Massage Treatment Research Articles

Enhancing breast milk production in breastfeeding mothers through oxytocin massage interventions: A systematic review

Enhancing breast milk production in breastfeeding mothers through oxytocin massage interventions: A systematic review

Plantar massage or ankle mobilization do not alter gait biomechanics in those with chronic ankle instability: a randomized controlled trial

ABSTRACT Objectives Chronic ankle instability (CAI) is characterized by persistent neuromechanical impairments following an initial lateral ankle sprain. Ankle joint mobilization and plantar massage have improved the range of motion and static postural control in those with CAI. This study aimed to determine the impact of two-week joint mobilization and plantar massage interventions on gait kinematics and kinetics in individuals with CAI. Methods A single-blind randomized trial was conducted with 60 participants with CAI, randomized into three groups: joint mobilization (n = 20), plantar massage (n = 20), and control (n = 20). The two treatment groups received six 5-min sessions manual therapy over a 2-week, while the control group received no intervention. Gait biomechanics were assessed on an instrumented treadmill before and after the intervention using 3D kinematics and kinetics analysis. Analyses compared biomechanical outcomes from each treatment group to the control group individually using a 1-dimensional statistical parametric mapping. The alpha level was set at p < 0.05. Results Eighteen participants per group were part of the final analysis. No significant main or interactions effects were found for ankle sagittal or frontal plane positions following either intervention (p > 0.05 for all comparisons). COP location relative to the lateral border of the foot also did not change (p > 0.05). Conclusion The findings suggest that two-week joint mobilization and plantar massage interventions do not significantly alter gait biomechanics in individuals with CAI. These results support the need for gait-specific interventions to modify biomechanics in this population.

Perineal massage and warm compresses–Implementation study of a complex intervention in health

ObjectivesTo determine the effect of using tailored and multifaceted strategies on the acceptability, appropriateness, feasibility and adoption of a perineal massage and warm compress intervention by midwives in a maternity ward of a tertiary hospital in Portugal. MethodsThe complex intervention in health was developed based on the Medical Research Council framework and guided by the Theory of Change. Tailored and multifaceted strategies, including dissemination, integration and implementing process strategies, were applied. A mixed-methods approach was adopted, with a combination of qualitative (semi-open interviews) and quantitative (surveys, audits and electronic health records) methods. Surveys were applied to assess the acceptability, appropriateness and feasibility of the intervention. In order to evaluate adoption of the intervention, data from interviews were introduced into NVivo Version 10 to perform thematic analysis, and each audit checklist criterion was analysed using McNemar's exact test to determine differences in paired proportion. ResultsThis study found high acceptability (mean±standard deviation 4.28±0.45), high appropriateness (4.32±0.47) and high feasibility (4.26±0.43) of the intervention by midwives. Differences were reported for most topics between interviews conducted before and after implementation of the intervention. Pre-intervention, the midwives reported that the main factor affecting the application of perineal protection techniques was the lack of continuous presence of the midwife. The birth position was the alternative birth position (hands and knees, side-lying, squatting and semi-sitting), avoiding the lithotomy position. Techniques used for perineal protection were warm compresses, hands-on techniques, hands-off techniques and spontaneous pushing; and the reasons given for performing an episiotomy were large (high-birthweight) baby, Kristeller manoeuvre, tense perineum and previous obstetric sphincter injury. Post-intervention, the midwives reported that the presence of a second person increases the safety of professionals and women and improves working relations. The technique used for perineal protection was autonomy to adapt the intervention with perineal massage and warm compresses. A comfortable birth position for woman was used, and the rate of episiotomy reduced (only performed in the case of fetal distress). Regarding audits, significant differences (p < 0.05) were found for all audit criteria (pre- and post-intervention), which means that midwives adopted the intervention into their clinical practice. ConclusionAcceptability, appropriateness, feasibility and adoption of the intervention by midwives were high. Thus, tailored and multifaceted strategies were effective to achieve the implementation outcomes.

