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Mazlum, S., Chaharsoughi, N.T., Banihashem, A., & Vashani, H.B. (2013). The effect of massage therapy on chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting in pediatric cancer. Iranian Journal of Nursing and Midwifery Research, 18(4), 280–284.
Study Purpose
To determine if massage therapy was effective relief for chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) in children with cancer
Intervention Characteristics/Basic Study Process
Patients in the intervention group received a 20 minute massage 24 hours and 30 minutes before a chemotherapy infusion and 24 hours postinfusion. A trained massage therapist used a Swedish massage technique with effleurage, petrissage, friction, and tapping movements. Mild to moderate pressure was used. Subjects were randomized by a randomized number table. Patients could elect to use olive oil with the massage. No music was used during the therapy. The control group received normal care, but the therapist was present 24 hours and 30 minutes before an infusion as well as 24 hours postinfusion. Data were collected during chemotherapy and 48 hours postinfusion.
Sample Characteristics
N = 70
MEAN AGE = 8.6 years
MALES: 52%, FEMALES: 48%
KEY DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: Majority of patients had acute lymphocytic leukemia
OTHER KEY SAMPLE CHARACTERISTICS: Pediatrics, ages 4–18 years
There were no significant differences between the intervention and the control group in terms of gender, type of cancer, or emetic potential of chemotherapy. There was no difference between groups in regard to nausea during chemotherapy. There was a significant difference in frequency (p = 0.001), duration (p = 0.002), and severity (p = 0.002) of nausea 48 hours after chemotherapy. There was no difference in vomiting at the time of chemotherapy, but there was a significant difference in the severity (p = 0.005) and frequency (p = 0.013) of vomiting 48 hours postinfusion.
Conclusions
Massage therapy may effectively decrease nausea and vomiting 48 hours after chemotherapy infusion in children.
Limitations
Small sample (< 100)
Risk of bias (no blinding)
Other limitations/explanation: Two different measurement instruments were used depending on the age of the child in the study.
Nursing Implications
Massage therapy, administered both before and after a chemotherapy infusion, may be effective in limiting CINV in the pediatric population. Massage was not effective at relieving anticipatory CINV that occurred at the time of infusion.