Positive Health Online

Abstract

FIELD T and colleagues, Touch Research Institute, University of Miami School of Medicine, Florida 33101, USA studied the therapeutic benefits of massage therapy or relaxation therapy for children with asthma .

Background

Methodology

32 children (16 x 4-8 years old and 16 x 9-14 years old) suffering from asthma were randomly assigned to either the massage or relaxation group. The parents of the children were taught to give one therapy or the other for 20 minutes prior to bedtime every night for 30 days.

Results

The younger children receiving massage demonstrated an immediate decrease in behavioural anxiety and cortisol levels following the massage. Additionally, there was an improvement over the course of the study regarding their attitude toward asthma and peak air flow and other pulmonary functions. The older children receiving massage reported lower anxiety following the massage. Their attitude toward asthma also improved over the course of the study, but there was improvement of only one measure of pulmonary function forced expiratory flow: 25% to 75% improvement. The reason for the diminished therapeutic benefit in the older children is unknown.

Conclusion

Daily massage improves airway calibre and control of asthma in children .

References

Field T et al. Children with asthma have improved pulmonary functions after massage therapy. J Pediatr. 132(5): 854-8. May 1998 .