PEMIJATAN TITIK LI-4 DAPAT MENGURANGI NYERI KANULASI ARTERIOVENOUSFISTULA PADA PASIEN CKD YANG MENJALANI HEMODIALISA: STUDI KASUS

Background, one of the vascular accesses used for hemodialysis is arteriovenous fistula. Arteriovenous fistula cannulation causes pain problems in patients. The cannulation procedure is felt as a painful sensation that needs to be treated, because the size of the needle used when cannulating an arteriovenous fistula is quite large compared to cannulating when installing an IV, namely 16 gauge. General purpose, to provide acute pain nursing care for Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) patients undergoing hemodialysis in the hemodialysis room at RSU Aghisna Medika Kroya. Case collection method, pain scale measurement using a VAS instrument for 5 CKD patients undergoing hemodialysis without massage intervention and with massage intervention at the LI-4 point for 2 minutes or approximately 30-50 pressures. The results of nursing care, nursing care for acute pain in CKD patients undergoing hemodialysis after nursing for 1x4 hours with the application of massage at point LI-4 showed a decrease in the pain scale in patients without massage and with massage at point LI-4. In conclusion, LI-4 point massage therapy can be an therapeutic option to reduce the pain of arteriovenousfistula cannulation in CKD patients undergoing hemodialysis. Recommendation is hoped that more and larger case subjects will be taken in the next research so that the results will be more effective.

A study to assess the effectiveness of sacral massage and music therapy on pain perception and birth satisfaction among women in labor at selected hospital at Dindigul

The study was aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of sacral massage and music therapy on pain perception and birth satisfaction among women in labor at selected hospital, at Dindigul. The research approach used for the study was evaluative approach. The research design used for the present study was quasi experimental non-equivalent control group post test only design. The conceptual framework was based on Modified Wiedenbach’s helping art clinical theory (1964). The samples were selected by non - probability purposive sampling technique. Sample size was 60 mothers out of which 30 were in experimental group and 30 were in control group. The tool used for this study was to assess the level of pain perception by using numerical pain rating scale and to assess the birth satisfaction by using birth satisfaction scale. The intervention of sacral massage and music therapy was given. The mean post test score of pain perception in experimental group and control group was 6(SD±0.66) and 8.13(SD±0.66). Respectively mean difference was 2.13. The calculated independent “t” value was 50.45 was significant at p&lt; 0.05, level, which showed that sacral massage, and music therapy was effective in reducing pain perception among women in labor. the mean post test score of birth satisfaction in experimental group and control group was 107.4(SD±6.36) and 83.6(SD±6.12). The mean difference was 23.8 the calculated independent “t” value was 16.08 was significant at p&lt; 0.05, level, which showed that sacral massage and music therapy was effective in improving birth Satisfaction among women in labor. The findings revealed that there is no significant association between post-test level of pain perception and demographic variables. Except religion (χ2 = 119.9), educational status (χ2 = 13.2), occupation (χ2 = 16.25) at P &lt; 0.05 level of significance in experimental group. The findings revealed that there is no significant association between post test level of birth satisfaction and demographic variables. Except age in year (χ2 = 8.1), educational status (χ2= 313.4), occupation (χ2= 31.7), and age at marriage (χ2= 189.6) at P &lt; 0.05 level of significance in experimental group. The statistical findings revealed that sacral massage and music therapy was beneficial and there was a significant reduction in pain perception and improving birth satisfaction among women in labor in experimental group.

Penerapan Pijat Akupresur pada Ibu Hamil Trimester I untuk Mengatasi Masalah Emesis Gravidarum di Wilayah Kerja Puskesmas Putri Ayu Kota Jambi

Nausea and vomiting or emesis gravidarum are the most common discomforts in the first trimester of pregnancy. If nausea and vomiting are not treated immediately, the body will become weak, dehydrated and have a pale face. Based on the results of the study, Mrs. D, 32 years old, first trimester of pregnancy with the main complaint of nausea and vomiting. One way to reduce nausea and vomiting is with acupressure massage techniques. Acupressure massage is done by gently pressing the PC 6 point for 2 minutes, the aim of which is to have an effect on giving acupressure massage to pregnant women in the first trimester to overcome the problem of emesis gravidarum. The method used is a case study with data collection techniques through observation, interviews and physical examination with the superior intervention of acupressure massage to reduce emesis gravidarum or nausea and vomiting. The results showed that there was a diagnosis of nausea with the intervention of giving acupressure massage for 3 days. The results showed that after the acupressure massage there was a decrease in the Pregnancy Unique Quantification of Emesis and/or Nausea (PUQE) score on the first day of the intervention with a score of 8 (moderate nausea and vomiting category) after the day all three interventions with a score of 3 (mild nausea and vomiting category). Conclusion: Application of acupressure massage can reduce emesis gravidarum or nausea and vomiting in first trimester pregnant women.

