Effect of hand massage after abdominal surgery on pain, emotional symptoms and physiological parameters among children
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In brief
In brief
This randomized controlled trial demonstrates that 10-minute hand massage reduces postoperative pain, emotional distress, and heart rate in children aged 7-12 following abdominal surgery. The intervention showed significant immediate benefits compared to standard care, though effects diminished by 30 minutes post-massage.
- 10-minute hand massage significantly reduced postoperative pain and emotional distress in children immediately after intervention.
- Hand massage lowered heart rate in pediatric surgical patients, while control group showed increased heart rate over same period.
- Pain relief effects were temporary; no significant difference remained 30 minutes post-massage between intervention and control groups.
- Non-pharmacologic intervention (hand massage) provides safe adjunct pain management for children 7-12 years after abdominal surgery.
- Simple bedside technique requires minimal training and can be implemented 3 hours post-surgery without adverse effects.
Written by the GCMD Library team from the article.
Abstract
Aim
This randomized controlled study aimed to evaluate the effect of hand massage on pain, emotional symptoms, and physiological parameters in children after abdominal surgery.
Materials and methods
The study included 40 children aged 7–12 years who underwent abdominal surgery (20 intervention, 20 control). Data were collected using the Faces Pain Scale-Revised, Children’s Emotion Manifestation Scale, Physiological Measurements Chart, and Child Information Form. The intervention group received a 10-min hand massage 3 h after surgery, and measurements were taken before the massage, immediately after the massage, and 30 min after the massage. Statistical analyses were performed using the Mann–Whitney U, Friedman, and Bonferroni tests.
Results
Immediately after the massage, the pain and emotional manifestation scores were significantly lower in the intervention group compared to the control group (p < 0.05). However, no significant difference was found between the two groups at the third measurement (p = 0.478). Heart rate significantly decreased in the intervention group immediately after the massage (p < 0.001), while it significantly increased in the control group (p < 0.001).