1: Rev Stomatol Chir Maxillofac. 2009 Jan 20. [Epub ahead of print]

[Massage of the lateral pterygoid muscle in acute TMJ dysfunction syndrome.]

[Article in French]

Barriere P, Zink S, Riehm S, Kahn JL, Veillon F, Wilk A.

Service de stomatologie, chirurgie maxillofaciale, plastique et reconstructrice, 

CHU de Strasbourg, 1, place de l'Hôpital, BP 426, 67091 Strasbourg cedex, France.

INTRODUCTION: Massage of the lateral pterygoid muscle according to Cyriax's

principles is an unrecognized procedure. This procedure was tried on patients

presenting with temporomandibular joint dysfunction syndrome. MATERIAL AND

METHODS: Fifteen patients were treated. Pain, joint clicking, measurement of

mouth opening, lateral excursion and propulsion were recorded. Assessment was

made before and after the massage in the same consultation. RESULTS: Joint

clicking was solved in 80% and pain in 50% of the cases. Mouth opening increased 

by 12.8%, propulsion by 11.6% and lateral excursion by 41.3%. DISCUSSION: Massage

of the lateral pterygoid muscle according to Cyriax's principles is a simple and 

efficient method that can be recommended for patients presenting with

temporomandibular joint dysfunction syndrome. We performed a brief anatomical and

radiological MRI study supporting the feasibility of lateral pterygoid muscle

palpation.

PMID: 19162287 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

2: Support Care Cancer. 2009 Jan 13. [Epub ahead of print]

Massage therapy for cancer palliation and supportive care: a systematic review of

randomised clinical trials.

Ernst E.

Complementary Medicine, Peninsula Medical School, Universities of Exeter and

Plymouth, 25 Victoria Park Road, Exeter, EX2 4NT, UK, Edzard.Ernst@pms.ac.uk.

INTRODUCTION: Massage is a popular adjunct to cancer palliation. This systematic 

review is aimed at critically evaluating all available randomised clinical trials

of massage in cancer palliation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Six databases were

searched to identify all trials of classical massage for cancer patients. Studies

of other types of massage, e.g. reflexology, aromatherapy, were excluded.

Fourteen trials met all inclusion criteria. DISCUSSION: Collectively, they

suggest that massage can alleviate a wide range of symptoms: pain, nausea,

anxiety, depression, anger, stress and fatigue. However, the methodological

quality of the included studies was poor, a fact that prevents definitive

conclusions. CONCLUSION: The evidence is, therefore, encouraging but not

compelling. The subject seems to warrant further investigations which avoid the

limitations of previous studies.

PMID: 19148685 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

3: J Perinatol. 2009 Jan 15. [Epub ahead of print]

Massage with kinesthetic stimulation improves weight gain in preterm infants.

Massaro AN, Hammad TA, Jazzo B, Aly H.

[1] 1Department of Neonatology, Children's National Medical Center, Washington

DC, USA [2] 2Newborn Services, The George Washington University Medical Center,

Washington DC, USA.

Objective:The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of massage with or

without kinesthetic stimulation on weight gain and length of hospital stay in the

preterm infant.Study Design:A prospective randomized clinical trial was conducted

evaluating the effects of massage with or without kinesthetic stimulation (KS) on

weight gain and length of stay (LOS) in medically stable premature (<1500 g

and/or </=32 weeks gestational age) neonates. Infants were randomized either to

receive no intervention (control), massage therapy alone (massage), or massage

therapy with KS (M/KS). Linear regression analysis was performed to evaluate

differences in the primary outcomes between the groups after controlling for

covariates. Post hoc analysis with stratification by birthweight (BW> and <1000

g) was also performed.Result:A total of 60 premature infants were recruited for

this study; 20 infants in each group. Average daily weight gain and LOS were

similar between the groups after controlling for covariates. For infants with

BW>1000 g, average daily weight gain was increased in the intervention groups

compared to control. This effect was mainly attributable to the M/KS

group.Conclusion:Massage with KS is a relatively simple and inexpensive

intervention that can improve weight gain in selected preterm infants. Length of 

hospital stay is not impacted by massage with or without KS. Further studies are 

needed to evaluate the effect of massage in the extremely low BW(<1000 g)

infant.Journal of Perinatology advance online publication, 15 January 2009;

doi:10.1038/jp.2008.230.

PMID: 19148112 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

4: Biomed Res. 2008 Dec;29(6):317-20.

The facial massage reduced anxiety and negative mood status, and increased

sympathetic nervous activity.

Hatayama T, Kitamura S, Tamura C, Nagano M, Ohnuki K.

User Science Institute, Kyushu University, Minami-ku, Fukuoka, Japan.

hata@usi.kyushu -u.ac.jp

The aim of this study was to clarify the effects of 45 min of facial massage on

the activity of autonomic nervous system, anxiety and mood in 32 healthy women.

Autonomic nervous activity was assessed by heart rate variability (HRV) with

spectral analysis. In the spectral analysis of HRV, we evaluated the

high-frequency components (HF) and the low- to high-frequency ratio (LF/HF

ratio), reflecting parasympathetic nervous activity and sympathetic nervous

activity, respectively. The State Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) and the Profile 

of Mood Status (POMS) were administered to evaluate psychological status. The

score of STAI and negative scale of POMS were significantly reduced following the

massage, and only the LF/HF ratio was significantly enhanced after the massage.

It was concluded that the facial massage might refresh the subjects by reducing

their psychological distress and activating the sympathetic nervous system.

Publication Types: 

    Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

PMID: 19129675 [PubMed - in process]

5: J Altern Complement Med. 2008 Dec;14(10):1223-9.

Psychophysiological effects of massage-myofascial release after exercise: a

randomized sham-control study.

Arroyo-Morales M, Olea N, Martínez MM, Hidalgo-Lozano A, Ruiz-Rodríguez C,

Díaz-Rodríguez L.

Department of Physical Therapy, University of Granada, Granada, Spain.

marroyo@ugr.es

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of massage on

neuromuscular recruitment, mood state, and mechanical nociceptive threshold (MNT)

after high-intensity exercise. DESIGN: This was a prospective randomized clinical

trial using between-groups design. SETTING: The study was conducted at a

university-based sports medicine clinic. PARTICIPANTS: Sixty-two (62) healthy

active students age 18-26 participated. INTERVENTIONS: Participants, randomized

into two groups, performed three 30-second Wingate tests and immediately received

whole-body massage-myofascial induction or placebo (sham

ultrasound/magnetotherapy) treatment. The duration (40 minutes), position, and

therapist were the same for both treatments. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Dependent

variables were surface electromyography (sEMG) of quadriceps, profile of mood

states (POMS) and mechanical nociceptive threshold (MNT) of trapezius and

masseter muscles. These data were assessed at baseline and after exercise and

recovery periods. RESULTS: Generalized estimating equations models were performed

on dependent variables to assess differences between groups. Significant

differences were found in effects of treatment on sEMG of Vastus Medialis (VM) (p

= 0.02) and vigor subscale (p = 0.04). After the recovery period, there was a

significant decrease in electromyographic (EMG) activity of VM (p = 0.02) in the 

myofascial-release group versus a nonsignificant increase in the placebo group (p

= 0.32), and a decrease in vigor (p < 0.01) in the massage group versus no change

in the placebo group (p = 0.86). CONCLUSIONS: Massage reduces EMG amplitude and

vigor when applied as a passive recovery technique after a high-intensity

exercise protocol. Massage may induce a transient loss of muscle strength or a

change in the muscle fiber tension-length relationship, influenced by alterations

of muscle function and a psychological state of relaxation.

Publication Types: 

    Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

PMID: 19123877 [PubMed - in process]

6: J Pediatr Oncol Nurs. 2009 Jan-Feb;26(1):16-28. Epub 2008 Dec 11.

Massage therapy for children with cancer.

Post-White J, Fitzgerald M, Savik K, Hooke MC, Hannahan AB, Sencer SF.

University of Minnesota School of Nursing, 707 Kenwood Parkway, Minneapolis, MN

55403, USA. postw001@umn.edu

This pilot study aimed to determine the feasibility of providing massage to

children with cancer to reduce symptoms in children and anxiety in parents.

Twenty-three children/parent dyads were enrolled; 17 completed all data points.

Children with cancer, ages 1 to 18 years, received at least 2 identical cycles of

chemotherapy, and one parent, participated in the 2-period crossover design in

which 4 weekly massage sessions alternated with 4 weekly quiet-time control

sessions. Changes in relaxation (heart and respiratory rates, blood pressure, and

salivary cortisol level) and symptoms (pain, nausea, anxiety, and fatigue) were

assessed in children; anxiety and fatigue were measured in parents. Massage was

more effective than quiet time at reducing heart rate in children, anxiety in

children less than age 14 years, and parent anxiety. There were no significant

changes in blood pressure, cortisol, pain, nausea, or fatigue. Children reported 

that massage helped them feel better, lessened their anxiety and worries, and had

longer lasting effects than quiet time. Massage in children with cancer is

feasible and appears to decrease anxiety in parents and younger children.

Publication Types: 

    Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

PMID: 19074355 [PubMed - in process]

7: J Pain Symptom Manage. 2008 Dec 11. [Epub ahead of print]

Effects of a Full-Body Massage on Pain Intensity, Anxiety, and Physiological

Relaxation in Taiwanese Patients withMetastatic Bone Pain: A Pilot Study.

Jane SW, Wilkie DJ, Gallucci BB, Beaton RD, Huang HY.

Department of Nursing (S.-W.J.), Chang Gung Institute of Technology, Tao-Yuan,

Taiwan; College of Nursing (D.J.W.), University of Illinois, Chicago, Illinois;

Biobehavioral Nursing and Health Systems (B.B.G.) and Psychosocial and Community 

Health Systems (R.D.B.), University of Washington, Seattle, Washington; and

Statistical Center for HIV/AIDS Research and Prevention (SCHARP) (H.-Y.H.), Fred 

Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington, USA.

