Feasibility and effectiveness of massage therapy for symptom relief in cardiac catheter laboratory staff: a pilot study.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to assess the feasibility and efficacy of massage therapy for reducing fatigue, pain, stress, and tension among cardiac catheterization laboratory staff.
Results Summary
The study found no significant effects of massage therapy on the measured outcomes, but logistical feasibility was demonstrated, and the Aickin separation test supported further research on massage for fatigue, pain, relaxation, and tension/discomfort.
Population
Cardiac catheterization laboratory staff (N = 50, with a control group of n = 10).
Effective Dosage
5 or 10 weekly 30-minute massages.
Duration
10 weeks.
Interactions
None mentioned.
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
massage therapy | no change | fatigue, pain, relaxation, stress/anxiety, tension/discomfort, and scheduling ease | cardiac catheterization laboratory staff | no significant change | No significant effects were observed | #1 |
massage therapy | neutral | fatigue | cardiac catheterization laboratory staff | - | supported further research | #2 |
massage therapy | neutral | pain | cardiac catheterization laboratory staff | - | supported further research | #3 |
massage therapy | neutral | relaxation | cardiac catheterization laboratory staff | - | supported further research | #4 |
massage therapy | neutral | tension/discomfort | cardiac catheterization laboratory staff | - | supported further research | #5 |
A pilot study was conducted to assess the feasibility and efficacy of massage therapy for cardiac catheterization laboratory staff. Staff members (N = 50) were randomly assigned to 5 or 10 weekly 30-min massages, followed by outcomes assessment. A control group (n = 10) receiving no massage therapy underwent comparable assessment. Visual analog scales, the t test, and the repeated measures model evaluated fatigue, pain, relaxation, stress/anxiety, tension/discomfort, and scheduling ease at baseline, 5 weeks, and 10 weeks. The Aickin separation test was used to assess feasibility of further research. Overall, 90% (337/375) of massage appointments were used. No significant effects were observed, but the Aickin separation test supported further research on massage therapy for fatigue, pain, relaxation, and tension/discomfort. Conducting massage therapy in the workplace is logistically feasible. Larger, longitudinal trials are warranted to better evaluate its effects on staff.