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Research: WEINRICH and colleagues,
Listed in Issue 55
Abstract
WEINRICH and colleagues, Health Management Services, Center for Health Services and Policy Research, University of South Carolina, Columbia USA studied the benefits of therapeutic massage in older persons.
Background
The authors write that growing recognition of the importance of holistic nursing interventions has resulted in the revival in the use of therapeutic massage, a safe, caring and inexpensive intervention which contributes to health and healing via enhancement of relaxation.
Methodology
The authors reviewed the literature (42 references) regarding therapeutic massage using older populations in order to identify its theoretical framework, design, outcome variables, sample, procedures, instruments, analyses and results.
Results
and Discussion: In order to establish a scientific basis for therapeutic massage in the future, it is vital that nurses include the following elements in their research studies: clear definitions; procedures for massage which include the types of massage performed, the parts of the body massaged, and the length of time of massage, as well as analyses which control for the pre-massage level of the variable of interest. Research variables need to focus upon concepts which have major health consequences such as agitation, immune status and pain.
Conclusion
References
Weinrich SP et al. Therapeutic massage in older persons: research issues. British Journal of Nursing 8(3): 159-64. 11-24 Feb 1999.