Effect of massage therapy on pain, anxiety, and tension after cardiac surgery: a randomized study.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to evaluate the efficacy and feasibility of massage therapy for alleviating pain, anxiety, and tension in postoperative cardiovascular surgery patients.
Results Summary
Patients receiving massage therapy experienced significantly reduced pain, anxiety, and tension compared to the control group. High patient satisfaction and no major implementation barriers were reported.
Population
Postoperative cardiovascular surgery patients.
Effective Dosage
Not specified.
Duration
Not specified.
Interactions
None mentioned.
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
massage therapy | decrease | pain | patients after cardiovascular surgery | - | significantly decreased | #1 |
massage therapy | decrease | anxiety | patients after cardiovascular surgery | - | significantly decreased | #2 |
massage therapy | decrease | tension | patients after cardiovascular surgery | - | significantly decreased | #3 |
massage therapy | increase | patient satisfaction | patients after cardiovascular surgery | - | were highly satisfied | #4 |
Integrative therapies such as massage have gained support as interventions that improve the overall patient experience during hospitalization. Cardiac surgery patients undergo long procedures and commonly have postoperative back and shoulder pain, anxiety, and tension. Given the promising effects of massage therapy for alleviation of pain, tension, and anxiety, we studied the efficacy and feasibility of massage therapy delivered in the postoperative cardiovascular surgery setting. Patients were randomized to receive a massage or to have quiet relaxation time (control). In total, 113 patients completed the study (massage, n=62; control, n=51). Patients receiving massage therapy had significantly decreased pain, anxiety, and tension. Patients were highly satisfied with the intervention, and no major barriers to implementing massage therapy were identified. Massage therapy may be an important component of the healing experience for patients after cardiovascular surgery.