Effects of different treatments on pain, functional disability, position sense and range of motion in elite bodybuilders with chronic low back pain.

Back pain is one of the major global challenges and is one of the most prevalent musculoskeletal disorders occurring in 80% of people at least once in their lifetime. Therefore, the need to find appropriate treatment methods for this issue is very important. The objective is to examine the short-term and acute effects of a treatment session with dry needling, massage therapy, stretching exercises and Kinesio tape on pain, functional disability, position sense and range of motion in elite bodybuilders with non-specific chronic low back pain. The sample of this quasi-experimental study consisted of 48 bodybuilders with non-specific chronic low back pain (all male, mean age = 25.96 ± 2.18 years; mean weight = 74.45 ± 4.51 kg; mean height = 173.88 ± 3.74 cm; mean BMI = 24.60 ± 0.74 kg/m2) who randomly were placed in 4 dry needling, massage therapy, stretching exercises and Kinesio tape groups. The duration of each intervention was 30 min. The dependent variables in this study included the massage range of motion, position sense tests and visual pain scale that were taken separately from each subject in pretest, posttest (acute effect) and follow-up test (72 h after posttest; short-term effect). The results of a 4 (groups) × 3 (time) the mixed ANOVAs showed that pain in the short-term phase was significantly lower in the dry needling group than in the stretching and massage groups (P < 0.05). Also in the acute effect phase, the flexion range of motion was significantly lower in the dry needling group than in the massage group (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the two groups of stretching and massage exercises showed significantly greater range of motion (P < 0.05). Other comparisons were not significant (P > 0.05). The findings of the study showed that both massage and stretching treatment have higher acute effects, while dry needling treatment was more effective in follow up. On the other hand, these findings show that these treatment methods can have immediate and lasting positive effects in improving the performance in elite bodybuilders with non-specific chronic low back pain.

Pediatric massage therapy for treatment of tic disorders in children: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

BACKGROUND: Tic disorder is a common neurodevelopmental disorder in childhood, characterized primarily by motor or vocal tics. However, there is no systematic evaluation of pediatric massage therapy for children with Tic disorder. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of massage therapy for children with tic disorder through a comprehensive meta-analysis and systematic review. METHODS: We systematically searched relevant randomized controlled trials from various databases such as CBM, CNKI, VIP, Wanfang database, PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and SINOMED, published up to October 2023. To collect randomized controlled trials on pediatric massage therapy or in combination with other therapies for the treatment of tic disorders in children. The risk of bias in the included articles was assessed using the Cochrane guideline. Meta-analyses were performed using Review Manager 5.4, and publication bias was evaluated by using Begg test and Egger test in Stata SE software. RESULTS: This meta-analysis included 19 randomized controlled trials with 1423 patients. Pediatric massage therapy alone or in combination with conventional medication demonstrated a significant increase in clinical effectiveness rates [risk ratios = 1.15, 95% confidence interval [CI] (1.10, 1.20), Z = 6.54, P < .001], and reduced Yale Global Tie Severity Scale scores [standardized mean difference = -0.85, 95% CI (-1.50, -0.19), Z = 2.54, P = .01] and traditional Chinese medicine syndrome scores [standardized mean difference = -1.35, 95%CI (-2.08, -0.63), Z = 3.66, P = .0002]. In terms of adverse reactions, there was no statistical difference between the experimental and control groups [risk ratios = 0.26, 95% CI (0.14, 0.49), Z = 4.25, P < .001]. The Begg test and Egger test results indicated no publication bias. CONCLUSION: Evidence suggests that pediatric massage therapy is effective in improving tic disorders in children.

A Systematic Review of the Effectiveness of Non-Pharmacological Therapies Used by Nurses in Children Undergoing Surgery.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to identify non-pharmacological pain relief therapies in children undergoing surgery. DESIGN AND DATA SOURCES: Using keywords extracted from Medical Subject Headings and "Descriptores en Ciencias de la Salud" we searched for articles in the Web of Science, Scopus, Cuiden, PubMed, and CINHAL databases from the last five years, and performed a reverse search. We assessed the documentary quality of the articles using various standardized instruments. RESULTS: The final review included eleven studies. In terms of cognitive-behavioral techniques, there is evidence that both music and video therapy are effective in reducing postoperative pain in children in seven studies, and therapeutic play in five studies. Other methods used less frequently but found to be effective included laughter therapy in one study and deep breathing in another. Regarding physical methods of pain relief, massage was found to be an effective non-pharmacological therapy for reducing pediatric postoperative pain in two studies and ineffective in another. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, we highlight the importance of non-pharmacological therapies in pediatric postoperative pain management. Cognitive-behavioral techniques, especially music therapy, video therapy, and therapeutic play, reduce pediatric postoperative pain. They are therefore effective therapies that nurses can use in this area. Further research into the effectiveness of storytelling is necessary, as the evidence is not entirely conclusive. More evidence is also needed on physical methods of pain relief, particularly massage.

