[Acupoint massage, acupoint sticking combined with moxibustion for postpartum urinary retention: a randomized controlled trial].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the clinical efficacy of acupoint massage, acupoint sticking combined with moxibustion at Shuidao (ST 28) for postpartum urinary retention. METHODS: A total of 120 patients with postpartum urinary retention were randomly divided a triple-combination group, a double-combination group, and a massage group, with 40 patients in each group. All groups received standard postpartum care to stimulate urination. The patients in the massage group received rapid acupoint massage at the bilateral Shuidao (ST 28); the patients in the double-combination group additionally received acupoint sticking of self-made Tongquan powder at bilateral Shuidao (ST 28); the patients in the triple-combination group further received moxibustion at bilateral Shuidao (ST 28). The treatment was given once in all three groups. After 5 hours of treatment completion, bladder residual volume was measured; the time and volume of first urination as well as total urination volume after 5 hours of treatment completion were recorded; the patients' sensation of urination smoothness, satisfaction rate, length of hospital stay, and hospital costs were evaluated. RESULTS: The triple-combination group showed significantly lower residual urine volumes (P<0.05), earlier first urination time (P<0.05, P<0.001), and higher first urination volumes and total urination volumes after 5 hours of treatment completion compared to the other two groups (P<0.05, P<0.001). The sensation of urination smoothness and patient satisfaction were also significantly better in the triple-combination group (P<0.001, P<0.05). The double-combination group had higher volume of first urination and total urination volume after 5 hours of treatment completion than the massage group (P<0.05), and better sensation of urination smoothness and patient satisfaction (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in the length of hospital stay and costs among the three groups (P>0.05). The total effective rates were 100.0% (40/40) for the triple-combination group, 90.0% (36/40) for the double-combination group, and 70.0% (28/40) for the massage group, with the triple-combination group significantly outperforming the other two groups (P<0.05, P<0.001), and double-combination group outperforming the massage group (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Acupoint massage, acupoint sticking combined with moxibustion at Shuidao (ST 28) could effectively improve urination in patients with postpartum urinary retention, and enhance patient satisfaction.

Infection in preterm infants receiving topical emollient oil massage: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised control trials.

BACKGROUND: Preterm infants are highly susceptible to infections, which significantly contribute to morbidity and mortality. This systematic review and meta-analysis investigated the effectiveness of topical emollient oil application in preventing infections among preterm infants. METHODS: A comprehensive search was conducted across multiple electronic databases (PubMed, Cochrane, Scopus, Clinical trials, Epistemonikos, HINARI and Global Index Medicus) and other sources. A total of 2185 articles were identified and screened for eligibility. The quality of included studies was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool for randomised controlled trials. Data analysis was performed using StataCrop MP V.17 software. Heterogeneity among the studies was evaluated using the I2 and Cochrane Q test statistics. Sensitivity and subgroup analyses were conducted. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses checklist guided the presentation of the results. RESULTS: Of 2185 retrieved articles from initial searches, 11 met eligibility criteria and were included in the final analysis. A random effects meta-analysis revealed that infants who received massages with emollient oils had a 21% reduced risk of infection (risk ratio=0.79, 95% CI 0.64 to 0.97, I2=0.00%). Subgroup analyses indicated that preterm babies who received topical emollient oil massages with coconut oil, administered twice a day for more than 2 weeks, had a lower likelihood of acquiring an infection compared with their non-massaged counterparts. CONCLUSION: It is quite evident from this analysis that topical emollient oil application in preterm neonates is most likely effective in preventing infection. However, further studies, particularly from the African continent, are warranted to support universal recommendations.

Use of Massage Therapy for Pain, 2018-2023: A Systematic Review.

Importance: Massage therapy is a popular treatment that has been advocated for dozens of painful adult health conditions and has a large evidence base. Objective: To map systematic reviews, conclusions, and certainty or quality of evidence for outcomes of massage therapy for painful adult health conditions. Evidence Review: In this systematic review, a computerized search was conducted of PubMed, the Allied and Complementary Medicine Database, the Cumulated Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and Web of Science from 2018 to 2023. Included studies were systematic reviews of massage therapy for pain in adult health conditions that formally rated the certainty, quality, or strength of evidence for conclusions. Studies of sports massage therapy, osteopathy, dry cupping or dry needling, and internal massage therapy (eg, for pelvic floor pain) were ineligible, as were self-administered massage therapy techniques, such as foam rolling. Reviews were categorized as those with at least 1 conclusion rated as high-certainty evidence, at least 1 conclusion rated as moderate-certainty evidence, and all conclusions rated as low- or very low-certainty evidence; a full list of conclusions and certainty of evidence was collected. Findings: A total of 129 systematic reviews of massage therapy for painful adult health conditions were found; of these, 41 reviews used a formal method to rate certainty or quality of evidence of their conclusions and 17 reviews were mapped, covering 13 health conditions. Across these reviews, no conclusions were rated as high certainty of evidence. There were 7 conclusions that were rated as moderate-certainty evidence; all remaining conclusions were rated as low- or very low-certainty evidence. All conclusions rated as moderate certainty were that massage therapy had a beneficial associations with pain. Conclusions and Relevance: This study found that despite a large number of randomized clinical trials, systematic reviews of massage therapy for painful adult health conditions rated a minority of conclusions as moderate-certainty evidence and that conclusions with moderate- or high-certainty evidence that massage therapy was superior to other active therapies were rare.

