The effectiveness of massage on peri-operative anxiety in adults: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials and controlled clinical trials.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to investigate the effectiveness of massage for reducing peri-operative anxiety in adults.
Results Summary
The meta-analysis found that massage significantly reduced peri-operative anxiety across pre-, intra-, and post-operative stages, with acupoint or specific body reflex area massage showing larger effects than general massage. Both professional and non-professional massage were effective, and sessions lasting 10-20 minutes were most recommended.
Population
Adults undergoing surgery (2494 participants across 25 controlled trials).
Effective Dosage
10-20 minutes per session (specific frequency not detailed).
Duration
Not specified (duration of intervention not detailed in abstract).
Interactions
None mentioned
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
massage | decrease | peri-operative anxiety | most types of surgical patients | - | significantly reduce | #1 |
massage | decrease | pre-operative anxiety | adults | - | effective | #2 |
massage | decrease | intra-operative anxiety | adults | - | effective | #3 |
massage | decrease | post-operative anxiety | adults | - | effective | #4 |
acupoint or specific body reflex area massage | decrease | peri-operative anxiety | - | - | showed a larger effect | #5 |
massage delivered by professionals | decrease | peri-operative anxiety | - | - | effective | #6 |
massage delivered by non-professionals | decrease | peri-operative anxiety | - | - | effective | #7 |
massage lasting 10-20 min per session | decrease | peri-operative anxiety | - | - | most worthy of recommendation | #8 |
massage | increase | peri-operative vital signs | - | - | concomitant with the improvement | #9 |
massage | decrease | post-operative pain | - | - | concomitant with the improvement | #10 |
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: and purpose: Massage has gained increasing attention for reducing peri-operative anxiety. We aimed to investigate the effectiveness of massage for peri-operative anxiety in adults. METHODS: Six English electronic databases were comprehensively searched from their inception to February 2020. Subgroup analysis, quality assessment, sensitivity analysis, meta-regression and publication bias assessment were performed. RESULTS: Twenty-five controlled trials comprising 2494 participants were included. The meta-analysis indicated that massage could significantly reduce peri-operative anxiety for most types of surgical patients. Specifically, it was effective for pre-, intra- and post-operative anxiety. Acupoint or specific body reflex area massage showed a larger effect than general massage did. Massage delivered by professionals and non-professionals were both effective. Massage lasting 10-20 min per session was the most worthy of recommendation. Massage was concomitant with the improvement of peri-operative vital signs and post-operative pain. CONCLUSION: Massage is a promising complementary therapy for ameliorating peri-operative anxiety in adults.