Randomized, controlled, within-patient, single-blinded pilot study to evaluate the efficacy of 12-weeks of endermotherapy with adult burn survivors

BackgroundVacuum massage, or endermotherapy, is applied to scar tissue with the primary therapeutic goal of promoting structural or physiological changes. These changes are intended to enhance pliability, enabling the skin to possess the strength and elasticity required for normal mobility. The advantage of vacuum massage compared to therapist-generated manual massage is that it provides a standardized dosage using rollers and suction valves to mobilize the tissue. However, research documenting and supporting its impact on post-burn hypertrophic scar is lacking. Thus, this study was designed to objectively characterize the changes in scar elasticity, erythema, melanin, thickness, and transepidermal water loss immediately after a vacuum massage session and after a 12-week course of treatment compared to intra-individual matched control scars. MethodsWe conducted a prospective, randomized, controlled, within-patient, single-blinded clinical trial, initially designed as a fully-powered study but limited to a pilot study due to COVID-19 restrictions. Nineteen burn survivors consented to participate and 16 completed the study. Two homogeneous, intra-individual scars were randomized to usual care control or vacuum massage therapy plus usual care. Vacuum massage interventions were provided by a certified massage therapist three times per week for 12 weeks. Scar characteristics were evaluated every four weeks immediately before and after mechanical massage treatment. The evaluations included measurements of elasticity (Cutometer), erythema and melanin (Mexameter), transepidermal water loss (TEWL) (Tewameter), and thickness (high-frequency ultrasound). Linear mixed-model analyses were performed to test for immediate and long-term treatment effects. ResultsThe ANOVA analyses revealed a non-significant time:treatment interaction for elasticity, erythema, melanin, thickness, or TEWL. There was a significant increase in elasticity and erythema and a decrease in TEWL in both the control and treatment sites over time with consistent standard care. However, there was no statistically significant immediate or long-term treatment effect for any of the skin characteristics. Nonetheless, the mean participant satisfaction was 4/5 (SD = 1.5) and the mean participant perception of effectiveness was 8/10 (SD = 1.9). ConclusionsThis pilot study did not find a treatment benefit of vacuum massage therapy for elasticity, erythema, melanin, thickness or TEWL, but it did find an improvement with time in elasticity, erythema and TEWL. Despite the lack of objective improvement of the treated scar site, participants were satisfied with the results and believed vacuum massage was very effective. Further high-quality research is required to better inform clinicians patient education and treatment decisions for this costly, burdensome treatment approach that has high participant satisfaction.

The Impact Of Endorphin Massage On The Efficient Production Of Postpartum Breast Milk In TPMB Sulastri, Pagelaran District, Pringsewu Regency In 2024.

Initiating breastfeeding within the first day of delivery has been shown to decrease the likelihood of newborn mortality. It is specifically demonstrated to provide exclusive protection against diarrhea, respiratory infections, and pneumonia ASI. The project seeks to investigate endorphin massage's impact on smoothness development in postpartum women at TPMB Sulastri, S.ST., M.Kes in 2024.ASI stands for Automatic Speech Recognition. This research employs a quasi-experiment design utilizing a pretest-posttest control group strategy. The sample included of 14 participants in the intervention group and 14 participants in the control group. Purposive sampling techniques were employed. The instrument utilizes Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) and checklist sheets. A three-day Endorphin massage treatment was administered and assessed using the Mann-Whitney test. The study found that 50% of individuals had a moderate frequency of meal intake. The utilization rate of non-hormonal contraceptives was 71.4%. The weight of newborns does not exceed 100% of the BBLR. The gestational age at the time of labor is 100% accurate. The mean milk output of the intervention group was 2.6 before and 7.5 after. The mean of the control group was 2.5 before and 5.2 after. The endorphin massage significantly impacted the efficient production of breast milk in postpartum moms. This was evidenced by a p-value of 0.000 (&lt; 0.05) and a positive Correlation Coefficient value of 0.88, indicating a highly robust association between the two variables. Ultimately, endorphin massage has a significant impact on facilitating the efficient production of breast milk in mothers throughout the postpartum period. It is desirable for lactating postpartum women to regularly engage in endorphin massage to ensure the continuous and unobstructed flow of breast milk during the entire two-year duration of breastfeeding.