The Effect of Massage on Maternal Role Adaptation in Mothers with Premature Infants.

Background: Accepting and adapting the maternal role by mothers with premature infants is complicated. Active participation of mothers in neonate massage may facilitate this process. Primary Study Objective: Determining the effect of massage on maternal role adaptation in mothers of premature infants admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Methods/Design: A non-parallel quasi-experimental study with a sequential sampling method. Setting: This study was done in the NICU of Imam Ali Hospital in Amol City, Iran. Participants: 90 mothers of premature infants hospitalized in the NICU participated in this study. Intervention: The mothers in the intervention group after receiving two training sessions massaged their infant for 15 minutes daily from the third day of hospitalization for 5 consecutive days. Primary Outcome Measures: A maternal role adaptation questionnaire was used. Participants completed the maternal role adaptation questionnaire 3 times: before, on the fifth day, and 14 days after the first day of intervention. The maternal role adaptation questionnaire was used to assess the maternal role adaptation. The participants of the control group also filled out the questionnaire at similar time. Results: The mean scores of maternal adaptation were significantly different between the two control groups (5th day and 14th day) and intervention (day 5: 136.88 ± 10.062 (P = .025); day 14: 151.93 ± 6 (P < .001)). Maternal role adaptation showed an upward trend in the two groups during the 14 days of study, but this trend was significantly higher in the intervention group over time, compared to the control group. Conclusion: Massage of premature infants facilitates the adaptation to maternal role. It is recommended, along with other nursing interventions, to empower mothers with premature neonates admitted to the NICU.

Clinical Impact of Thermotherapy and Spinal Twisting Massage on Chronic Non-Specific Spinal Pain.

As the prevalence of chronic non-specific spinal pain rises, the utilization of diverse massage devices for therapeutic intervention increases rapidly. However, research on their mechanisms, particularly those involving spinal twisting, is limited. This study was designed to evaluate the impact of heat application and spinal twisting massage techniques on individuals suffering from chronic non-specific spinal pain. A total of 36 individuals were divided into two groups: a control group (18 participants) and an experimental group (18 participants). The experimental group received heat treatment plus spinal twisting massage twice a week for four weeks, while the control group received heat therapy plus traditional vibration massage techniques. Effectiveness was measured using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), the Pressure Pain Threshold (PPT), the Korean Western Ontario and McMaster Universities (K-WOMAC) Index, spine tilt, and Cobb angle. VAS, K-WOMAC, and PPT significantly improved in both groups at all three time points. VAS notably decreased in the experimental group compared to the control group (p-value: 0.0369). Despite improvements in K-WOMAC and PPT scores within the experimental group, statistical significance remained elusive. Furthermore, spine tilt and Cobb angle showed no significant differences from baseline to the 6th week. In conclusion, the application of thermotherapy coupled with twisting massage demonstrates significant efficacy in mitigating chronic non-specific spinal pain, surpassing the pain-relief outcomes achieved through heat therapy in combination with standard vibration massage techniques.

