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Abstract

Aim. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of massage therapy on sleep quality of patients after coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG).

Background. Poor sleep quality is common among patients following CABG and has been noticeable for more than 30 years.

Method. In this quasi-experimental study, 72 patients, who had undergone CABG in Isfahan Chamran Hospital were were recruited. The patients were randomly assigned to the two experimental and control groups. The patients of the experimental group received light pressure stroking massage for 20 minutes in four sessions after the surgery. The patients in control group received only the routine care. The patients› sleep quality was measured before and after the intervention with St Mary›s Hospital Sleep Questionnaire. Data were analyzed by SPSS software, version 18 and descriptive and inferential statistical methods were used for data analysis.

Findings. Mean scores for sleep quality before the intervention in the experimental and control groups were 22.5±3.6 and 22±3.8, respectively, and no statistically significant difference seen between them. After the intervention, there was a statistically significant difference between mean scores for sleep quality of the experimental and control groups (11.8±2.8 vs 15.5±4.7) (P<0.001).

Conclusion. The use of massage therapy can promote sleep quality of patients after CABG and due to low cost and simplicity it can be used as a complement to drug therapy and postoperative interventions implemented in these patients.

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Aim. This study was conducted to examine the effect of acupressure on severity of pain and fatigue in patients with chronic heart failure. Background. Patients with chronic heart failure experience high levels of pain and fatigue. Acupressure is a simple, inexpensive and non-invasive method which may reduce the pain and fatigue in patients with chronic heart failure. Method. In this single blind randomized clinical trial, 72 patients with chronic heart failure were recruited. Subjects were equally divided into two groups of experimental and placebo, by random allocation method. Then visual analogue scale and fatigue severity scale was used to evaluate the severity of pain and fatigue in each group. The members of experimental group were under acupressure in KI3 , GV20 and CV6 point for 3 minutes bilaterally. In addition, the participants were instructed to perform acupressure in same point three times a day for four weeks. Subjects in placebo group were trained to touch the points. Four weeks after intervention, the severity of pain and fatigue was measured in both groups. The data were analyzed by SPSS. Findings. The study findings showed no statistically significant difference between the groups in terms of demographics, and severity of pain (p=1.000) and severity of fatigue (p=0.285) before intervention. After four weeks of intervention, a statistically significant relief on severity of pain (p=0.006) and fatigue (p≤ 0.0001) was seen in experimental group compared with placebo group . Conclusion. Acupressure can be effective in decreasing severity of pain and fatigue in people with chronic heart failure.