Bone involvement, a hallmark of advanced cancer, results in intolerable pain,

substantial morbidity, and impaired quality of life in 34%-45% of cancer

patients. Despite the publication of 15 studies on massage therapy (MT) in cancer

patients, little is known about the longitudinal effects of MT and safety in

cancer patients with bone metastasis. The purpose of this study was to describe

the feasibility of MT and to examine the effects of MT on present pain intensity 

(PPI), anxiety, and physiological relaxation over a 16- to 18-hour period in 30

Taiwanese cancer patients with bone metastases. A quasi-experimental, one-group, 

pretest-posttest design with repeated measures was used to examine the time

effects of MT using single-item scales for pain (PPI-visual analog scale [VAS])

and anxiety (anxiety-VAS), the modified Short-Form McGill Pain Questionnaire

(MSF-MPQ), heart rate (HR), and mean arterial pressure (MAP). MT was shown to

have effective immediate [t(29)=16.5, P=0.000; t(29)=8.9, P=0.000], short-term

(20-30 minutes) [t(29)=9.3, P=0.000; t(29)=10.1, P=0.000], intermediate (1-2.5

hours) [t(29)=7.9, P=0.000; t(29)=8.9, P=0.000], and long-term benefits (16-18

hours) [t(29)=4.0, P=0.000; t(29)=5.7, P=0.000] on PPI and anxiety. The most

significant impact occurred 15 [F=11.5(1,29), P<0.002] or 20 [F=20.4(1,29),

P<0.000] minutes after the intervention. There were no significant time effects

in decreasing or increasing HR and MAP. No patient reported any adverse effects

as a result of MT. Clinically, the time effects of MT can assist health care

providers in implementing MT along with pharmacological treatment, thereby

enhancing cancer pain management. Randomized clinical trials are needed to

validate the effectiveness of MT in this cancer population.

PMID: 19070458 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

 

1: Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2007 Jul 4. [Epub ahead of print]

Anxiolytic Effect of Aromatherapy Massage in Patients with Breast Cancer.

Imanishi J, Kuriyama H, Shigemori I, Watanabe S, Aihara Y, Kita M, Sawai K,

Nakajima H, Yoshida N, Kunisawa M, Kawase M, Fukui K.

Department of Microbiology, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine,

Kawaramachi-Hirokoji, Kamikyo-ku, Kyoto 602-8566, Japan.

imanishi-micro@nifty.com.

We examined how aromatherapy massage influenced psychologic and immunologic

parameters in 12 breast cancer patients in an open semi-comparative trial. We

compared the results 1 month before aromatherapy massage as a waiting control

period with those during aromatherapy massage treatment and 1 month after the

completion of aromatherapy sessions. The patients received a 30 min aromatherapy 

massage twice a week for 4 weeks (eight times in total). The results showed that 

anxiety was reduced in one 30 min aromatherapy massage in State-Trait Anxiety

Inventory (STAI) test and also reduced in eight sequential aromatherapy massage

sessions in the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) test. Our results

further suggested that aromatherapy massage ameliorated the immunologic state.

Further investigations are required to confirm the anxiolytic effect of

aromatherapy in breast cancer patients.

PMID: 18955225 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

2: Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2008 Sep;5(3):325-8.

Aromatherapy massage affects menopausal symptoms in korean climacteric women: a

pilot-controlled clinical trial.

Hur MH, Yang YS, Lee MS.

Department of Nursing, Eulji University, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology,

School of Medicine, Eulji University and Department of Medical Research, Korea

Institute of Oriental Medicine, Daejeon,South Korea.

This study investigated the effects of aromatherapy massage on menopausal

symptoms in Korean climacteric women. Kupperman's menopausal index was used to

compare an experimental group of 25 climacteric women with a wait-listed control 

group of 27 climacteric women. Aromatherapy was applied topically to subjects in 

the experimental group in the form of massage on the abdomen, back and arms using

lavender, rose geranium, rose and jasmine in almond and primrose oils once a week

for 8 weeks (eight times in total). The experimental group reported a

significantly lower total menopausal index than wait-listed controls (P < 0.05). 

There were also significant intergroup differences in subcategories such as

vasomotor, melancholia, arthralgia and myalgia (all P < 0.05). These findings

suggest that aromatherapy massage may be an effective treatment of menopausal

symptoms such as hot flushes, depression and pain in climacteric women. However, 

it could not be verified whether the positive effects were from the aromatherapy,

the massage or both. Further rigorous studies should be done with more objective 

measures.

PMID: 18830459 [PubMed - in process]

3: Isr Med Assoc J. 2008 Jul;10(7):499-502.

Comment in:

    Isr Med Assoc J. 2008 Jul;10(7):531-3.

Perineal massage during pregnancy: a prospective controlled trial.

Mei-dan E, Walfisch A, Raz I, Levy A, Hallak M.

Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hillel Yaffe Medical Center, Hadera,

Israel. eladmei@yahoo.com

BACKGROUND: Women frequently suffer perineal trauma while giving birth.

Interventions to increase the possibility for an intact perineum are needed.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effectiveness of antenatal perineal massage in

increasing the likelihood of delivering with an intact perineum. METHODS: This

single blinded prospective controlled trial included 234 nulliparous women with a

singleton fetus. Women allocated to the study group were instructed to practice a

10 minute perineal massage daily from the 34th week of gestation until delivery. 

Primary outcome measures included the episiotomy rate; first, second, third and

fourth-degree perineal tear rates; and intact perineum. Secondary outcomes were

related to specific tear locations and the amount of suture material required for

repair. RESULTS: Episiotomy rates, overall spontaneous tears and intact perineum 

rates were similar in the study and control groups. Women in the massage group

had slightly lower rates of first-degree tears (73.3% vs. 78.9%, P = 0.39) and

slightly higher rates of second-degree tears (26.7% vs. 19.3%, P= 0.39), although

both of these outcomes did not reach statistical significance. The rates of

anterior perineal tears were significantly higher in the massage group (9.5% vs. 

3%, P = 0.05), whereas internal lateral tears rates were slightly lower but

without statistical significance (11.5% vs.13.1%, P=0.44). CONCLUSIONS: The

practice of antenatal perineal massage showed neither a protective nor a

detrimental significant effect on the occurrence of perineal trauma.

Publication Types: 

    Controlled Clinical Trial

PMID: 18751626 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

4: J Dev Behav Pediatr. 2008 Dec;29(6):463-6.

Insulin and insulin-like growth factor-1 increased in preterm neonates following 

massage therapy.

Field T, Diego M, Hernandez-Reif M, Dieter JN, Kumar AM, Schanberg S, Kuhn C.

Department of Pediatrics, University of Miami School of Medicine, Miami, FL

33101, USA. tfield@med.miami.edu

OBJECTIVE: To determine if massage therapy increased serum insulin and

insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) in preterm neonates. STUDY DESIGN: Forty-two

preterm neonates who averaged 34.6 weeks (M = 29.5 wk gestational age; M birth

weight = 1237 g) and were in the "grower" (step-down) nursery were randomly

assigned to a massage therapy group (body stroking and passive limb movements for

three, 15-minute periods per day for 5 days) or a control group that received the

standard nursery care without massage therapy. On Days 1 and 5, the serum

collected by clinical heelsticks was also assayed for insulin and IGF-1, and

weight gain and kilocalories consumed were recorded daily. RESULTS: Despite

similar formula intake, the massaged preterm neonates showed greater increases

during the 5-day period in (1) weight gain; (2) serum levels of insulin; and (3) 

IGF-1. Increased weight gain was significantly correlated with insulin and IGF-1.

DISCUSSION: Previous data suggested that preterm infant weight gain following

massage therapy related to increased vagal activity, which suggests decreased

stress and gastric motility, which may contribute to more efficient food

absorption. The data from this study suggest for the first time that weight gain 

was also related to increased serum insulin and IGF-1 levels following massage

therapy. CONCLUSION: Preterm infants who received massage therapy not only showed

greater weight gain but also a greater increase in serum insulin and IGF-1

levels, suggesting that massage therapy might be prescribed for all growing

neonates.

Publication Types: 

    Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

    Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

PMID: 18714203 [PubMed - in process]

1: Auton Neurosci. 2008 Jun;140(1-2):88-95. Epub 2008 May 12.

The effect of massage on cellular immunity, endocrine and psychological factors

in women with breast cancer -- a randomized controlled clinical trial.

Billhult A, Lindholm C, Gunnarsson R, Stener-Victorin E.

Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology/Physiotherapy, The Sahlgrenska Academy

at Göteborg University, Göteborg, Sweden. annika.billhult@vgregion.se

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of repeated

effleurage massage treatments compared with a visit control group on circulating 

lymphocytes by studying the number and activity of peripheral blood NK cells,

CD4+ and CD8+ T cells in women with breast cancer. Furthermore, the effect of

repeated effleurage massage treatments on the levels of cortisol in saliva and

oxytocin in plasma as well as degree anxiety, depression and quality of life was 

studied. DESIGN: A single centre, prospective, randomized, controlled trial.

SETTINGS/LOCATION: The study was conducted in a radiation department, in a

hospital in south-western Sweden. SUBJECTS: Twenty-two women (mean age=62) with

breast cancer undergoing radiation were included in this study. INTERVENTIONS:

The patients were randomly assigned to effleurage massage therapy (20 min of

effleurage on ten occasions) or to control visits (ten 20-minute visits). OUTCOME

MEASURES: Blood samples were collected before the first and last massage/control 

visit for analysis of peripheral blood NK, T cells and oxytocin. Saliva was

analysed for cortisol. In addition, the patients completed the Hospital Anxiety

and Depression Scale, Life Satisfaction Questionnaire and Spielbergers State

Trait Anxiety Inventory prior to the first and last massage/control visit.

RESULTS: Effleurage massage treatment had no significant effect on the number,

frequencies or activation state of NK cells or CD4+ or CD8+ T cells. Furthermore,

no significant changes between groups were detected on cortisol and oxytocin

concentrations, anxiety, depression or quality of life. CONCLUSIONS: Significant 

effect of effleurage massage on cellular immunity, cortisol, oxytocin, anxiety,

depression or quality of life could not be demonstrated in this study. Several

possible explanations to the results of this study are discussed.

Publication Types: 

    Randomized Controlled Trial

    Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

PMID: 18474451 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

2: Aust N Z J Psychiatry. 2008 May;42(5):414-22.

Comment in:

    Aust N Z J Psychiatry. 2008 Nov;42(11):993.

Pilot study evaluating the effect of massage therapy on stress, anxiety and

aggression in a young adult psychiatric inpatient unit.

Garner B, Phillips LJ, Schmidt HM, Markulev C, O'Connor J, Wood SJ, Berger GE,

Burnett P, McGorry PD.