Effectiveness of Tendo-Muscular Massage for Pain Reduction and ROM Improvement Post-Injury Knee Joint

This study aims to determine the effectiveness of tendo-muscular massage. The method used in the research is descriptive quantitative. The sample in this study amounted to 30 people who had mild to moderate knee injuries during sports and other physical activities. The order of data collection, namely starting with the pretest measurement, then given a one-time tendo-muscullar massage treatment which is carried out for 8 minutes and ends with a posttest measurement. The research data that has been obtained is then analysed with descriptive quantitative. Interval and ratio scale data that met the normality test were analysed using the paired sample t-test parametric statistical test, while data that did not meet the normality test using the wilcoxon non-parametric statistical tests. The results of measurements with the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) experienced an average pain reduction of 2.5 and a significance of 0.000 &lt;0.05, while the range of motion measured with a goniometer experienced an average increase of 6 degrees, T count of 6,819 and Significance 0.000 in flexion movements and an average increase of 0.88 degrees, T count of 7,848 and Significance 0.000 in extension movements, as well as an increase in joint motion function of 28.83%. So it can be concluded that Tendo-muscular massage has a significant effect on reducing pain and increasing the range of motion (ROM) of the knee joint. Keyword. Effectiveness, Tendo-Muscular Massage, Pain Reduction, ROM Improvement, Knee

Efficacy of traditional Thai massage as adjunctive therapy in patients with major depressive disorder.

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is the most common mental ailment. Moreover, it is one of the most incapacitating medical conditions. Although antidepressant medication has traditionally been the mainstay of treatment, adjunctive therapy may provide therapeutic advantages that reduce the severity of depression. An experiment using randomization and control groups was undertaken. A total of forty-eight individuals diagnosed with severe depressive illness and undergoing antidepressant medication were selected and randomly assigned to either get traditional Thai massage (TTM) treatment, consisting of 90-minute sessions twice a week for eight weeks, or to be part of the control group, which continued with their regular daily activities. The main assessment tools used were the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D), the Clinical Global Impression-Severity (CGI-S), and the Khon Kaen University Depression Inventory 14 (KKU-DI-14). Secondary outcomes, such as blood pressure (BP) and quality of life measured by The EuroQol-5D-5L (EQ-5D-5L), were assessed both before and after the first therapy, as well as at the last session at the 8th week. The TTM group showed a statistically significant decrease in the HAM-D score within the eighth week of therapy compared to the control group (5.14 points, 95% confidence interval=2.92 to 7.37 points, P<0.001). These findings suggest that combining TTM with antidepressant medication may effectively reduce depression scores and improve quality of life scores.

Research on robot tracking force control algorithm based on neural networks

Purpose This study aims to propose a force control algorithm based on neural networks, which enables a robot to follow a changing reference force trajectory when in contact with human skin while maintaining a stable tracking force. Design/methodology/approach Aiming at the challenge of robots having difficulty tracking changing force trajectories in skin contact scenarios, a single neuron algorithm adaptive proportional – integral – derivative online compensation is used based on traditional impedance control. At the same time, to better adapt to changes in the skin contact environment, a gated recurrent unit (GRU) network is used to model and predict skin elasticity coefficients, thus adjusting to the uncertainty of skin environments. Findings In two robot–skin interaction experiments, compared with the traditional impedance control and robot force control algorithm based on the radial basis function model and iterative algorithm, the maximum absolute force error, the average absolute force error and the standard deviation of the force error are all decreased. Research limitations/implications As the training process of the GRU network is currently conducted offline, the focus in the subsequent phase is to refine the network to facilitate real-time computation of the algorithm. Practical implications This algorithm can be applied to robot massage, robot B-ultrasound and other robot-assisted treatment scenarios. Originality/value As the proposed approach obtains effective force tracking during robot–skin contact and is verified by the experiment, this approach can be used in robot–skin contact scenarios to enhance the accuracy of force application by a robot.

