Use the Back button in your browser to see the other results of your search or to select another record.

Detailed Search Results

A randomized trial of massage therapy after heart surgery
Albert NM, Gillinov AM, Lytle BW, Feng J, Cwynar R, Blackstone EH
Heart & Lung 2009 Nov-Dec;38(6):480-490
clinical trial
6/10 [Eligibility criteria: Yes; Random allocation: Yes; Concealed allocation: Yes; Baseline comparability: Yes; Blind subjects: No; Blind therapists: No; Blind assessors: No; Adequate follow-up: Yes; Intention-to-treat analysis: No; Between-group comparisons: Yes; Point estimates and variability: Yes. Note: Eligibility criteria item does not contribute to total score] *This score has been confirmed*

OBJECTIVES: To determine whether massage therapy improves postoperative mood, pain, anxiety, and physiologic measurements; shortens hospital stay; and decreases occurrence of atrial fibrillation. METHODS: Two hundred fifty-two adults undergoing cardiac surgery were randomized to usual postoperative care (n = 126) or usual care plus two massages (n = 126). Assessments of mood, depression, anxiety, pain, physiologic status, cardiac rhythm, and hospital length of stay were completed. Logistic and linear regressions were performed. RESULTS: Preoperative pain, mood, and affective state scores were positively associated with postoperative scores; however, there were no postoperative differences between groups for any measures (p = 0.11 to 0.93). There were no differences in physiologic variables except lower postoperative blood pressure after massage (p = 0.01). Postoperative atrial fibrillation occurrence (p = 0.6) and median postoperative hospital length of stay (p = 0.4) were similar between groups. CONCLUSION: Massage therapy is feasible in cardiac surgical patients; however, it does not yield therapeutic benefit. Nevertheless, it should be a patient-selected and -paid option.

Full text (sometimes free) may be available at these link(s):      help