The effect of position change and abdominal massage on anxiety, pain and distension after colonoscopy: A randomized clinical trial.

CONTEXT: Pain, abdominal distention, and anxiety are major risk factors encountered after colonoscopy. Complementary and alternative treatments, such as abdominal massage and position change, are used to reduce the associated risk factors. OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of position change and abdominal massage on anxiety, pain, and distension after colonoscopy. DESIGN: A randomized three-group experimental trial. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: This study was conducted with 123 patients who underwent colonoscopy at the endoscopy unit of a hospital located in western Turkey. METHODS: Three groups were formed: two interventional (abdominal massage and position change) and one control, each including 41 patients. Data were gathered using a personal information form, pre- and post-colonoscopy measurement form, the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), and the Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. Pain and comfort levels, abdominal circumference values, and vital signs of the patients were measured at four evaluation times. RESULTS: In the abdominal massage group, the VAS pain scores and abdominal circumference measurements decreased the most and the VAS comfort scores increased the most 15 min after the patients were taken to the recovery room (p<0.05). Furthermore, bowel sounds were heard, and bloating was relieved in all patients in both intervention groups 15 min after they were taken to the recovery room. CONCLUSIONS: Abdominal massage and position change can be considered effective interventions for relieving bloating and facilitating flatulence after colonoscopy. Moreover, abdominal massage can be a powerful method for reducing pain and abdominal circumference and increasing patient comfort.

Salivary Cortisol Levels and Clinical Signs of Stress in Premature Neonates Treated with Vimala Massage: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background: In neonatal intensive care units across the world, premature neonates are exposed to a very stressful environment with high levels of noise, bright lights, pain, infections, invasive procedures, and a lack of maternal contact. Stress is manifested by increased cortisol levels and clinical signs of stress. Objective: To assess the impact of Vimala massage on (1) salivary cortisol levels (primary outcome) and (2) clinical signs of stress (secondary outcomes) in premature neonates. Methods: Neonates (28-36 weeks gestational age) admitted to a nursery unit were randomized one-to-one to receive 15-20 min of Vimala massage administered by their parents twice daily and usual care, or to usual care alone. Salivary cortisol levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) on days 1 and 5. Heart rate, respiratory rate, caloric intake, weight gain, and growth were recorded daily. Groups were compared with t tests, U-tests, and repeated measures analysis of variance. Results: Seventy neonates, 35 in each group, were included. Groups were comparable at baseline. The median decrease in salivary cortisol levels was 0.12 µg/dL in the massage group and 0.07 µg/dL in the control group (p = 0.22). Over 5 days, the massage group had significant decreases in resting heart rate (p = 0.003) and respiratory rate (p = 0.028), and greater weight gains (p = 0.0002), relative to controls. Conclusions: In this randomized trial, adding Vimala massage to usual nursery care was not associated with a significant decrease in salivary cortisol levels in premature neonates, when compared with usual nursery care alone. There were improvements in clinical signs of stress.

Effects of percussion massage therapy, dynamic stretching, and static stretching on physical performance and balance.

BACKGROUND: Percussion massage therapy is a popular approach in sport medicine for physical therapists, but few researchers have investigated the comparison with other intervention methods. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to examine the comparison of the effects of dynamic stretching, static stretching and percussive massage therapy on balance and physical performance in individuals. METHODS: The participants who were 18-25 years of age, able to perform performance tests, did not have any orthopedic surgery, did not have problems during running and sudden turning, and did not have a professional sports history were included in the study. Participants were assigned randomly to three groups as dynamic stretching (DS) (n= 16), static stretching (SS) (n= 16) and percussive massage therapy (PMT) (n= 16) groups. Horizontal jumping test, T drill test and balance measurements on a single leg with open and closed eyes of all participants were recorded before and after applications. RESULTS: When the values of the pre and post-treatment of all groups in the study were compared, significant improvements were observed in the t-test, horizontal jumping test and right/left foot balance with eyes open in DS group (p< 0.05). Significant improvements were observed in all values in the PMT group (p< 0.05). In the comparison of the differences between the groups, PMT group values were more significant than the SS group in all parameters. CONCLUSION: Percussive massage therapy would be an alternative that can be used to increase the performance and balance of individuals before exercise.