ORYGEN Research Centre, Parkville, Vic., Australia. belinda.garner@mh.org.au

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present pilot study was to examine the effectiveness of

a relaxation massage therapy programme in reducing stress, anxiety and aggression

on a young adult psychiatric inpatient unit. METHOD: This was a prospective,

non-randomized intervention study comparing treatment as usual (TAU) with TAU

plus massage therapy intervention (MT) over consecutive 7 week blocks (May-August

2006). MT consisted of a 20 min massage therapy session offered daily to patients

during their period of hospitalization. The Kennedy Nurses' Observational Scale

for Inpatient Evaluation (NOSIE), the Symptom Checklist-90-Revised (SCL-90-R),

the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) and stress hormone (saliva cortisol)

levels were used to measure patient outcomes at admission and discharge from the 

unit. The Staff Observation Aggression Scale-Revised (SOAS-R) was used to monitor

the frequency and severity of aggressive incidents on the unit. RESULTS: There

was a significant reduction in self-reported anxiety (p < 0.001), resting heart

rate (p < 0.05) and cortisol levels (p < 0.05) immediately following the initial 

and final massage therapy sessions. Significant improvements in hostility (p =

0.007) and depression scores (p < 0.001) on the SCL-90-R were observed in both

treatment groups. There was no group x time interaction on any of the measures.

Poor reliability of staff-reported incidents on the SOAS-R limited the validity

of results in this domain. CONCLUSIONS: Massage therapy had immediate beneficial 

effects on anxiety-related measures and may be a useful de-escalating tool for

reducing stress and anxiety in acutely hospitalized psychiatric patients. Study

limitations preclude any definite conclusions on the effect of massage therapy on

aggressive incidents in an acute psychiatric setting. Randomized controlled

trials are warranted.

Publication Types: 

    Clinical Trial

    Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

PMID: 18478478 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

3: J Pain. 2008 Aug;9(8):714-21. Epub 2008 May 2.

Massage reduces pain perception and hyperalgesia in experimental muscle pain: a

randomized, controlled trial.

Frey Law LA, Evans S, Knudtson J, Nus S, Scholl K, Sluka KA.

Program in Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science, The University of Iowa,

Iowa City, Iowa 52242, USA. USA. laura-freylaw@uiowa.edu

Massage is a common conservative intervention used to treat myalgia. Although

subjective reports have supported the premise that massage decreases pain, few

studies have systematically investigated the dose response characteristics of

massage relative to a control group. The purpose of this study was to perform a

double-blinded, randomized controlled trial of the effects of massage on

mechanical hyperalgesia (pressure pain thresholds, PPT) and perceived pain using 

delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) as an endogenous model of myalgia.

Participants were randomly assigned to a no-treatment control, superficial touch,

or deep-tissue massage group. Eccentric wrist extension exercises were performed 

at visit 1 to induce DOMS 48 hours later at visit 2. Pain, assessed using visual 

analog scales (VAS), and PPTs were measured at baseline, after exercise, before

treatment, and after treatment. Deep massage decreased pain (48.4% DOMS reversal)

during muscle stretch. Mechanical hyperalgesia was reduced (27.5% reversal) after

both the deep massage and superficial touch groups relative to control (increased

hyperalgesia by 38.4%). Resting pain did not vary between treatment groups.

PERSPECTIVE: This randomized, controlled trial suggests that massage is capable

of reducing myalgia symptoms by approximately 25% to 50%, varying with assessment

technique. Thus, potential analgesia may depend on the pain assessment used. This

information may assist clinicians in determining conservative treatment options

for patients with myalgia.

Publication Types: 

    Randomized Controlled Trial

    Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

PMID: 18455480 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

4: Complement Ther Med. 2008 Feb;16(1):3-8. Epub 2007 Jun 27.

Reflexology in the management of low back pain: a pilot randomised controlled

trial.

Quinn F, Hughes CM, Baxter GD.

Health and Rehabilitation Sciences Institute, University of Ulster, Shore Road,

Newtownabbey, Co. Antrim BT37 OQB, United Kingdom.

OBJECTIVE: The current study was designed as a pilot study for a randomised

controlled trial to investigate the effectiveness of reflexology in the

management of low back pain (LBP). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Participants suffering 

non-specific LBP were recruited and randomised into either a reflexology or a

sham group. Patients and outcome assessor were blinded to group allocation. Each 

patient received either a 40 min reflexology treatment or sham treatment

(according to group allocation) once per week for six consecutive weeks. The

primary outcome measure was pain (visual analogue scale), secondary outcome

measures were the McGill pain questionnaire, Roland-Morris disability

questionnaire, and SF-36 health survey. Outcome measures were performed at

baseline, week 6, week 12 and week 18. RESULTS: VAS scores for pain reduced in

the treatment group by a median value of 2.5 cm, with minimal change in the sham 

group (0.2 cm). Secondary outcome measures produced an improvement in both groups

(McGill pain questionnaire: 18 points in the reflexology group and 11.5 points in

the sham group). Results indicate that reflexology may have a positive effect on 

LBP. CONCLUSION: Reflexology appears to offer promise as a treatment in the

management of LBP; however, an adequately powered trial is required before any

more definitive pronouncements are possible.

Publication Types: 

    Randomized Controlled Trial

PMID: 18346622 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

5: Psychooncology. 2008 Oct;17(10):1024-31.

Massage in patients undergoing intensive chemotherapy reduces serum cortisol and 

prolactin.

Stringer J, Swindell R, Dennis M.

Haematology and Transplant Unit, Christie Hospital NHS Foundation Trust,

Manchester, UK. jacqui.stringer@christie.nhs.uk

OBJECTIVE: The objective is to identify whether single 20 min massage sessions

were safe and effective in reducing stress levels of isolated haematological

oncology patients. DESIGN: Based on a randomised controlled trial, 39 patients

were randomised to aromatherapy, massage or rest (control) arm. MEASURES: The

measures were serum cortisol and prolactin levels, quality of life (EORTC

QLQ-C30) and semi-structured interviews. Primary outcome measure was the fall in 

serum cortisol levels. RESULTS: A significant difference was seen between arms in

cortisol (P=0.002) and prolactin (p=0.031) levels from baseline to 30 min

post-session. Aromatherapy and massage arms showed a significantly greater drop

in cortisol than the rest arm. Only the massage arm had a significantly greater

reduction in prolactin then the rest arm. The EORTC QLQ-C30 showed a significant 

reduction in 'need for rest' for patients in both experimental arms compared with

the control arm, whereas the semi-structured interviews identified a universal

feeling of relaxation in patients in the experimental arms. CONCLUSION: This

pilot study demonstrated that in isolated haematological oncology patients, a

significant reduction in cortisol could be safely achieved through massage, with 

associated improvement in psychological well-being. The implications are

discussed. Copyright (c) 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Publication Types: 

    Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

PMID: 18300336 [PubMed - in process]

 

1: Auton Neurosci. 2008 Jun;140(1-2):88-95. Epub 2008 May 12.

The effect of massage on cellular immunity, endocrine and psychological factors

in women with breast cancer -- a randomized controlled clinical trial.

Billhult A, Lindholm C, Gunnarsson R, Stener-Victorin E.

Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology/Physiotherapy, The Sahlgrenska Academy

at Göteborg University, Göteborg, Sweden. annika.billhult@vgregion.se

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of repeated

effleurage massage treatments compared with a visit control group on circulating 

lymphocytes by studying the number and activity of peripheral blood NK cells,

CD4+ and CD8+ T cells in women with breast cancer. Furthermore, the effect of

repeated effleurage massage treatments on the levels of cortisol in saliva and

oxytocin in plasma as well as degree anxiety, depression and quality of life was 

studied. DESIGN: A single centre, prospective, randomized, controlled trial.

SETTINGS/LOCATION: The study was conducted in a radiation department, in a

hospital in south-western Sweden. SUBJECTS: Twenty-two women (mean age=62) with

breast cancer undergoing radiation were included in this study. INTERVENTIONS:

The patients were randomly assigned to effleurage massage therapy (20 min of

effleurage on ten occasions) or to control visits (ten 20-minute visits). OUTCOME

MEASURES: Blood samples were collected before the first and last massage/control 

visit for analysis of peripheral blood NK, T cells and oxytocin. Saliva was

analysed for cortisol. In addition, the patients completed the Hospital Anxiety

and Depression Scale, Life Satisfaction Questionnaire and Spielbergers State

Trait Anxiety Inventory prior to the first and last massage/control visit.

RESULTS: Effleurage massage treatment had no significant effect on the number,

frequencies or activation state of NK cells or CD4+ or CD8+ T cells. Furthermore,

no significant changes between groups were detected on cortisol and oxytocin

concentrations, anxiety, depression or quality of life. CONCLUSIONS: Significant 

effect of effleurage massage on cellular immunity, cortisol, oxytocin, anxiety,

depression or quality of life could not be demonstrated in this study. Several

possible explanations to the results of this study are discussed.

Publication Types: 

    Randomized Controlled Trial

    Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

PMID: 18474451 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

2: Aust N Z J Psychiatry. 2008 May;42(5):414-22.

Comment in:

    Aust N Z J Psychiatry. 2008 Nov;42(11):993.

Pilot study evaluating the effect of massage therapy on stress, anxiety and

aggression in a young adult psychiatric inpatient unit.

Garner B, Phillips LJ, Schmidt HM, Markulev C, O'Connor J, Wood SJ, Berger GE,

Burnett P, McGorry PD.

ORYGEN Research Centre, Parkville, Vic., Australia. belinda.garner@mh.org.au

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present pilot study was to examine the effectiveness of

a relaxation massage therapy programme in reducing stress, anxiety and aggression

on a young adult psychiatric inpatient unit. METHOD: This was a prospective,

non-randomized intervention study comparing treatment as usual (TAU) with TAU

plus massage therapy intervention (MT) over consecutive 7 week blocks (May-August

2006). MT consisted of a 20 min massage therapy session offered daily to patients

during their period of hospitalization. The Kennedy Nurses' Observational Scale

for Inpatient Evaluation (NOSIE), the Symptom Checklist-90-Revised (SCL-90-R),

the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) and stress hormone (saliva cortisol)

levels were used to measure patient outcomes at admission and discharge from the 

unit. The Staff Observation Aggression Scale-Revised (SOAS-R) was used to monitor

the frequency and severity of aggressive incidents on the unit. RESULTS: There

was a significant reduction in self-reported anxiety (p < 0.001), resting heart

rate (p < 0.05) and cortisol levels (p < 0.05) immediately following the initial 

and final massage therapy sessions. Significant improvements in hostility (p =

0.007) and depression scores (p < 0.001) on the SCL-90-R were observed in both

treatment groups. There was no group x time interaction on any of the measures.

Poor reliability of staff-reported incidents on the SOAS-R limited the validity

of results in this domain. CONCLUSIONS: Massage therapy had immediate beneficial 

effects on anxiety-related measures and may be a useful de-escalating tool for

reducing stress and anxiety in acutely hospitalized psychiatric patients. Study

limitations preclude any definite conclusions on the effect of massage therapy on

aggressive incidents in an acute psychiatric setting. Randomized controlled

trials are warranted.