Massage techniques to treat Parkinson’s spasm symptoms

The causes of Parkinson's disease spasticity can be divided into two broad categories. One is the muscle twitching and tension caused by Parkinson's disease itself. This is caused by the imbalance caused by the death of brain cells in the late stages of Parkinson's disease. Some cells die, and some cells do not. The resulting imbalance causes muscle twitching.There are also secondary causes, such as anti-Parkinson’s drugs, which come in many types, and can also cause muscle twitching. In addition, Parkinson's disease may be combined with other diseases, such as severe osteoporosis or epilepsy, which may also produce corresponding muscle twitches and spasms.This study proposes a new massage treatment plan for Parkinson's spasm. The massage program uses different methods, and different methods are proposed according to the spasticity of Parkinson's patients.

Can a six-week Swedish massage reduce mood disorders and enhance the quality of life in individuals with Multiple Sclerosis? A randomized control clinical trial

IntroductionThere is a limited amount of research specifically focusing on the effects of Swedish massage on mood disorders and the quality of life (QOL) among individuals with MS, emphasizing the need for further investigation. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the effects of a 6-week Swedish massage on the quality of life, stress, anxiety, depression, pain, fatigue, spasticity, and sleep quality in MS patients. MethodsThis randomized controlled trial involved 70 MS patients who were divided into two groups. The massage group underwent two 50-minute sessions of whole-body Swedish massage per week for six weeks, while the usual treatment group maintained their regular medical care routine. Outcomes were Short Form-36 (SF-36) and the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS), Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI-P), and Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS). These measurements were taken before and after the massage intervention. ResultsThe massage group demonstrated significant improvements in QOL and its components compared to the usual treatment group (Hedge's g = 0.53 for QOL, ranging from 0.31 to 0.58 for QOL components; p < 0.001). Participants in the massage group also reported significantly lower levels of stress (Hedge's g = 0. 80), anxiety (Hedge's g = 0.47), and depression (Hedge's g = 0.70) than those in the usual treatment group (p < 0.001). Additionally, the massage group had lower levels of pain, fatigue, and spasticity, and better sleep quality compared to the usual treatment group (p < 0.05). ConclusionSwedish massage can be considered a valuable complementary and alternative treatment alongside conventional medicine for individuals with MS.

The effect of light massage and Spiritual Emotional Freedom Technique interventions on blood pressure among hypertension patients in Indonesia

Hypertension remains a significant global public health concern. Non-pharmacological interventions such as light massage and the Spiritual Emotional Freedom Technique (SEFT) offer potential avenues to mitigate sustained increases in blood pressure among patients with hypertension. However, research exploring these methods as alternative therapies, particularly in Indonesia, is limited. This study aimed to investigate the effects of light massage and SEFT on the blood pressure of hypertensive individuals. Employing a quasi-experimental design with a time series approach, the study utilized purposive sampling to select 27 participants. Light massage and SEFT were considered independent variables, while blood pressure served as the dependent variable. Data analysis involved repeated measures ANOVA and one-way ANOVA tests. The results revealed significant differences in mean blood pressure before and after the light massage intervention (p-values: 0.002, &lt;0.001, &lt;0.001). The intervention sessions yielded the most significant results (p-values: &lt;0.001, 0.002, &lt;0.001), whereas no differences were observed in the control group (systolic and Mean Arterial Pressure, MAP, p-values: 0.012 and 0.017, respectively). Notably, there were discrepancies in mean blood pressure before and after interventions in both the light massage and SEFT groups, indicating a potential benefit of these interventions. Conversely, no such differences were noted in the control group. These results highlight the potential benefits of integrating light massage and SEFT into holistic approaches for managing hypertension, potentially improving outcomes and quality of life for affected individuals.

