Positive Health Online

Abstract

HIRAKAWA and co-workers, Department of Geriatrics, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Aichi, Japan, y.hirakawa@k8.dion.ne.jp, have evaluated massage therapy in the rehabilitation of bed-ridden elderly patients.

Background

The aim of this pilot study was to assess the effects of home massage therapy for bed-ridden elderly patients.

Methodology

44 bed-ridden patients of more than 65 years were randomly allocated to receive either 30-minute sessions of massage for 2 or 3 days per week for 3 months (22 patients), or standard care (18 patients). A range of emotional parameters was assessed pre- and post-intervention.

Results

At baseline, both groups rated comparably on the [parameters measured. There were no statistically significant differences between the changes over time between the groups in Barthel Index, Subjective Satisfaction and Refreshment Scale, Apathy Scale and Self-rating Depression Score.

Conclusion

Home massage did not result in any improvements in the bed-ridden elderly in this trial, either mentally or emotionally.

References

Hirakawa Y, Masuda Y, Kimata T, Uemura K, Kuzuya M, Iguchi A. Effects of home massage rehabilitation therapy for the bed-ridden elderly: a pilot trial with a three-month follow-up. Clinical Rehabilitation 19 (1): 20-27, Jan 2005.