Publication Types: 

    Clinical Trial

    Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

PMID: 18478478 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

3: J Pain. 2008 Aug;9(8):714-21. Epub 2008 May 2.

Massage reduces pain perception and hyperalgesia in experimental muscle pain: a

randomized, controlled trial.

Frey Law LA, Evans S, Knudtson J, Nus S, Scholl K, Sluka KA.

Program in Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science, The University of Iowa,

Iowa City, Iowa 52242, USA. USA. laura-freylaw@uiowa.edu

Massage is a common conservative intervention used to treat myalgia. Although

subjective reports have supported the premise that massage decreases pain, few

studies have systematically investigated the dose response characteristics of

massage relative to a control group. The purpose of this study was to perform a

double-blinded, randomized controlled trial of the effects of massage on

mechanical hyperalgesia (pressure pain thresholds, PPT) and perceived pain using 

delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) as an endogenous model of myalgia.

Participants were randomly assigned to a no-treatment control, superficial touch,

or deep-tissue massage group. Eccentric wrist extension exercises were performed 

at visit 1 to induce DOMS 48 hours later at visit 2. Pain, assessed using visual 

analog scales (VAS), and PPTs were measured at baseline, after exercise, before

treatment, and after treatment. Deep massage decreased pain (48.4% DOMS reversal)

during muscle stretch. Mechanical hyperalgesia was reduced (27.5% reversal) after

both the deep massage and superficial touch groups relative to control (increased

hyperalgesia by 38.4%). Resting pain did not vary between treatment groups.

PERSPECTIVE: This randomized, controlled trial suggests that massage is capable

of reducing myalgia symptoms by approximately 25% to 50%, varying with assessment

technique. Thus, potential analgesia may depend on the pain assessment used. This

information may assist clinicians in determining conservative treatment options

for patients with myalgia.

Publication Types: 

    Randomized Controlled Trial

    Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

PMID: 18455480 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

4: Complement Ther Med. 2008 Feb;16(1):3-8. Epub 2007 Jun 27.

Reflexology in the management of low back pain: a pilot randomised controlled

trial.

Quinn F, Hughes CM, Baxter GD.

Health and Rehabilitation Sciences Institute, University of Ulster, Shore Road,

Newtownabbey, Co. Antrim BT37 OQB, United Kingdom.

OBJECTIVE: The current study was designed as a pilot study for a randomised

controlled trial to investigate the effectiveness of reflexology in the

management of low back pain (LBP). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Participants suffering 

non-specific LBP were recruited and randomised into either a reflexology or a

sham group. Patients and outcome assessor were blinded to group allocation. Each 

patient received either a 40 min reflexology treatment or sham treatment

(according to group allocation) once per week for six consecutive weeks. The

primary outcome measure was pain (visual analogue scale), secondary outcome

measures were the McGill pain questionnaire, Roland-Morris disability

questionnaire, and SF-36 health survey. Outcome measures were performed at

baseline, week 6, week 12 and week 18. RESULTS: VAS scores for pain reduced in

the treatment group by a median value of 2.5 cm, with minimal change in the sham 

group (0.2 cm). Secondary outcome measures produced an improvement in both groups

(McGill pain questionnaire: 18 points in the reflexology group and 11.5 points in

the sham group). Results indicate that reflexology may have a positive effect on 

LBP. CONCLUSION: Reflexology appears to offer promise as a treatment in the

management of LBP; however, an adequately powered trial is required before any

more definitive pronouncements are possible.

Publication Types: 

    Randomized Controlled Trial

PMID: 18346622 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

5: Psychooncology. 2008 Oct;17(10):1024-31.

Massage in patients undergoing intensive chemotherapy reduces serum cortisol and 

prolactin.

Stringer J, Swindell R, Dennis M.

Haematology and Transplant Unit, Christie Hospital NHS Foundation Trust,

Manchester, UK. jacqui.stringer@christie.nhs.uk

OBJECTIVE: The objective is to identify whether single 20 min massage sessions

were safe and effective in reducing stress levels of isolated haematological

oncology patients. DESIGN: Based on a randomised controlled trial, 39 patients

were randomised to aromatherapy, massage or rest (control) arm. MEASURES: The

measures were serum cortisol and prolactin levels, quality of life (EORTC

QLQ-C30) and semi-structured interviews. Primary outcome measure was the fall in 

serum cortisol levels. RESULTS: A significant difference was seen between arms in

cortisol (P=0.002) and prolactin (p=0.031) levels from baseline to 30 min

post-session. Aromatherapy and massage arms showed a significantly greater drop

in cortisol than the rest arm. Only the massage arm had a significantly greater

reduction in prolactin then the rest arm. The EORTC QLQ-C30 showed a significant 

reduction in 'need for rest' for patients in both experimental arms compared with

the control arm, whereas the semi-structured interviews identified a universal

feeling of relaxation in patients in the experimental arms. CONCLUSION: This

pilot study demonstrated that in isolated haematological oncology patients, a

significant reduction in cortisol could be safely achieved through massage, with 

associated improvement in psychological well-being. The implications are

discussed. Copyright (c) 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Publication Types: 

    Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

PMID: 18300336 [PubMed - in process]

6: Arch Surg. 2007 Dec;142(12):1158-67; discussion 1167.

Acute postoperative pain management using massage as an adjuvant therapy: a

randomized trial.

Mitchinson AR, Kim HM, Rosenberg JM, Geisser M, Kirsh M, Cikrit D, Hinshaw DB.

Section of General Surgery, Geriatrics and Palliative Care Program, VA Ann Arbor 

Healthcare System, 2215 Fuller Rd, Ann Arbor, MI 48105, USA.

HYPOTHESIS: Adjuvant massage therapy improves pain management and postoperative

anxiety among many patients who experience unrelieved postoperative pain.

Pharmacologic interventions alone may not address all of the factors involved in 

the experience of pain. DESIGN: Randomized controlled trial. SETTING: Department 

of Veterans Affairs hospitals in Ann Arbor, Michigan, and Indianapolis, Indiana. 

PATIENTS: Six hundred five veterans (mean age, 64 years) undergoing major surgery

from February 1, 2003, through January 31, 2005. INTERVENTIONS: Patients were

assigned to the following 3 groups: (1) control (routine care), (2)

individualized attention from a massage therapist (20 minutes), or (3) back

massage by a massage therapist each evening for up to 5 postoperative days. Main 

Outcome Measure Short- and long-term (> 4 days) pain intensity, pain

unpleasantness, and anxiety measured by visual analog scales. RESULTS: Compared

with the control group, patients in the massage group experienced short-term

(preintervention vs postintervention) decreases in pain intensity (P = .001),

pain unpleasantness (P < .001), and anxiety (P = .007). In addition, patients in 

the massage group experienced a faster rate of decrease in pain intensity (P =

.02) and unpleasantness (P = .01) during the first 4 postoperative days compared 

with the control group. There were no differences in the rates of decrease in

long-term anxiety, length of stay, opiate use, or complications across the 3

groups. CONCLUSION: Massage is an effective and safe adjuvant therapy for the

relief of acute postoperative pain in patients undergoing major operations.

Publication Types: 

    Randomized Controlled Trial

    Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

PMID: 18086982 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

7: Interact Cardiovasc Thorac Surg. 2008 Feb;7(1):151-6. Epub 2007 Nov 13.

Comment in:

    Interact Cardiovasc Thorac Surg. 2008 Feb;7(1):156-7.    Interact Cardiovasc Thorac Surg. 2008 Feb;7(1):157.

Is internal massage superior to external massage for patients suffering a cardiac

arrest after cardiac surgery?

Twomey D, Das M, Subramanian H, Dunning J.

Department of Cardiology, James Cook University Hospital, Middlesbrough, UK.

darraghtwomey@doctors.org.uk

A best evidence topic in cardiac surgery was written according to a structured

protocol. The question addressed was whether open chest cardiac massage is

superior to closed chest compressions in patients suffering cardiac arrest

following cardiac surgery. Using the reported search, 527 papers were identified.

Fifteen papers represented the best evidence on the subject and the author,

journal, date and country of publication, patient group studied, study type,

relevant outcomes, results and study comments and weaknesses were tabulated. The 

quality and level of evidence was assessed using the International Liaison

Committee on Resuscitation guideline recommendations. We conclude that over 18

good quality animal studies have consistently demonstrated the superiority of

open chest cardiac massage, with the cardiac index and coronary perfusion

pressures often more than doubling. There are fewer human studies but they have

shown that closed chest massage generates a cardiac index of around 0.6

l/min/m(2) which rises to 1.3 l/min/m(2) or more with open-chest-CPR, accompanied

by even bigger improvements in coronary perfusion pressure. ILCOR recommends

prompt conversion to open-chest-cardiac massage in patient's shortly post-cardiac

surgery, and we would support this intervention if simple resuscitative efforts

such as defibrillation, pacing or atropine fail, in order to significantly

improve the quality of cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

Publication Types: 

    Case Reports

PMID: 18000024 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

 

1: J Altern Complement Med. 2007 Oct;13(8):793-6.

Side-effects of massage therapy: a cross-sectional study of 100 clients.

Cambron JA, Dexheimer J, Coe P, Swenson R.

Department of Research, National University of Health Sciences, Lombard, IL

60148, USA. jcambron@nuhs.edu

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine the amount and type of

negative side-effects and positive (unexpected) effects experienced after a

massage session. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional. SETTING: Massage clinic at a

health sciences university. SUBJECTS: Of the 100 new and returning massage

therapy clients who agreed to participate, 91 completed all survey questions.

Outcome measures: Telephone survey and medical chart review 2-7 days postmassage.

RESULTS: Overall, 10% of the massage clients experienced some minor discomfort

after the massage session; however, 23% experienced unexpected,

nonmusculoskeletal positive side-effects. The majority of negative symptoms

started less than 12 hours after the massage and lasted for 36 hours or less. The

majority of positive benefits began immediately after massage and lasted more

than 48 hours. No major side-effects occurred during this study. CONCLUSIONS:

This the first known study to define the rate of side-effects after massage

therapy treatment. These data are important for risk-benefit analyses of massage 

care. Larger studies are needed to verify these data and to assess effects of

different massage types and durations.

Publication Types: 

    Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

PMID: 17983334 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

2: Complement Ther Clin Pract. 2007 Nov;13(4):266-75. Epub 2007 May 8.

The effects of foot and facial massage on sleep induction, blood pressure, pulse 

and respiratory rate: crossover pilot study.

Ejindu A.