Massage, laser and shockwave therapy improve pain and scar pruritus after burns: a systematic review.

QUESTIONS: In adults with a burn injury, do non-invasive therapies improve pain and burn scar pruritus, elasticity and vascularisation? Are any effects maintained beyond the intervention period? DESIGN: Systematic review of randomised trials with meta-analyses. PARTICIPANTS: Adults with burn scars. INTERVENTION: The experimental intervention was a non-invasive (ie, non-surgical or non-pharmacological) therapy applied to the burn scar. OUTCOME MEASURES: Pain intensity, pruritus intensity, elasticity and vascularisation. RESULTS: Fifteen trials involving 780 participants were included. The results indicated a beneficial effect on pain intensity on a 0-to-10 scale after massage (MD -1.5, 95% CI -1.8 to -1.1), shockwave therapy (MD -0.8, 95% CI -1.2 to -0.4) and laser (MD -4.0, 95% CI -6.0 to -2.0). The results indicated a beneficial effect on pruritus intensity on a 0-to-10 scale after massage (MD -0.4, 95% CI -0.7 to -0.2), shockwave therapy (MD -1.3, 95% CI -2.3 to -0.3) and laser (MD -4.8, 95% CI -6.1 to -3.5). Massage, shockwave therapy and silicone produced negligible or unclear benefits on scar elasticity and vascularisation. The quality of evidence varied from low to moderate. CONCLUSION: Among all commonly used non-invasive therapies for the treatment of burn scars, low-to-moderate quality evidence indicated that massage, laser and shockwave therapy reduce pain and the intensity of scar pruritus. Low-to-moderate quality evidence suggested that massage, shockwave therapy and silicone have negligible or unclear effects for improving scar elasticity and vascularisation. REVIEW REGISTRATION: PROSPERO (CRD42021258336).

Efficacy of Massage Techniques for Hypertrophic Burn Scars - A Systematic Review of Literature.

Despite advancements in burn care, evidence estimates that pathological scarring occurs in 32%-75% of cutaneous burns. Scar massage therapy is an under researched method of management for hypertrophic burn scars which has scope to be a low-cost treatment alternative. The aim of this systematic review was to determine the efficacy of scar massage techniques for common hypertrophic burn scar symptoms such as contraction, pruritus, pain and visibility. The keywords and corresponding MeSH terms were inputed into PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane database of Systematic Reviews, University Library of Hull, York and Queen Mary, University of London. Following the implementation of predetermined inclusion and exclusion criteria, ten papers were included for data extraction. Quality assessment of all papers was performed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool and ROBINS-I tool. Data pertaining to the nature of the participant demographics, scar massage treatment, and study outcomes was extracted. Nine of the ten studies showed a significant improvement for scar massage treatment of hypertrophic burn scar symptoms despite using different massage techniques. Friction and oscillation massage was used in partnership to improve scar function, whereas effleurage and petrissage used in longer sessions was seen to improve scar visibility and pain. Scar pruritus was improved by each massage technique. Scar massage has been shown to be effective at improving scar outcomes. This paper suggests massage techniques should be tailored to the patients' symptoms. A large, randomized control trial is required to advance this area of research.

The Effects of 2 Different Soft Tissue Mobilization Techniques on Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness in Male Recreational Athletes: A Single-Blinded Randomized Controlled Trial.

