Massage therapy in post-operative rehabilitation of children and adolescents with cerebral palsy - a pilot study.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to explore the use of massage therapy in children with cerebral palsy undergoing post-operative rehabilitation, focusing on pain, wellbeing, sleep quality, and heart rate.
Results Summary
Pain intensity and discomfort scores were low in all participants. Heart rate decreased in the rest group but remained unchanged in the massage therapy group, suggesting potential increased sensitivity to touch post-operatively.
Population
Children with cerebral palsy who had undergone surgery in one or two lower limbs.
Effective Dosage
Not specified
Duration
Not specified
Interactions
None mentioned
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
massage therapy | decrease | pain intensity and discomfort | children with cerebral palsy undergoing post-operative rehabilitation | low | scores of pain intensity and discomfort were low | #1 |
rest | decrease | heart rate | children with cerebral palsy undergoing post-operative rehabilitation | - | heart rate decreased | #2 |
massage therapy | no change | heart rate | children with cerebral palsy undergoing post-operative rehabilitation | - | no change was found | #3 |
AIM: The purpose of this pilot study was to explore the use of massage therapy in children with cerebral palsy undergoing post-operative rehabilitation. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Three participants were randomized to massage therapy and another three participants to rest. All children had undergone surgery in one or two lower limbs. Pain, wellbeing, sleep quality, heart rate and qualitative data were collected for each child. RESULTS: The scores of pain intensity and discomfort were low in all participants. Heart rate decreased in participants who were randomized to rest, but no change was found in the massage therapy group. CONCLUSIONS: The lack of decrease in heart rate in the study group of massage therapy may imply an increased sensitivity to touch in the post-operative setting. Further research with larger study populations are needed to evaluate how and when massage therapy is useful for children with cerebral palsy.