information sheet via e-mail and those who chose to take part completed a Consent Form immediately before randomisation and baseline data collection. Data collection, interviews and massage treatments were conducted by one massage therapist to enable standardisation of treatment and to ensure the results of the treatments were not influenced by the participants’ preference for one therapist over another. The setting was a quiet room in which the same relaxing music was played throughout all treatments to minimise any distraction by external noise. Participants were asked not to speak with the therapist during treatment as this may confound treatment outcomes through a participant’s personal disclosure and stimulation of emotions (Field et al. 1992) Whole body Northern Style TM was carried out, with participants fully-clothed, on a two-inch thick mattress in the prone, supine, side and sitting positions. SM was performed with grapeseed