CONTEXT: Soft tissue mobilization is frequently employed for delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) management. Foam roller and percussive massage are 2 popular soft tissue mobilization methods preferred by various professionals. However, their effects on DOMS symptoms are controversial and there are no studies comparing these 2 methods. The aim of the present study was to compare the acute effects of soft tissue mobilization with a foam roller or a percussive massage device on DOMS in young male recreational athletes. DESIGN: A parallel, single-blinded, randomized controlled trial. METHODS: Thirty-six participants (median [interquartile range 25/75]; age: 20.0 [19.3/21.0] y) were randomly allocated to percussive massage group (n = 12), foam roller group (n = 12), and control group (n = 12). First, a fatigue protocol targeting quadriceps femoris was performed. Then, participants received soft tissue mobilization with foam roller/percussive massage or rested for 10 minutes according to their groups. Pain and fatigue were evaluated by a visual analog scale, and the skin surface temperature of over the quadriceps femoris was measured with thermal camera imaging. Evaluations were performed at baseline, following fatigue protocol, at 24th hour, and at 48th hour. Changes from the baseline at 24th and 48th hours were compared between groups. RESULTS: No significant between-group differences were observed at the assessments performed at 24th or 48th hour regarding the changes from baseline in pain (P value for 24th hour = .905, P value for 48th hour = .733), fatigue (P value for 24th hour = .895, P value for 48th hour = .606), or skin surface temperature measurements (P values for 24th hour = between .300 and .925, P values for 48th hour = between .311 and .750). CONCLUSIONS: Soft tissue mobilizations applied with foam roller or percussive massage device do not seem to be superior to passive resting in alleviating DOMS symptoms in recreational athletes.

Infant massage as a stress management technique for parents of hospitalized extremely preterm infants.

Mothers of infants born extremely preterm requiring prolonged medical intervention in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) are at high risk of developing stress. Parent-administered infant massage is a well-established, safe intervention for preterm infants with many developmental benefits, but the published literature has mostly examined its impact on infants and parents through self-reported or observational measures of stress. The aim of this study was to measure salivary cortisol, a biomarker for stress, in extremely preterm infants and their mothers immediately pre and post parent-administered infant massage in order to detect potential changes in physiologic stress. Twenty-two mother-infant dyads completed massage education with a physical or occupational therapist. All dyads provided salivary cortisol samples via buccal swab immediately pre- and post-massage at the second session. Of mothers determined to be "cortisol responders" (15/22), salivary cortisol levels were lower after massage (pre-minus post-level: -26.47 ng/dL, [CI = -4.40, -48.53], p = .016, paired t-test). Our primary findings include a clinically significant decrease (as measured by percent change) in maternal cortisol levels immediately post parent-administered massage, indicating decreased physiological stress. Integration of infant massage into NICU clinical practice may support maternal mental health, but further powered studies are necessary to confirm findings.

Las madres de infantes nacidos extremadamente prematuros en la Unidad de Cuidado Intensivo Neonatal (NICU) se encentran bajo alto riesgo de desarrollar estrés. El masaje que una madre le da al infante es una intervención segura, bien establecida, para infantes prematuros, con muchos beneficios de desarrollo, aunque la información publicada disponible ha examinado por la mayor parte el impacto del masaje en los infantes y progenitores por medio de medidas de estrés auto reportadas o de observación. El propósito de este estudio fue medir el cortisol salival, un biomarcador de estrés, en infantes extremadamente prematuros y sus madres inmediatamente antes y después del masaje que la madre le da, para detectar posibles cambios en el estrés fisiológico. Veintidós díadas madre-infante completaron 2 sesiones educativas de masaje con un terapeuta físico u ocupacional. Todas las díadas aportaron muestras de cortisol salival por medio de hisopado bucal inmediatamente antes y después del masaje en la segunda sesión. Los niveles de cortisol en infantes no fueron suficientes para el análisis. De las madres a quienes se les determinó haber dado "respuesta de cortisol" (15/22), los niveles de cortisol salival fueron más bajos después del masaje (nivel antes menos nivel después: −26.47 ng/dL, [CI = −4.40, −48.53]. p = .016, prueba-t pareada). Entre nuestros resultados primarios se incluye una baja clínicamente significativa (tal como fue medida por el cambio porcentual) en los niveles de cortisol materno inmediatamente después del masaje. Estos resultados sugieren que el masaje dado por la madre a infantes prematuros pudiera reducir el cortisol materno, un marcador fisiológico de estrés.

Analysis method for psychological and physiological responses to body massage "Using POMS and HRV".

This study aimed to compare and proposed an analytical method for evaluating the effectiveness of massage using various measurement parameters. The parameters were divided psychologically using the Profile of Mood States (POMS) and physiologically using heart rate variability. In the experiment, the psycho-physiological effects of the rest(a) and two massage techniques (b, c) were evaluated. The effect of each massage technique on the parameters was examined, and a statistical analysis approach for evaluating massage responses is given in the conclusion.Clinical Relevance- This case study compares and contrasts the differences and advantages of each statistical approach for analyzing on studying the effects of massage and presents the response results for two massage techniques.