Increasing the Comfort of Hypertension Sufferers Through Effleurage Back Massage

Background: Comfort is one of the basic needs that is holistic. Hypertension sufferers often feel discomfort due to increased blood pressure, so these basic needs are not appropriately met. Effleurage back massage intervention is one method used to overcome discomfort in hypertension sufferers. The aim of this research was to determine the effect of efflurage back massage on the comfort level of hypertension sufferers Methods: The research design used pre-experiment, involving 32 respondents through purposive sampling from a population of 42 people with hypertension. The comfort variable was measured using the SGCQ questionnaire sheet and the results were analyzed using the Independent T-Test with α 0.05 Results: The research results showed an increase in comfort from almost all (75%) respondents in the very uncomfortable category in the pretest results to almost all (93.7%) respondents in the very comfortable category in the post test. The Wilcoxon results obtained p-value = 0.001 (&lt;α), indicating that effleurage back massage intervention can increase comfort in hypertension sufferers. Conclusion: Giving effleurage back massage can trigger endorphin neurotransmitters in the autonomic nerves which make blood circulation smooth so that the body relaxes. This intervention can be applied as a non-pharmacological therapy in the management of hypertension.

Efficacy of American physical therapy clinical practice guidelines in treating lower back pain among track and field athletes

Lower back pain has a significant impact on track and field athletes, affecting their performance and quality of life. This study explores the application of the American Physical Therapy Clinical Practice Guidelines (APTA Guidelines) in the management of lower back pain at this level. The physical therapy in the United States, which has a history of over 75 years, includes unarmed therapy, coordination, muscle endurance training, hip mobility therapy, stretching exercises, lower limb nerve mobility surgery, traction... It provides a solid framework for the treatment of lower back pain. In this paper, we explore these treatment methods in the context of track and field competitions and evaluate their effectiveness in meeting the specific needs of athletes. In addition, we also verified the research status of the incidence of low back pain in track and field athletes, identified its causes, and proposed an effective treatment scheme using massage, acupuncture and moxibustion treatment, therapeutic sports and other methods. The results indicate that the use of APTA guidelines can significantly alleviate athletes lower back pain, helping them better perform and recover. This study helps to further discuss how to improve clinical practice to manage specific injuries.

The impact of combined therapy on healing of foot injuries in runners

Purpose. The structure of the lower body has a very important role as support for the body and is often injured in runners. The aim of this study was to determine whether there is an impact of providing combined therapy on the healing of foot injuries. Material and methods. The type of research used was experimental, with a randomized pretest and posttest group design. The total research sample was 56 runners who were divided into four therapy groups, namely the sports massage, trigger point, chiropractic, and 1 control group. Measurement of the degree of strain uses visual analogue scale (VAS) criteria. Results. From the research results, it is known that providing therapy to the sports massage, trigger point, chiropractic group and 1 control group can reduce the intensity of strain pain (2.35 ± 0.756; 1.63 ± 0.840; 2.24 ± 0.840; 3.71 ± 0.756) with p-value = 0.001. Conclusions. Based on the stages of the research results, it can be concluded: 1) There was a significant impact after being given sports massage, trigger point and chiropractic therapy on reducing pain intensity 15 minutes after treatment; 2) There was no significant difference between the sports massage, trigger point and chiropractic treatment groups on pain intensity 15 minutes after treatment.