London South Bank University, Faculty of Health and Social Care, LSBU at Havering

Campus, Gubbins Lane, Harold Wood, Romford, RM3 0BE, UK. ejinduam@lsbu.ac.uk

The study aimed to compare the effects of facial massage with that of foot

massage on sleep induction and vital signs of healthy adults and to test a

methodology that could be used by a lone researcher in such a study. A randomised

within-group crossover pilot study of six healthy female volunteers was

conducted. The interventions were a 20min foot and a 20min facial massage using

peach-kernel base oil Prunus persica. A drop in systolic blood pressure of

8.5mmHg was recorded immediately after facial massage compared to that of 1mmHg

recorded after foot massage. Both treatments were equally effective in reducing

subjective levels of alertness during the interventions, with face massage

marginally better at producing subjective sleepiness. A lone researcher using

these methods would be able objectively to measure vital signs before and after

interventions, but not during; and would be able subjectively to measure sleep

induction in non-sleep-laboratory contexts.

Publication Types: 

    Randomized Controlled Trial

PMID: 17950182 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

3: J Soc Integr Oncol. 2007 Fall;5(4):139-46.

Developing treatment and control conditions in a clinical trial of massage

therapy for advanced cancer.

Smith M, Kutner J, Hemphill L, Yamashita T, Felton S.

Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL

33431, USA.

The purpose of this article is to describe the challenges faced by a research

team in developing treatment and control conditions in a study of the efficacy of

massage therapy for advanced cancer. Five design considerations were addressed

related to developing a massage therapy protocol: (1) dosage, that is, the

number, spacing and length of treatments; (2) type of massage therapy; (3) degree

to which the protocol for the treatment is standardized; (4) qualifications of

the persons providing the treatment; and (5) conditions under which the treatment

is provided. Five criteria for structuring the control condition of the study are

elaborated: (1) equivalency of contact; (2) similarity of form; (3) minimum

adverse or negative effects; (4) expectancy of therapeutic benefit; and (5)

minimum therapeutic benefit.

PMID: 19087757 [PubMed - in process]

4: J Soc Integr Oncol. 2007 Fall;5(4):133-8.

Impact of massage therapy on anxiety levels in patients undergoing radiation

therapy: randomized controlled trial.

Campeau MP, Gaboriault R, Drapeau M, Van Nguyen T, Roy I, Fortin B, Marois M,

Nguyen-Tân PF.

Department of Radiation Oncology, CHUM Notre-Dame Hospital, Montreal, QC.

Anxiety is a major issue in the cancer patient population. This randomized phase 

III trial evaluated the effects of massage therapy on anxiety levels in patients 

undergoing radiation therapy. Patients undergoing radiation therapy were randomly

assigned to either 10 massage sessions or control sessions. Anxiety levels were

evaluated throughout the course of treatment using both the visual analogue scale

(VAS) and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI). The immediate effect of

massage therapy on anxiety scores was measured via pre- and postmassage VAS

scores. The intermediate-term effect of massage was assessed through the VAS

scores over the 10 sessions and STAI scores at the last session. The trial's

primary outcome was the difference in intermediate-term anxiety scores, whereas

the secondary outcome was the difference in immediate anxiety scores. Between

January 2006 and June 2006, 100 patients were randomized. After their massage,

the patients' immediate postmassage anxiety score according to the VAS was

reduced by an average of 45% compared with their premassage score (p < .001). No 

impact of massage therapy on intermediate-term anxiety scores was observed. Both 

groups showed a similar decline in VAS anxiety scores from the first to the last 

session, that is, 15% and 19% in the massage therapy and control groups,

respectively (p = .73). Furthermore, no difference was observed between the

groups' respective state-anxiety scores after the 10 sessions. Massage therapy is

associated with a significant, immediate decrease in anxiety scores. However,

massage therapy appears to have no major impact on intermediate-term anxiety in

patients undergoing radiation therapy.

PMID: 19087756 [PubMed - in process]

5: Spine. 2007 Sep 1;32(19):2041-9.

Physiotherapy-based rehabilitation following disc herniation operation: results

of a randomized clinical trial.

Erdogmus CB, Resch KL, Sabitzer R, Müller H, Nuhr M, Schöggl A, Posch M, Osterode

W, Ungersböck K, Ebenbichler GR.

Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Vienna Medical University,

Vienna, Austria.

STUDY DESIGN: Three-group, randomized, single blinded, controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: To test the effectiveness of physiotherapy-based rehabilitation

starting 1 week after lumbar disc surgery. In addition, we tried to estimate the 

contribution of specific effects to the observed outcome (efficacy). SUMMARY OF

BACKGROUND DATA: Physiotherapy-based rehabilitation is usually recommended for

patients following lumbar disc surgery. Few and conflicting data exist for the

relative effectiveness of this intervention. METHODS: A total of 120 patients

following first-time, uncomplicated lumbar disc surgery were randomly assigned to

"comprehensive" physiotherapy, "sham" neck massage, or no therapy. Before

enrollment, all subjects completed a minimal physiotherapeutic intervention.

Physiotherapy was administered by experienced physiotherapists and consisted of

20 sessions per patient over 12 weeks. Masseurs administered "sham massage" to

the neck. The amount of treatment time was equal to that of physiotherapy. The

main outcome measure was the Low Back Pain Rating Score (LBPRS) at 6 and 12

weeks, and 1.5 years after randomization. Secondary parameters were patients'

overall satisfaction with treatment outcome and socioeconomic and psychologic

measures. RESULTS: At the end of therapy (12 weeks), the LBPRS revealed a

significantly better improvement in the physiotherapy group than in the untreated

group. LBPRS outcome, however, did not significantly differ between physiotherapy

and "sham" therapy. There was a tendency toward significance between the sham

therapy and no therapy. Within the 1.5-year follow-up, LBP rating scales remained

significantly improved compared with baseline, but there were no significant

outcome differences. No statistically significant between-group differences were 

found for the secondary outcome parameters. CONCLUSION: As compared with no

therapy, physiotherapy following first-time disc herniation operation is

effective in the short-term. Because of the limited benefits of physiotherapy

relative to "sham" therapy, it is open to question whether this treatment acts

primarily physiologically in patients following first-time lumbar disc surgery,

but psychological factors may contribute substantially to the benefits observed.

Publication Types: 

    Randomized Controlled Trial

    Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

PMID: 17762803 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

6: BMC Musculoskelet Disord. 2007 Aug 31;8:86.

Efficacy and cost-effectiveness of a physiotherapy program for chronic rotator

cuff pathology: a protocol for a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled

trial.

Bennell K, Coburn S, Wee E, Green S, Harris A, Forbes A, Buchbinder R.

Centre for Health, Exercise & Sports Medicine, School of Physiotherapy,

University of Melbourne, Australia. k.bennell@unimelb.edu.au

BACKGROUND: Chronic rotator cuff pathology (CRCP) is a common shoulder condition 

causing pain and disability. Physiotherapy is often the first line of management 

for CRCP yet there is little conclusive evidence to support or refute its

effectiveness and no formal evaluation of its cost-effectiveness. METHODS/DESIGN:

This randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial will involve 200

participants with CRCP recruited from medical practices, outpatient departments

and the community via print and radio media. Participants will be randomly

allocated to a physiotherapy or placebo group using concealed allocation

stratified by treating physiotherapist. Both groups will receive 10 sessions of

individual standardised treatment over 10 weeks from one of 10 project

physiotherapists. For the following 12 weeks, the physiotherapy group will

continue a home exercise program and the placebo group will receive no treatment.

The physiotherapy program will comprise shoulder joint and spinal mobilisation,

soft tissue massage, postural taping, and home exercises for scapular control,

posture and rotator cuff strengthening. The placebo group will receive inactive

ultrasound and gentle application of an inert gel over the shoulder region.

Blinded assessment will be conducted at baseline and at 10 weeks and 22 weeks

after randomisation. The primary outcome measures are self reported

questionnaires including the shoulder pain and disability index (SPADI), average 

pain on an 11-point numeric rating scale and participant perceived global rating 

of change. Secondary measures include Medical Outcomes Study 36-item short form

(SF-36), Assessment of Quality of Life index, numeric rating scales for shoulder 

pain and stiffness, participant perceived rating of change for pain, strength and

stiffness, and manual muscle testing for shoulder strength using a handheld

dynamometer. To evaluate cost-effectiveness, participants will record the use of 

all health-related treatments in a log-book returned to the assessor monthly. To 

test the effect of the intervention using an intention-to-treat analysis, linear 

regression modelling will be applied adjusting for baseline outcome values and

other demographic characteristics. Participant measures of perceived change will 

be compared between groups by calculating the relative risks and their 95%

confidence intervals at each time point using log binomial regression.

DISCUSSION: Results from this trial will contribute to the evidence regarding the

effectiveness of a physiotherapy program for the management of CRCP.

Publication Types: 

    Randomized Controlled Trial

    Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

PMID: 17761004 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

7: J Clin Nurs. 2007 Sep;16(9):1695-703.

The effect of aromatherapy massage with music on the stress and anxiety levels of

emergency nurses: comparison between summer and winter.

Cooke M, Holzhauser K, Jones M, Davis C, Finucane J.

School of Nursing & Midwifery, Research Centre for Clinical Practice Innovation, 

Griffith University, QLD, Australia. m.cooke@griffith.edu.au

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: This research aimed to evaluate the use of aromatherapy

massage and music as an intervention to cope with the occupational stress and

anxiety that emergency department staff experience. The study also aimed to

compare any differences in results between a summer and winter 12-week massage

plan. BACKGROUND: Emergency nurses are subjected to significant stressors during 

their work and it is known that workloads and patient demands influence the role 

stress has on nurses. The perception that winter months are busier for emergency 

departments has long been held and there is some evidence that people with

cardiac and respiratory dysfunction do present more frequently in the winter

months. Massage has been found to decrease staff anxiety. DESIGN: The study used 

a one-group pre-test, post-test quasi-experimental design with random assignment.

METHOD: Staff occupational stress was assessed pre- and post- 12 weeks of

aromatherapy massage with music and anxiety was measured pre and post each

massage session. Sick leave was also measured. Comparisons of summer and winter

data were undertaken. RESULTS: A total of 365 massages were given over two

12-week periods, one during summer and the other during winter. Analysis

identified that aromatherapy massage with music significantly reduced anxiety for

both seasonal periods. Premassage anxiety was significantly higher in winter than

summer. No differences in sick leave and workload were found. There was no

difference in the occupational stress levels of nurses following the two 12-week 

periods of massage. CONCLUSION: Emergency nurses were significantly more anxious 

in winter than summer but this cannot be attributed to increased sick leave or

workloads. Aromatherapy massage with music significantly reduced emergency

nurses' anxiety. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: High levels of anxiety and

stress can be detrimental to the physical and emotional health of emergency

nurses and the provision of a support mechanism such as on-site massage as an

effective strategy should be considered.