El efecto de la reflexología podal sobre la fatiga en pacientes en hemodiálisis: un estudio de metaanálisis / The effect of foot reflexology on fatigue in hemodialysis patients: a meta-analysis study / O efeito da reflexologia podal sobre a fadiga em pacientes em hemodiálise: um estudo de metanálise

Objetivo: analizar el efecto de la reflexología podal sobre la fatiga en pacientes en hemodiálisis, combinando los resultados de estudios independientes sobre este tema. Método: estudio de metaanálisis. Se realizó una búsqueda bibliográfica en siete bases de datos. La calidad metodológica de los estudios incluidos se evaluó mediante las herramientas propuestas por el Joanna Briggs Institute. Para el metaanálisis se utilizó el programa Comprehensive Meta-Analysis v3. Resultados: en el metaanálisis se incluyeron ocho estudios. El resultado de la diferencia de medias estandarizada del metaanálisis = 1,580 (Intervalo de Confianza de 95% = 1,075 - 2,085 p = 0,000). El resultado del análisis de subgrupos realizado sobre la base de la diferencia de medias estandarizada en el número de sesiones de reflexología podal = 1,478 (Intervalo de Confianza de 95% = 1,210 - 1,747, p = 0,000). Conclusión: se concluyó que la reflexología podal puede utilizarse para reducir la fatiga en pacientes en hemodiálisis. En los estudios investigados no se proporcionó información sobre los posibles efectos secundarios y negativos de la reflexología podal.

Objective: this meta-analysis study analyzed the effect of foot reflexology on fatigue in hemodialysis patients by combining the results of independent studies on this subject. Method: meta-analysis study. A literature search was conducted in seven databases. The methodological quality of the included studies was assessed using tools proposed by the Joanna Briggs Institute. Comprehensive Meta-Analysis v3 was used for meta-analysis. Results: eight studies were included in the meta-analysis. The result of the meta-analysis standardized mean difference = 1.580 (95% Confidence Interval = 1.075 - 2.085 p = 0.000). The result of the subgroup analysis performed based on the number of foot reflexology sessions standardized mean difference = 1,478 (95% Confidence Interval = 1,210 - 1,747, p = 0.000). Conclusion: it was concluded that foot reflexology can be used to reduce fatigue in hemodialysis patients. No information was provided in the investigated studies about the possible side effects and negative effects of foot reflexology.

Objetivo: analisar o efeito da reflexologia podal sobre a fadiga em pacientes em hemodiálise, combinando os resultados de estudos independentes sobre este assunto. Método: estudo de metanálise. Foi realizada uma pesquisa bibliográfica em sete bases de dados. A qualidade metodológica dos estudos incluídos foi avaliada por meio de ferramentas propostas pelo Joanna Briggs Institute. Para a metanálise, foi utilizado o Comprehensive Meta-Analysis v3. Resultados: oito estudos foram incluídos na metanálise. O resultado da diferença média padronizada da metanálise = 1,580 (Intervalo de Confiança de 95% = 1,075 - 2,085 p = 0,000). O resultado da análise de subgrupo realizada com base na diferença média padronizada do número de sessões de reflexologia podal = 1,478 (Intervalo de Confiança de 95% = 1,210 - 1,747, p = 0,000). Conclusão: a reflexologia podal pode ser utilizada para reduzir a fadiga em pacientes em hemodiálise. Não foram fornecidas informações nos estudos investigados sobre os possíveis efeitos colaterais e negativos da reflexologia podal.

Scientific knowledge graph and trend analysis of Tuina: A bibliometric analysis.

OBJECTIVES: Tuina is an effective complementary and alternative therapy. However, no bibliometric analysis has explored the global research status and emerging trends of tuina. Therefore, our study aimed to provide a perspective on the current state and frontier trends in the field. DESIGN: Bibliometric analysis SETTING: Tuina-related publications between January 1, 2003, and December 31, 2022, were obtained from the Web of Science Core Collection database. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The knowledge graph software CiteSpace and VOSViewer were used to quantitatively analyse annual trends in annual publication volume, journals, countries, institutions, authors, cited references, and keywords. RESULTS: Overall, 1877 articles were obtained. Consequently, the number of annual publications in tuina gradually increased. China published the most articles (1402 articles, 58.01%), followed by the Chinese Academy of Sciences (110 articles, 2.57%). Original and review articles were the two main types of publications. Photonics Research ranked first (101 articles, 5.38%) as the most influential affiliate and productive journal. These articles come from 8423 authors, among whom Min Fang published the most publications, and Ernst E was co-cited most often. According to the keyword co-occurrence analysis, the new research frontiers were meta-analyses. CONCLUSION: This comprehensive bibliometric study analysed the publications on tuina and presented them visually, revealing new research trends, pivotal points, research hotspots, and frontiers. Prospective strategies and potential directions for further studies were also provided.