The effect of energy from reiki treatments on sleep quality for patients with breast and prostate cancer on hormone therapy.

e24076 Background: Manypatients with cancer receiving hormone therapy experience difficulty with sleeping and insomnia. Reiki is a technique where therapy is delivered to the patient with either no or very light physical touch whereas traditional massage therapy uses pressure and movement by the therapist to manipulate soft tissue. Both Reiki and traditional massage therapy have been shown by others to be effective in providing benefits in sleep quality. This study is the first to compare changes in sleep quality after massage and Reiki treatments in patients with prostate and breast cancer receiving hormone therapy. Methods: Eighty-seven, breast (n = 56) and prostate cancer (n = 31), patients receiving hormone therapy experiencing self-reported fatigue ≥4/10were included in this randomized controlled trial (RCT). Patients were randomized into one of three treatment arms for 4-weeks: Arm 1 received two massage treatments, Arm 2 received two Reiki treatments and Arm 3 received four Reiki treatments. Each treatment session was approximately 75 minutes. . Participants with a baseline score of ( ≥8) on the ISI were included in this analysis. Results: 75% of all enrolled participants (n = 65) met the inclusion criteria for baseline clinically meaningful insomnia. Both Reiki and massage provided improvement in sleep quality from pre to post intervention and there was no difference between 2 and 4 Reiki sessions. Reiki significantly increased sleep quality (p &gt; .01) with a mean decrease in total ISI score of 2.96. Massage therapy showed a trend towards improved sleep quality (p = 0.06) with a mean decrease in ISI score of 1.95. There was a clinically meaningful decrease in total ISI score (≥6) in 15% of those who received massage therapy compared to 25% in the reiki therapy group. Conclusions: Four weeks of Reiki significantly improved sleep quality in patients with breast and prostate cancer receiving hormone therapy. Reiki may be a better non-pharmacologic therapeutic for improving sleep quality. Clinical trial information: NCT02758756 .

Comparison of the effects of abdominal massage and osteopathic manipulative treatment home program on constipation in children with cerebral palsy.

The aim of this study is to compare the effects of osteopathic manipulative therapy home program (OMT-H) versus abdominal massage home program (AMHP) in treating constipation in children with cerebral palsy (CP). Twenty-nine children with CP with a mean age of 12.2 ± 3.76 years, who were constipated and were not on medication, were divided into three randomized groups: (i) control group (n = 10), (ii) AMHP (n = 10), and (iii) OMT-H (n = 9). In AMHP and OMT-H groups, treatment was applied as 20-min sessions every other day for 10 sessions for 3 weeks. Modified Constipation Assessment Scale (MCAS), Rome III criteria, and the Bristol Stool Form Scale (BSFS) were used for evaluation before treatment and once a week during treatment. While there was no change in constipation symptoms in the control group, there was an improvement in constipation symptoms after treatment in the AMHP and OMT-H groups (AMHP, P = 0.003; OMT-H, P = 0.000014). While the treatment showed to be effective from the first week in the OMT-H group, the change in BSFS (P = 0.026) and MCAS sub-parameters was found to be superior. AMHP and OMT-H are effective and beneficial in treating constipation. In children with CP, OMT-H was found to be quicker and more successful compared with AMHP. The OMT-H can be effectively used in clinical practice in relieving constipation in CP.

The effect of oral massage intervention on oral hygiene at home care.

Oral hygiene for individuals with disabilities living at home heavily relies on caregiver assistance. This study investigates differences in mouth opening, dental plaque index and halitosis grade among home-dwelling individuals with and without oral massage intervention. It is important to consider that extended bedridden periods, the presence of nasogastric tubes and difficulties in mouth opening can affect caregivers' oral cleaning effectiveness. This single-blind controlled experiment spanned 12 weeks. Primary caregivers underwent a 15- to 20-min demonstration. The experimental group received guidance on the Bass brushing method, instructions for using oral cleaning tools and training in oral massage. The control group received guidance on the Bass brushing method and instructions for oral cleaning tools. Measurement tools included basic participant information, oral examination records, mouth opening assessments, dental plaque index evaluations and halitosis ratings. The study included 38 subjects, all over 80 years old with disabilities. Dental plaque index significantly improved after massage (p = 0.001). Compared to their pre-massage conditions, the experimental group showed significant improvements in maximum mouth opening (11.65-20.71 mm, p = 0.001), dental plaque index (98.04%-59.74%, p < 0.0001) and halitosis rating (4.12-3.76, p = 0.034). Oral massage effectively improved mouth opening, reduced the dental plaque index and lowered halitosis ratings in the experimental group, underscoring its positive impact on oral hygiene. The study's insights can significantly benefit oral care for individuals with disabilities living at home.