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Research: KIM and colleagues, De
Listed in Issue 69
Abstract
KIM and colleagues, Department of Ophthalmology, Kangnam St. Mary's Hospital, Medical College, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, South Korea, investigated the effectiveness of hand massage to reduce anxiety in patients undergoing cataract surgery under local anaesthesia.
Background
Methodology
59 patients having cataract surgery between December 1996 and February 1997 were assigned either to receive a hand massage 5 minutes before surgery (n=29) or not to receive a hand massage (n=30). Anxiety levels were assessed before and after the hand massage (if the subjects had one) and 5 minutes before the end of surgery using a visual analogue scale (VAS) and by measuring systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP) and pulse rate. Epinephrine, norepinephrine, cortisol and blood sugar levels, and neutrophil and lymphocyte percentages in white blood cells (WBCs) were also measured.
Results
Hand massage significantly decreased psychological anxiety levels, SBP, DBP, pulse rate, and epinephrine and norepinephrine levels in the massage group. Epinephrine, norepinephrine and cortisol levels increased in the control (no massage) group, and the differences between the two groups were [statistically] significant. Blood sugar levels or neutrophil or lymphocyte percentages in WBCs did not differ significantly between groups.
Conclusion
Hand massage appears to decrease psychological and physiological anxiety levels in patients having cataract surgery under local anaesthesia.
References
Kim MS et al. Effects of hand massage on anxiety in cataract surgery using local anesthesia. Journal of Cataract and Refractive Surgery 27 (6): 884-90. Jun 2001.