Effect of hand reflexology in ameliorating anxiety, pain, and fatigue among patients undergoing coronary angiography.

BACKGROUND: Reflexology is a popular non-invasive complementary medicine technique to enhance anxiety, pain, and fatigue among patients undergoing coronary angiography. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the effect of hand reflexology in ameliorating anxiety, pain, and fatigue among patients undergoing coronary angiography. METHODS: A quasi-experimental research design was used on 60 patients undergoing coronary angiography at Alexandria Main University Hospital's cardiology department (30 patients in each study and control group). Four tools were used to collect data: the socio-demographic and clinical data assessment sheet, the visual analogue scale, the Rhoten fatigue scale, and the Beck anxiety inventory. RESULTS: Scores of moderate anxiety, intractable pain, and severe fatigue among the study group significantly decreased after 2 h and three days of applying hand reflexology. CONCLUSION: The current study findings showed that hand reflexology is a simple, non-invasive nursing intervention that is effective and useful for managing pain, fatigue, and anxiety in patients undergoing coronary angiography as it resulted in a significant reduction in the severity of pain, fatigue, and anxiety after coronary angiography in the study group compared to the control group. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The study was registered in the clinical trial.gov database (Clinicaltrials.gov NCT05887362 , 23/05/2023).

Effectiveness of infant massage on babies growth, mother-baby attachment and mothers' self-confidence: A randomized controlled trial.

Infant massage is a unique massage that can be application to babies in the postpartum period for centuries. While baby massage provides contact between the baby and the mother, it supports the growth processes of the baby. This study aimed to investigate the effects of online infant massage training on infant growth, mother-infant attachment, and mothers' self-confidence. This randomized controlled clinical trial included 60 healthy-term infants and mother. The Demographic Data Collection Form, Maternal Attachment Scale, and Pharis Self-Confidence Scale were completed by all the mothers participating in the study. At the end of the 4th week, infant massage training was given to the mothers of the babies in the massage group by the primary investigator. Body weight, height, and head circumference measurements were made at the end of the 4th, 8th, 12th, 16th, and 20th week of both group babies. At the end of the 20th week, the self-confidence of the mothers in both groups was assessed using the Maternal Attachment Scale and Pharis Self-Confidence Scale. Infants in the massage group had significantly higher mean body weight at the end of the 8th week (p = 0.006) and mean height at the end of 20th week (p = 0.05) than the infants in the control group. The Maternal Attachment Scale values were higher for the mothers in the massage group (p = 0.030). Infant massage is an effective method that strengthens maternal attachment and increases body weight and height in infants. The study is registered under the ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT05302427.

Massage manipulation and progression of osteosarcoma, does it really correlate: a combination of prospective and retrospective cohort study.

In Indonesia, the challenge of osteosarcoma progression is further worsened by patients' dependence on traditional massage therapy, low socio-economy, and educational status. This study aims to analyze the differences in the characteristics, laboratory findings, surgery techniques, degree of histopathological necrosis, and metastasis between osteosarcoma patients with and without prior massage manipulation therapy. This research is an analytical observational study with a prospective and retrospective cohort design. Patients were treated and followed for one year to evaluate the occurrence of metastasis. Prospective data was collected through interviews, and secondary data was collected from the patient's medical record. Of 84 subjects analyzed, 69% had a history of massage. There was an increase in LDH and ALP in patients with massage manipulation (p = 0.026). The median time to metastasis from baseline in the massage group (4 months) was statistically significant compared to the non-manipulation group (12 months) (p < 0.0001). This research found that massage therapy significantly increases LDH and ALP levels, making amputations more likely to be performed and a higher risk of metastasis that lowered the survival rate. The onset of metastasis was three times faster in patients with prior massage therapy. Therefore, we strongly recommend against massage manipulation therapy in osteosarcoma patients.

Self-Massage Techniques for the Management of Pain and Mobility With Application to Resistance Training: A Brief Review.