Publication Types: 

    Comparative Study

    Randomized Controlled Trial

    Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

PMID: 17727588 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

8: J Altern Complement Med. 2007 Jul-Aug;13(6):635-42.

Rhythmical massage therapy in chronic disease: a 4-year prospective cohort study.

Hamre HJ, Witt CM, Glockmann A, Ziegler R, Willich SN, Kiene H.

Institute for Applied Epistemology and Medical Methodology, Freiburg, Germany.

harald.hamre@ifaemm.de

OBJECTIVE: Rhythmical massage therapy is used in 24 countries but has not yet

been studied in outpatient settings. The objective was to study clinical outcomes

in patients receiving rhythmical massage therapy for chronic diseases. DESIGN:

Prospective 4-year cohort study. SETTING: Thirty-six (36) medical practices in

Germany. PARTICIPANTS: Eighty-five (85) outpatients referred to rhythmical

massage therapy. OUTCOME MEASURES: Disease and Symptom Scores (physicians' and

patients' assessment, respectively, 0-10) and SF-36. Disease Score was measured

after 6 and 12 months, and other outcomes after 3, 6, 12, 18, 24, and 48 months. 

RESULTS: Most common indications were musculoskeletal diseases (45% of patients; 

primarily back and neck pain) and mental disorders (18%, primarily depression and

fatigue). Median disease duration at baseline was 2.0 years (interquartile range 

0.5-6.0). Median number of rhythmical massage therapy sessions was 12

(interquartile range 9-12), and median therapy duration was 84 (49-119) days. All

outcomes improved significantly between baseline and all subsequent follow-ups.

From baseline to 12 months, Disease Score improved from (mean +/- standard

deviation) 6.30 +/- 2.01 to 2.77 +/- 1.97 (p < 0.001), Symptom Score improved

from 5.76 +/- 1.81 to 3.13 +/- 2.20 (p < 0.001), SF-36 Physical Component score

improved from 39.55 +/- 9.91 to 45.17 +/- 9.88 (p < 0.001), and SF-36 Mental

Component score improved from 39.27 +/- 13.61 to 43.78 +/- 12.32 (p = 0.028). All

these improvements were maintained until the last follow-up. Adverse reactions to

rhythmical massage therapy occurred in 4 (5%) patients; 2 patients stopped

therapy because of adverse reactions. CONCLUSIONS: Patients receiving rhythmical 

massage therapy had long-term reduction of chronic disease symptoms and

improvement of quality of life.

Publication Types: 

    Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

PMID: 17718646 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

9: Complement Ther Med. 2007 Sep;15(3):157-63. Epub 2007 Feb 20.

A randomised study of the effects of massage therapy compared to guided

relaxation on well-being and stress perception among older adults.

Sharpe PA, Williams HG, Granner ML, Hussey JR.

Prevention Research Center, Arnold School of Public Health, 921 Assembly Street, 

University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, USA. pasharpe@sc.edu

OBJECTIVE: The objective was to assess the effects of massage compared to guided 

relaxation on stress perception and well-being among older adults. DESIGN: A

randomised pilot study enrolled adults ages 60 and older to receive 50 min, twice

weekly massage therapy or guided relaxation sessions. Questionnaires were

administered at pre-test (1 week before the first session) and post-test (after

the last session). SETTING: Participants came to the University of South Carolina

campus for sessions. Adults aged 60 and older were recruited from community

venues and were briefly screened by telephone for contraindications.

INTERVENTION: Participants (n=54) received 50 min massage or guided relaxation

sessions twice weekly for 4 weeks. The massage included Swedish, neuromuscular,

and myofascial techniques. For the relaxation group, an appropriately trained

assistant read a script to guide the participant in using visualization and

muscle relaxation. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The General Well-being Schedule is an

18-item scale with subscales measuring anxiety, depression, positive well-being, 

self-control, vitality, and general health. The Perceived Stress Scale is a

14-item scale assessing the degree to which situations in one's life are

appraised as stressful during the past month. RESULTS: Significant improvements

were found for the anxiety, depression, vitality, general health, and positive

well-being subscales of the General Well-being Schedule and for Perceived Stress 

among the massage participants compared to guided relaxation. CONCLUSIONS:

Findings indicate that massage therapy enhances positive well-being and reduces

stress perception among community-dwelling older adults.

Publication Types: 

    Randomized Controlled Trial

    Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

PMID: 17709060 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

 

1: J Manipulative Physiol Ther. 2007 Jul-Aug;30(6):432-7.

Effectiveness of traditional bone setting in chronic neck pain: randomized

clinical trial.

Zaproudina N, Hänninen OO, Airaksinen O.

Project researcher, Department of Biomedicine, Physiology, University of Kuopio, 

Kuopio, Finland. nina.zaproudina@uku.fi <nina.zaproudina@uku.fi>

OBJECTIVE: This study evaluates the effectiveness of traditional bone setting

(TBS) in chronic neck pain (cNP) compared with conventional physiotherapy (PT)

and massage (M). METHODS: This was a randomized clinical trial. Working-aged

employed subjects with cNP (n = 105; 37 men and 68 women; mean age, 41.5 years)

were randomized into TBS, PT, and M groups. Follow-up times were 1, 6, and 12

months after the treatments. Neck pain intensity (visual analog scale), perceived

disability (Neck Disability Index [NDI]), and neck spine mobility measurements

were used as outcomes. Global assessment was evaluated by the subjects (scale

from -1 to +10). Data were analyzed using time (pre and post) by group (TBS, PT

and M), 2- way analysis of variance for repeated measures. RESULTS: Neck pain

decreased and NDI scores improved in all groups 1 month after the treatment (P < 

.001). The improvement of NDI and persons' satisfaction were significantly better

after TBS. Neck spine mobility in rotation movements tended to improve

significantly better and the frons-knee distance improved more after TBS. One

year later, both NDI and neck pain were significantly better after TBS than in

reference groups. A significant improvement was reported by 40% to 45.5% of

subjects in the PT and M groups and by 68.6% in the TBS group. Bone setters'

ability to communicate and to interact with patients was evaluated significantly 

higher. In the TBS group, the number of sick days was minimal as was the use of

painkillers during 1-year follow-up compared to that in the reference groups.

CONCLUSIONS: Traditional bone setting, which is a soft manual mobilization

technique focusing on the muscles, joints, and ligaments, appears to be effective

in cNP. Two thirds of subjects experienced it as beneficial, and it seems to be

able to improve disability and pain in patients with cNP. Subjective and

partially objective benefits of TBS were found in those patients more than after 

other interventions, and the effects lasted at least for 1 year.

Publication Types: 

    Randomized Controlled Trial

PMID: 17693333 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

2: Infant Behav Dev. 2008 Jan;31(1):149-52. Epub 2007 Aug 9.

Temperature increases in preterm infants during massage therapy.

Diego MA, Field T, Hernandez-Reif M.

Touch Research Institute, Department of Pediatrics, University of Miami School of

Medicine, Miami, FL 33101, USA. mdiego@med.miami.edu

Temperature was assessed in 72 preterm infants randomly assigned to a control or 

a massage therapy group. A greater increase in temperature was noted for preterm 

infants receiving massage therapy versus a control group, even though the

incubator portholes remained open during the 15 min massage therapy session but

not for the control group over an equivalent time period.

Publication Types: 

    Randomized Controlled Trial

    Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

    Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

PMID: 17692385 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

3: J Adv Nurs. 2007 Sep;59(5):510-9. Epub 2007 Jul 20.

Effect of Nei-Guan point (P6) acupressure on ketonuria levels, nausea and

vomiting in women with hyperemesis gravidarum.

Shin HS, Song YA, Seo S.

College of Nursing Science, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, South Korea.

suksh@khu.ac.kr

AIM: This paper is a report of a study to examine the effect of Nei-Guan point

acupressure on nausea, vomiting and ketonuria levels in women diagnosed with

hyperemesis gravidarum. BACKGROUND: Previous studies have shown that acupressure 

application on the Nei-Guan point is effective in relieving nausea and vomiting

associated with pregnancy and surgery. However, no findings have been supported

by physiological data. METHOD: A randomized control group pretest-post-test

design was implemented from 1 April 2003 to 30 April 2004 using three groups: a

Nei-Guan point acupressure group, a placebo group and a control group which

received only conventional intravenous treatment. The participants were 66 women 

admitted to two general hospitals in Korea with hyperemesis gravidarum. RESULTS: 

The degree of nausea and vomiting was statistically significantly lower in the

Nei-Guan point acupressure group in comparison with the placebo and control

groups. Ketonuria levels were reduced over time and, on days three and four of

hospitalization, levels in the treatment group were statistically significantly

lower than in the placebo or control groups (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Nei-Guan

point acupressure is a useful treatment for relieving symptoms experienced by

women with hyperemesis gravidarum.

Publication Types: 

    Multicenter Study

    Randomized Controlled Trial

    Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

PMID: 17645494 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

4: Taehan Kanho Hakhoe Chi. 2007 Jun;37(4):603-12.

[Effect of aromatherapy massage on abdominal fat and body image in

post-menopausal women]

[Article in Korean]

Kim HJ.

Department of Nursing, Wonkwang Health Science College, Korea. jm8711@naver.com

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to verify the effect of aromatherapy

massage on abdominal fat and body image in post-menopausal women. METHOD: A

Non-equivalent control group pre-post test Quasi-experimental design of random

assignment was applied. All subjects received one hour of whole body massage as

treatment by the same researcher every week for 6 weeks. Participants also

massaged their own abdomen two times everyday for 5 days each week for 6 weeks.

The two groups used different kinds of oil. The experimental group used 3%

grapefruit oil, cypress and three other kinds of oil. The control group used

grapeseed oil. Data was collected before and after the treatment using Siemens

Somatom Sensation 4, a tape measure and MBSRQ. Data was analyzed by ANCOVA using 

the SPSS/PC+Win 12 Version. RESULT: Abdominal subcutaneous fat and waist

circumference in the experimental group significantly decreased after

aromatherapy massage compared to the control group. Body image in the

experimental group was significantly better after aromatherapy massage than in

the control group. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that Aromatherapy massage

could be utilized as an effective intervention to reduce abdominal subcutaneous

fat, waist circumference, and to improve body image in post-menopausal women.

Publication Types: 

    English Abstract

    Randomized Controlled Trial

PMID: 17615482 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

5: Clin Rehabil. 2007 Apr;21(4):338-43.

