Massage therapy as a supportive care intervention for children with cancer.
Moderate EvidenceIn Plain Language: cancer pain, explained
This study looked at the effects of massage therapy on children with cancer. The researchers found that massage may help reduce pain, anxiety, and other side effects caused by cancer treatment. This is important because it offers a safe and non-invasive way to support children's health during a challenging time.
Key Findings: what this randomised trial found about cancer pain
- ✓Massage may help mitigate pain and anxiety in pediatric oncology patients.
- ✓Beneficial during periods of immune suppression.
- ✓Massage techniques appropriate for children are light to medium pressure.
What This Means for You
For parents considering reflexology or massage therapy for their child undergoing cancer treatment, this study suggests that such therapies may help alleviate pain and anxiety, improving their child's overall experience.
What This Means for Practitioners
Reflexology practitioners can apply these findings by integrating gentle massage techniques into their practice for pediatric oncology patients, focusing on relieving stress and physical discomfort during treatment.
Study Design: how this randomised trial was run
Limitations: what it cannot tell you about cancer pain
The study relied on a literature review of existing studies, which may limit the applicability of findings due to varying methods and sample sizes.
Cancer pain: common questions
What does this study say about cancer pain?
For parents considering reflexology or massage therapy for their child undergoing cancer treatment, this study suggests that such therapies may help alleviate pain and anxiety, improving their child's overall experience.
What did this study find?
Massage may help mitigate pain and anxiety in pediatric oncology patients. Beneficial during periods of immune suppression. Massage techniques appropriate for children are light to medium pressure.
How strong is this evidence?
This is a randomised trial and we rate its evidence moderate. It was published in Oncology nursing forum, a Q1 journal. This study is indexed here for context; it did not test reflexology itself.
What are the limitations of this study?
The study relied on a literature review of existing studies, which may limit the applicability of findings due to varying methods and sample sizes.
Related Research
Complementary therapy in practice
Effect of Reflexology on Decreasing Postoperative Pain and Anxiety After Total Abdominal Hysterectomy: Erratum
Engaging Patients in Research That Involves Meditation: Religious Concerns and Nursing Implications
Improving Quality of Life in The Constipated Older Person: Reflexology or Abdominal Massage? A Two-Group, Randomized Comparative Trial
Effect of Reflexology on Decreasing Postoperative Pain and Anxiety After Total Abdominal Hysterectomy
Looking for a reflexologist?
Find practitioners who can help with the conditions studied in this research.
Find a Reflexologist