Abstract

Aim. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of foot reflexology massage on incisional pain in thoraco-abdominal surgery patients admitted to surgery intensive care unit.

Background. Although the most commonly used method of pain relief is pharmacologic, the medications prescribed excessively for severe and chronic pain in patients have side effects and non-pharmacological methods of pain relief may be useful.

Method. In this quasi-experimental study, 102 patients within the age range of 25 to 50 years without any other surgical complication, and normal feet which have undergone thoraco-abdomical surgery were enrolled. They were randomly allocated into 3 equal groups: massage group, pseudo-massage group and control group. The pain was measured Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) before, right after, 10 minute and 24 hours after the treatment. Other data was extracted from medical records. The information was analyzed by SPSS using appropriate statistical tests.

Findings. According to the findings, there were no statistically significant difference between the groups in terms of age sex marital status educational levels underlying diseases and type, duration and severity of the surgery. The pain score was not significantly different between groups before and right after the intervention. However, 10 minutes and 24 hours after the intervention, pain score was lower in the massage group. The use of pharmacological analgesics had also reduced in the massage group.

Conclusion. Foot reflexology was effective on incisional pain after thoraco-abdominal surgery. Nurses can use this intervention to improve patient comfort and decrease  pain medications administration in thease patients.

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.

Aim. This study aimed to compare the effects of Swedish massage and preferredmusic intervention on anxiety in patients with chronic heart failure.

Background. Anxiety can affect the comfort and health of patients.One of the goals of nursing care is providing comfort for patients. Use of complementary therapies including Swedish massage and preferred music can be effective in improving anxiety.

Method. This quasi-experimental study with pre-test post-test design with control group was conducted in Doctor Shariati Hospital of Tehran University of Medical Sciences. In this study, in each group (control, Swedish massage and music intervention), 30 hospitalized patients with chronic heart failure were recruitedthrough convenience sampling. Then, patients were allocated to groups by simple randomization. Data were collected by Spielberger anxiety assessment questionnaire. Swedish massage was conducted daily for 20 minutes at evening for three consecutive days by using almond oil. In music group, patient’s' preferred music including two of the three types of classical, gentle and Iranian traditional music was played for 20 minutes at evening for 3 sequential days by a tape recorder and headphone. Before and 15 minutes after intervention, patients' anxiety was measured and compared. Data were analyzed in SPSS version 21 using ANOVA, Paired t test, Fisher’s exact test.

Findings. The results showed that patients' preferred music and Swedish massage significantly reduced anxiety in patients with chronic heart failure, although Swedish massage reduced anxiety of patients' with chronic heart failure more than music intervention (p<0.0001)

Conclusion. The findings indicated that patients who received Swedish massage experienced lower levels of anxiety. Regarding the importance of anxiety control in patients with heart disease, it is proposed that Swedish massage can be used in the care of these patients and it is preferred to the music intervention.