Effect of facial neuromuscular re-education on facial symmetry in patients with

Bell's palsy: a randomized controlled trial.

Manikandan N.

Department of Physiotherapy, Manipal College of Allied Health Sciences, Manipal, 

Karnataka, India. mani.kandan@manipal.edu

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of facial neuromuscular re-education over

conventional therapeutic measures in improving facial symmetry in patients with

Bell's palsy. DESIGN: Randomized controlled trial. SETTING: Neurorehabilitation

unit. SUBJECTS: Fifty-nine patients diagnosed with Bell's palsy were included in 

the study after they met the inclusion criteria. Patients were randomly divided

into two groups: control (n = 30) and experimental (n = 29). INTERVENTIONS:

Control group patients received conventional therapeutic measures while the

facial neuromuscular re-education group patients received techniques that were

tailored to each patient in three sessions per day for six days per week for a

period of two weeks. MAIN MEASURES: All the patients were evaluated using a

Facial Grading Scale before treatment and after three months. RESULTS: The Facial

Grading Scale scores showed significant improvement in both control (mean 32

(range 9.7-54) to 54.5 (42.2-71.7)) and the experimental (33 (18-43.5) to 66

(54-76.7)) group. Facial Grading Scale change scores showed that experimental

group (27.5 (20-43.77)) improved significantly more than the control group (16.5 

(12.2-24.7)). Analysis of Facial Grading Scale subcomponents did not show

statistical significance, except in the movement score (12 (8-16) to 24 (12-18)).

CONCLUSION: Individualized facial neuromuscular re-education is more effective in

improving facial symmetry in patients with Bell's palsy than conventional

therapeutic measures.

Publication Types: 

    Randomized Controlled Trial

PMID: 17613574 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

6: Int J Nurs Stud. 2007 Nov;44(8):1285-95. Epub 2007 Jun 5.

Comment in:

    Int J Nurs Stud. 2008 Jan;45(1):154-6; discussion 157-8.

The effectiveness of massage with and without dimethyl sulfoxide in preventing

pressure ulcers: a randomized, double-blind cross-over trial in patients prone to

pressure ulcers.

Duimel-Peeters IG, J G Halfens R, Ambergen AW, Houwing RH, P F Berger M, Snoeckx 

LH.

Department of Health Care Studies/Section Nursing Science, Faculty of Health

Sciences, Universiteit Maastricht, P.O. Box 616, 6200 MD Maastricht, the

Netherlands. idu@bze7.azm.nl

BACKGROUND: Although guidelines advise against massage, it is one of the methods 

widely regarded and used by nurses to prevent pressure ulcers (PU). OBJECTIVES:

The purpose of this study was to examine the effectiveness of different

variations of massage in preventing pressure ulcers. METHODS: A randomized,

double-blind cross-over design, in which patients of nursing homes who are prone 

to PU underwent two of the three possible interventions; 'position changes only',

'massaging with an indifferent cream' and 'massaging with a dimethyl sulfoxide

(DMSO) cream'. RESULTS: The results of three interventions did not differ

significantly. DMSO did not fulfil the expectations raised by literature and a

previous pilot-study.

Publication Types: 

    Comparative Study

    Multicenter Study

    Randomized Controlled Trial

PMID: 17553503 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

7: Eur J Pain. 2007 Nov;11(8):878-87. Epub 2007 Apr 24.

A randomised controlled study of reflexology for the management of chronic low

back pain.

Poole H, Glenn S, Murphy P.

Faculty of Health and Applied Social Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, 

Liverpool, UK. H.M.Poole@livjm.ac.uk

The use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) for the management of

chronic low back pain (CLBP) continues to rise. However, questions regarding the 

efficacy of many CAM therapies for CLBP remain unresolved. The present study

investigated the effectiveness of reflexology for CLBP. A pragmatic randomised

controlled trial was conducted. N=243 patients were randomised to one of three

groups: reflexology, relaxation, or non-intervention (usual care). All completed 

a questionnaire booklet before and after the treatment phase, and at six months

follow up. This measured their general health status, pain, functioning, coping

strategies and mood. After adjusting for pre-treatment scores repeated measures

ANCOVA found no significant differences between the groups pre and post treatment

on the primary outcome measures of pain and functioning. There was a main effect 

of pain reduction, irrespective of group. Trends in the data illustrated the pain

reduction was greatest in the reflexology group. Thus, the current study does not

indicate that adding reflexology to usual GP care for the management of CLBP is

any more effective than usual GP care alone.

Publication Types: 

    Randomized Controlled Trial

PMID: 17459741 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

8: J Altern Complement Med. 2007 Mar;13(2):247-51.

Effects of aromatherapy acupressure on hemiplegic shoulder pain and motor power

in stroke patients: a pilot study.

Shin BC, Lee MS.

Department of Oriental Rehabilitation Medicine, College of Oriental Medicine,

Wonkwang University, Iksan, South Korea.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to determine if aromatherapy acupressure,

compared to acupressure alone, was effective in reducing hemiplegic shoulder pain

and improving motor power in stroke patients. DESIGN: This work was a randomized,

controlled trial. SUBJECTS: Thirty (30) stroke patients with hemiplegic shoulder 

pain participated in this study. INTERVENTION: Subjects were randomly assigned to

either an aromatherapy acupressure group (N = 15) or an acupressure group ( N =

15), with aromatherapy acupressure using lavender, rosemary, and peppermint given

only to the former group. Each acupressure session lasted 20 minutes and was

performed twice-daily for 2 weeks. OUTCOMES MEASURES: Shoulder pain and motor

power were the outcome measures used in this study. RESULTS: The pain scores were

markedly reduced in both groups at post-treatment, compared to pretreatment (both

aroma acupressure and acupressure group, p < 0.001). A nonparametric statistical 

analysis revealed that the pain score differed significantly between the 2 groups

at post-treatment ( p < 0.01). The motor power significantly improved at

post-treatment, compared to pretreatment, in both groups ( p < 0.005). However,

there was no intergroup difference between two groups. CONCLUSIONS: These results

suggest that aromatherapy acupressure exerts positive effects on hemiplegic

shoulder pain, compared to acupressure alone, in stroke patients.

Publication Types: 

    Randomized Controlled Trial

PMID: 17388768 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

9: J Pain Symptom Manage. 2007 Mar;33(3):258-66.

Symptom management with massage and acupuncture in postoperative cancer patients:

a randomized controlled trial.

Mehling WE, Jacobs B, Acree M, Wilson L, Bostrom A, West J, Acquah J, Burns B,

Chapman J, Hecht FM.

Osher Center for Integrative Medicine, and Department of Epidemiology and

Biostatistics, University of California, San Francisco, California 94115, USA.

mehlingw@ocim.ucsf.edu

The level of evidence for the use of acupuncture and massage for the management

of perioperative symptoms in cancer patients is encouraging but inconclusive. We 

conducted a randomized, controlled trial assessing the effect of massage and

acupuncture added to usual care vs. usual care alone in postoperative cancer

patients. Cancer patients undergoing surgery were randomly assigned to receive

either massage and acupuncture on postoperative Days 1 and 2 in addition to usual

care, or usual care alone, and were followed over three days. Patients' pain,

nausea, vomiting, and mood were assessed at four time points. Data on health care

utilization were collected. Analyses were done by mixed-effects regression

analyses for repeated measures. One hundred fifty of 180 consecutively approached

cancer patients were eligible and consented before surgery. Twelve patients

rescheduled or declined after surgery, and 138 patients were randomly assigned in

a 2:1 scheme to receive massage and acupuncture (n=93) or to receive usual care

only (n=45). Participants in the intervention group experienced a decrease of 1.4

points on a 0-10 pain scale, compared to 0.6 in the control group (P=0.038), and 

a decrease in depressive mood of 0.4 (on a scale of 1-5) compared to +/-0 in the 

control group (P=0.003). Providing massage and acupuncture in addition to usual

care resulted in decreased pain and depressive mood among postoperative cancer

patients when compared with usual care alone. These findings merit independent

confirmation using larger sample sizes and attention control.

Publication Types: 

    Randomized Controlled Trial

    Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

PMID: 17349495 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

10: Arch Gynecol Obstet. 2007 Sep;276(3):245-9. Epub 2007 Feb 21.

Acupressure and vitamin B6 to relieve nausea and vomiting in pregnancy: a

randomized study.

Jamigorn M, Phupong V.

Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn

University, Rama IV Road, Pathumwan, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effectiveness of acupressure and vitamin B6 in the

outpatient treatment of nausea and vomiting in early pregnancy. STUDY DESIGN:

Pregnant volunteers with symptoms of mild to moderate nausea and vomiting between

6 and 12 weeks' gestation participated in a 7-day clinical trial. Participants

were randomly assigned to receive a device for acupressure therapy and placebo

drug or an otherwise identical but non-stimulating placebo device and vitamin B6.

The primary outcome measure was self-recorded symptoms according to Rhodes index.

Secondary outcome measures were weight gain and medication use. RESULTS: The mean

change in Rhodes index was not significantly different between the two groups.

There were no statistically significant differences in weight gain and medication

use between the two groups. CONCLUSION: Acupressure therapy is not more effective

than vitamin B6 in reducing nausea and vomiting in symptomatic women in the first

trimester of pregnancy.

Publication Types: 

    Randomized Controlled Trial

PMID: 17318558 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

11: J Altern Complement Med. 2007 Jan-Feb;13(1):53-7.

Massage relieves nausea in women with breast cancer who are undergoing

chemotherapy.

Billhult A, Bergbom I, Stener-Victorin E.

Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology/Physiotherapy, The Sahlgrenska Academy

at Göteborg University, Göteborg, Sweden. annika.billhult@vgregion.se

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present study was to examine the effect of massage on 

nausea, anxiety, and depression in patients with breast cancer undergoing

chemotherapy. DESIGN: This work was a single-center, prospective, randomized,

controlled trial. SETTINGS/LOCATION: This study was conducted in an oncology

clinic, in a hospital in southwestern Sweden. SUBJECTS: Thirty-nine (39) women

(mean age = 51.8) with breast cancer undergoing chemotherapy were enrolled.

INTERVENTIONS: The patients were randomly assigned to a massage therapy group (20

minutes of massage on five occasions) or a control group (five 20-minute visits).