ABSTRACT: MacLennan, M, Ramirez-Campillo, R, and Byrne, PJ. Self-massage techniques for the management of pain and mobility with application to resistance training: a brief review. J Strength Cond Res 37(11): 2314-2323, 2023-Fascial restrictions that occur in response to myofascial trigger points (MTrP), exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD), and delayed onset of muscle soreness (DOMS) cause soft tissue to lose extensibility, which contributes to abnormal muscle mechanics, reduced muscle length, and decrements in joint range of motion (ROM) and actively contributes to musculoskeletal pain. Resistance training and in particular, weightlifting movements have unique mobility requirements imperative for movement efficacy and safety with ROM restrictions resulting in ineffective volume and intensity tolerance and dampened force output and power, which may lead to a failed lift or injury. Self-massage (SM) provides an expedient method to promote movement efficiency and reduce injury risk by improving ROM, muscular function, and reducing pain and allows athletes to continue to train at their desired frequency with minimal disruption from MTrPs-associated adverse effects. Thus, the aim of this review was to determine the efficacy of various self-massage tools in managing pain and mobility and to explore the potential benefits of SM on resistance training performance. Many SM devices are available for athletes to manage ROM restrictions and pain, including differing densities of foam rollers, roller massagers, tennis balls, and vibrating devices. To attenuate adverse training effects, a 10-to-20-minute bout consisting of 2-minute bouts of SM on the affected area may be beneficial. When selecting a SM device, athletes should note that foam rollers appear to be more effective than roller massagers, with vibrating foam rollers eliciting an increased reduction to pain perception, and tennis balls and soft massage balls were shown to be efficacious in targeting smaller affected areas.

Effectiveness and safety of digital rectal stimulation and abdominal massage for neurogenic bowel dysfunction in stroke patients: a randomized controlled trial protocol.

BACKGROUND: Neurogenic bowel dysfunction (NBD) is a prevalent complication among stroke patients, significantly affecting their quality of life, duration of hospitalization, medical expenses, and even mortality. Although current guidelines suggest a conservative strategy for addressing bowel dysfunction, which includes techniques such as digital rectal stimulation (DRS) and abdominal massage, the availability of interventions remains limited in healthcare facilities. METHODS: This study follows a prospective randomized controlled parallel-group clinical trial design. The control group will receive standard care, while the intervention group will undergo a program that combines DRS and abdominal massage in addition to standard care. The duration of the intervention for both groups will be 6 weeks. The primary outcome measures will be the Wexner score. Furthermore, secondary outcomes measure will be assessed, including Bristol score, Patient Assessment of Constipation-Quality of Life (PAC-QoL), and Fecal Incontinence Quality of Life (FI-QoL). DISCUSSION: This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of a bowel rehabilitation program for stroke patients with NBD. The findings will provide information that can contribute to the formulation of bowel management strategies. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The study has been registered in the Chinese Clinical Registry under the number ChiCTR2300071709. This registration was completed on May 23, 2023. All items from the World Health Organization Trial Registration Data set are described in this manuscript.

The effect of foot reflexology on fatigue in hemodialysis patients: a meta-analysis study. / El efecto de la reflexología podal sobre la fatiga en pacientes en hemodiálisis: un estudio de metaanálisis.

OBJECTIVE: this meta-analysis study analyzed the effect of foot reflexology on fatigue in hemodialysis patients by combining the results of independent studies on this subject. METHOD: meta-analysis study. A literature search was conducted in seven databases. The methodological quality of the included studies was assessed using tools proposed by the Joanna Briggs Institute. Comprehensive Meta-Analysis v3 was used for meta-analysis. RESULTS: eight studies were included in the meta-analysis. The result of the meta-analysis standardized mean difference = 1.580 (95% Confidence Interval = 1.075 - 2.085 p = 0.000). The result of the subgroup analysis performed based on the number of foot reflexology sessions standardized mean difference = 1,478 (95% Confidence Interval = 1,210 - 1,747, p = 0.000). CONCLUSION: it was concluded that foot reflexology can be used to reduce fatigue in hemodialysis patients. No information was provided in the investigated studies about the possible side effects and negative effects of foot reflexology. (1) This study found that foot reflexology reduced fatigue levels. (2) The 10-session foot reflexology was the most effective. (3) This study will guide nurses and health workers. (4) Reflexology is one of the non-pharmacological methods used to relieve fatigue.