Feasibility and effectiveness of massage therapy for symptom relief in cardiac catheter laboratory staff: A pilot study

Shelly R. Keller, Deborah J. Engen, Brent A. Bauer, David R. Holmes, Charanjit S. Rihal, Ryan J. Lennon, Laura L. Loehrer, Dietlind L. Wahner-Roedler

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

8 Scopus citations

Abstract

A pilot study was conducted to assess the feasibility and efficacy of massage therapy for cardiac catheterization laboratory staff. Staff members (N = 50) were randomly assigned to 5 or 10 weekly 30-min massages, followed by outcomes assessment. A control group (n = 10) receiving no massage therapy underwent comparable assessment. Visual analog scales, the t test, and the repeated measures model evaluated fatigue, pain, relaxation, stress/anxiety, tension/discomfort, and scheduling ease at baseline, 5 weeks, and 10 weeks. The Aickin separation test was used to assess feasibility of further research. Overall, 90% (337/375) of massage appointments were used. No significant effects were observed, but the Aickin separation test supported further research on massage therapy for fatigue, pain, relaxation, and tension/discomfort. Conducting massage therapy in the workplace is logistically feasible. Larger, longitudinal trials are warranted to better evaluate its effects on staff.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)4-9
Number of pages6
JournalComplementary Therapies in Clinical Practice
Volume18
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Feb 2012

Keywords

  • Fatigue
  • Heart catheterization
  • Massage
  • Pain
  • Physiological
  • Stress

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Complementary and alternative medicine

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