OUTCOME MEASURES: All patients recorded nausea and anxiety on the Visual Analogue

Scale before and after each intervention. They also completed the Hospital

Anxiety and Depression Scale. RESULTS: Massage treatment significantly reduced

nausea compared with control treatment (p = 0.025) when improvement was measured 

as a percentage of the five treatment periods. Differences in anxiety and

depression between the two treatment regimes could not be statistically

demonstrated. CONCLUSIONS: This study complements previous studies on the effect 

of massage and supports the conclusion that massage reduces nausea in these

patients.

Publication Types: 

    Controlled Clinical Trial

    Randomized Controlled Trial

    Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

PMID: 17309378 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

12: J Clin Oncol. 2007 Feb 10;25(5):532-9.

Effectiveness of aromatherapy massage in the management of anxiety and depression

in patients with cancer: a multicenter randomized controlled trial.

Wilkinson SM, Love SB, Westcombe AM, Gambles MA, Burgess CC, Cargill A, Young T, 

Maher EJ, Ramirez AJ.

Marie Curie Palliative Care Research Unit, Royal Free and University College

Medical School, Department of Mental Health Sciences, Cancer Research UK London

Psychosocial Group, Institute of Psychiatry, London, United Kingdom.

PURPOSE: To test the effectiveness of supplementing usual supportive care with

aromatherapy massage in the management of anxiety and depression in cancer

patients through a pragmatic two-arm randomized controlled trial in four United

Kingdom cancer centers and a hospice. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Two hundred

eighty-eight cancer patients, referred to complementary therapy services with

clinical anxiety and/or depression, were allocated randomly to a course of

aromatherapy massage or usual supportive care alone. RESULTS: Patients who

received aromatherapy massage had no significant improvement in clinical anxiety 

and/or depression compared with those receiving usual care at 10 weeks

postrandomization (odds ratio [OR], 1.3; 95% CI, 0.9 to 1.7; P = .1), but did at 

6 weeks postrandomization (OR, 1.4; 95% CI, 1.1 to 1.9; P = .01). Patients

receiving aromatherapy massage also described greater improvement in

self-reported anxiety at both 6 and 10 weeks postrandomization (OR, 3.4; 95% CI, 

0.2 to 6.7; P = .04 and OR, 3.4; 95% CI, 0.2 to 6.6; P = .04), respectively.

CONCLUSION: Aromatherapy massage does not appear to confer benefit on cancer

patients' anxiety and/or depression in the long-term, but is associated with

clinically important benefit up to 2 weeks after the intervention.

Publication Types: 

    Multicenter Study

    Randomized Controlled Trial

    Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

PMID: 17290062 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

13: J Clin Nurs. 2007 Feb;16(2):308-15.

The efficacy of acupressure for decreasing agitated behaviour in dementia: a

pilot study.

Yang MH, Wu SC, Lin JG, Lin LC.

School of Nursing, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of

China.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To investigate the efficacy of acupressure in decreasing

agitated behaviours associated with dementia. BACKGROUND: Agitated behaviour is

found in nearly half of all patients who have dementia. The presence of these

behaviours increases the likelihood of injury, weakness, dehydration and lack of 

sleep and contributes to caregiver frustration and fatigue. DESIGN: This pilot

study was designed with subjects receiving both acupressure and the control

treatment. Each subject served as his or her own control. Subjects received four 

weeks of acupressure protocols; to avoid a carry-over effect there was a

treatment-free period of one week. Subjects then were visited by one of the

investigators for a six-week period. METHODS: Participants were recruited from a 

nursing home caring specifically for patients with dementia. Twenty of the 31

subjects (64.5 %) completed the study, while 11 were discharged or hospitalized. 

All the subjects were assigned to an experimental protocol and had a six-week

acupressure treatment program. Baseline data were collected in the first week.

Individual treatment sessions began at the second week of the study and lasted 15

minutes, twice a day, five days a week for four weeks. After a treatment-free

period of one week, all the subjects served as controls undergoing a four-week

control protocol consisting of companionship and conversation. RESULTS:

Comparison between the control and experimental phases indicated significant

differences between the two groups on all outcome measures (Cohen-Mansfield

Agitation Inventory, daily agitation records about physical attack, verbal and

non-verbal attack and non-physical attack) with better results found during the

acupressure phase. CONCLUSIONS: Acupressure is recommended as an efficacious and 

non-intrusive method for decreasing the agitation behaviours in patients with

dementia. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: Conducting the acupressure treatment

takes 15 minutes. It could provide caregivers with a viable alternative to deal

with patients with dementia.

Publication Types: 

    Controlled Clinical Trial

    Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

PMID: 17239066 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

14: Arch Intern Med. 2006 Dec 11-25;166(22):2533-8.

Massage therapy for osteoarthritis of the knee: a randomized controlled trial.

Perlman AI, Sabina A, Williams AL, Njike VY, Katz DL.

Institute for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, University of Medicine and 

Dentistry of New Jersey, School of Health Realted Profession, Newark, NJ

07107-1709, USA. a.perlman@umdnj.edu

BACKGROUND: Massage therapy is an attractive treatment option for osteoarthritis 

(OA), but its efficacy is uncertain. We conducted a randomized, controlled trial 

of massage therapy for OA of the knee. METHODS: Sixty-eight adults with

radiographically confirmed OA of the knee were assigned either to treatment

(twice-weekly sessions of standard Swedish massage in weeks 1-4 and once-weekly

sessions in weeks 5-8) or to control (delayed intervention). Primary outcomes

were changes in the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis

Index (WOMAC) pain and functional scores and the visual analog scale of pain

assessment. The sample provided 80% statistical power to detect a 20-point

difference between groups in the change from baseline on the WOMAC and visual

analog scale, with a 2-tailed alpha of .05. RESULTS: The group receiving massage 

therapy demonstrated significant improvements in the mean (SD) WOMAC global

scores (-17.44 [23.61] mm; P < .001), pain (-18.36 [23.28]; P < .001), stiffness 

(-16.63 [28.82] mm; P < .001), and physical function domains (-17.27 [24.36] mm; 

P < .001) and in the visual analog scale of pain assessment (-19.38 [28.16] mm; P

< .001), range of motion in degrees (3.57 [13.61]; P = .03), and time to walk 50 

ft (15 m) in seconds (-1.77 [2.73]; P < .01). Findings were unchanged in

multivariable models controlling for demographic factors. CONCLUSIONS: Massage

therapy seems to be efficacious in the treatment of OA of the knee. Further study

of cost effectiveness and duration of treatment effect is clearly warranted. .

Publication Types: 

    Randomized Controlled Trial

    Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

PMID: 17159021 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

15: Am J Phys Med Rehabil. 2006 Dec;85(12):951-5.

The effect of abdominal massage on bowel function in patients with spinal cord

injury.

Ayaş S, Leblebici B, Sözay S, Bayramoğlu M, Niron EA.

Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Başkent University Medical

School, Ankara, Turkey.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the effect of abdominal massage on clinical aspects of

bowel dysfunction and colonic transit time in patients with spinal cord injury.

Twenty-four patients were placed on a standard bowel program (phase I), after

which abdominal massage was added to the regimen (phase II). Parameters of

gastrointestinal system function and colonic transit times were evaluated.

DESIGN: Uncontrolled clinical study. RESULTS: Eleven (45.8%) of the 24 patients

had abdominal distention, and 10 (41.7%) had fecal incontinence in phase I;

corresponding results for phase II were three (12.5%) and four (16.7%) (P = 0.008

and 0.031, respectively). There were no significant differences between the

proportions of patients with difficult intestinal evacuation or abdominal pain or

in mean time required for bowel evacuation in phase I vs. phase II. The mean

frequencies of defecation in phases I and II were 3.79 +/- 2.15 (2.75-4.55) and

4.61 +/- 2.17 (3.67-5.54) bowel movements per week, respectively (P = 0.006).

Mean total colonic transit time decreased from 90.60 +/- 32.67 (75.87-110.47) hrs

in phase I to 72 +/- 34.10 (58.49-94.40) hrs in phase II (P = 0.035).

CONCLUSIONS: Abdominal massage has positive effects on some clinical aspects of

neurogenic bowel dysfunction in patients with spinal cord injury.

Publication Types: 

    Clinical Trial

PMID: 17117000 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

16: Int Urogynecol J Pelvic Floor Dysfunct. 2007 Jun;18(6):653-8. Epub 2006 Sep

27.

Randomized controlled trial of foot reflexology for patients with symptomatic

idiopathic detrusor overactivity.

Mak HL, Cheon WC, Wong T, Liu YS, Tong WM.

Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Hong Kong,

China. mhlj01@yahoo.com

The aim of this study was to examine whether foot reflexology has beneficial

effects on patients with idiopathic detrusor overactivity. One hundred and nine

women with symptomatic idiopathic detrusor overactivity were randomized into

either foot reflexology treatment group or nonspecific foot massage control

group. The primary outcome measure was the change in the diurnal micturition

frequency. There was significant change in the number of daytime frequency in the

reflexology group when compared with the massage group (-1.90 vs -0.55, p =

0.029). There was also a decrease in the 24-h micturition frequency in both

groups, but the change was not statistically significant (-2.80 vs -1.04 p =

0.055). In the reflexology group, more patients believed to have received "true" 

reflexology (88.9 vs 67.4%, p = 0.012). This reflects the difficulty of blinding 

in trials of reflexology. Larger scale studies with a better-designed control

group and an improved blinding are required to examine if reflexology is

effective in improving patients' overall outcome.

Publication Types: 

    Randomized Controlled Trial

PMID: 17003953 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

17: Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2006 Sep;3(3):373-7. Epub 2006 Apr 19.

Evaluating effects of aromatherapy massage on sleep in children with autism: a

pilot study.

Williams TI.

Previous studies have found beneficial effects of aromatherapy massage for

agitation in people with dementia, for pain relief and for poor sleep. Children

with autism often have sleep difficulties, and it was thought that aromatherapy

massage might enable more rapid sleep onset, less sleep disruption and longer

sleep duration. Twelve children with autism and learning difficulties (2 girls

and 10 boys aged between 12 years 2 months to 15 years 7 months) in a residential

school participated in a within subjects repeated measures design: 3 nights when 

the children were given aromatherapy massage with lavender oil were compared with

14 nights when it was not given. The children were checked every 30 min

throughout the night to determine the time taken for the children to settle to

sleep, the number of awakenings and the sleep duration. One boy's data were not

analyzed owing to lengthy absence. Repeated measures analysis revealed no

differences in any of the sleep measures between the nights when the children

were given aromatherapy massage and nights when the children were not given

aromatherapy massage. The results suggest that the use of aromatherapy massage

with lavender oil has no beneficial effect on the sleep patterns of children with

autism attending a residential school. It is possible that there are greater

effects in the home environment or with longer-term interventions.

PMID: 16951722 [PubMed - in process]