Effects of perineal massage at different stages on perineal and postpartum pelvic floor function in primiparous women: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Perineal massage, as a preventive intervention, has been shown to reduce the risk of perineal injuries and may have a positive impact on pelvic floor function in the early postpartum period. However, there is still debate concerning the best period to apply perineal massage, which is either antenatal or in the second stage of labor, as well as its safety and effectiveness. Meta-analysis was used to evaluate the effect of implementing perineal massage in antenatal versus the second stage of labor on the prevention of perineal injuries during labor and early postpartum pelvic floor function in primiparous women. METHODS: We searched nine different electronic databases from inception to April 16, 2024. The randomized controlled trials (RCTs) we included assessed the effects of antenatal and second-stage labor perineal massage in primiparous women. All data were analyzed with Revman 5.3, Stata Statistical Software, and Risk of Bias 2 was used to assess the risk of bias. Subgroup analyses were performed based on the different periods of perineal massage. The primary outcomes were the incidence of perineal integrity and perineal injury. Secondary outcomes were perineal pain, duration of the second stage of labor, postpartum hemorrhage, urinary incontinence, fecal incontinence, and flatus incontinence. RESULTS: This review comprised a total of 10 studies that covered 1057 primigravid women. The results of the analysis showed that perineal massage during the second stage of labor reduced the perineal pain of primigravid women in the immediate postpartum period compared to the antenatal period, with a statistical value of (MD = -2.29, 95% CI [-2.53, -2.05], P < 0.001). Additionally, only the antenatal stage reported that perineal massage reduced fecal incontinence (P = 0.04) and flatus incontinence (P = 0.01) in primiparous women at three months postpartum, but had no significant effect on urinary incontinence in primiparous women at three months postpartum (P = 0.80). CONCLUSIONS: Reducing perineal injuries in primiparous women can be achieved by providing perineal massage both antenatally and during the second stage of labor. Pelvic floor function is improved in the postnatal phase by perineal massage during the antenatal stage. TRIAL REGISTRATION: CRD42023415996 (PROSPERO).

Comparing the Efficacy of Acupressure and Foot Reflexology on Sleep Quality in Patients With Leukemia: A Comparative Clinical Trial.

BACKGROUND: Among leukemia patients, sleep disruptions are prevalent and can profoundly affect their overall quality of life. Acupressure and foot reflexology, modalities rooted in traditional Chinese medicine, have garnered attention for their potential to address sleep disturbances and mitigate associated symptoms. METHODS: This research utilized a randomized controlled trial with a pretest-posttest design involving 102 leukemia patients admitted to Imam Khomeini Hospital in Urmia. Participants were randomly allocated to 3 groups: acupressure (n = 34), reflexology (n = 34), or control (n = 34). Prior to the intervention, patients completed a demographic survey and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) for baseline assessments. Acupressure involved stimulation of the SP6 point twice daily for 10 minutes over 4 weeks, while reflexology entailed daily 10-minute sessions with sweet almond oil on the soles for the same duration. The control group received standard care without additional interventions. Following the 4-week intervention period, post-intervention evaluations were conducted using identical measurement tools. RESULTS: The findings underscored the efficacy of both acupressure and foot reflexology in significantly improving sleep quality within the intervention groups (P < .001). Initially, there were no notable differences in sleep quality among the 3 groups (P > .05). Subsequently, pairwise comparisons adjusted with Bonferroni corrections revealed significant disparities in sleep quality between the acupressure and reflexology groups compared to the control group (P < .001). However, post-intervention analysis indicated no statistically significant variance in enhancing sleep quality between the acupressure and foot reflexology groups (P < .05). CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that acupressure and foot reflexology interventions can enhance sleep quality in individuals with leukemia. These findings support the effectiveness of these complementary modalities, offering targeted relief and relaxation. While these non-invasive therapies show promise in improving well-being, further research is needed to confirm and expand upon these results due to study limitations.

Effect of aromatic massage on brain waves and physiological indices of older adults.

BACKGROUND: Massage and aromatherapy are frequently used by older adults as alternative interventions to enhance immunity and induce relaxation. This pilot study evaluated the effect of massage therapy with oil and aromatherapy alone and in combination using objective biological indices. METHODS: Twenty-eight participants recruited by convenience sampling included adults aged between 25 and 65 years (Group 1), elderly individuals over 65 years without nursing care (Group 2), and older adults over 65 needing long-term nursing support (Group 3). A multiple-group pretest-post-test design was employed, and the effect among the three groups was compared. Interventions included: (i) oil massage therapy; (ii) aromatherapy; and (iii) aroma oil massage therapy. Each therapy session lasted 5 min, with 3 min of observation before and after the session and 10 min interval between sessions. Group 3 omitted one therapy (2: aromatherapy) to reduce their physical burden. An electroencephalogram (EEG) was recorded for α, ß, and θ activities of brain waves. EEG data were collected at three points: before, during, and after each treatment. Salivary secretory immunoglobulin A (s-IgA) concentration, oxygen saturation (SPO2), and pulse rate were measured before and after each session. RESULTS: Across all therapy modalities, there was a noticeable increase in the α wave, indicative of relaxation, during the treatment. Significant differences were observed before and during the oil massage in both Group 1 and Group 2. Aromatherapy demonstrated a significant difference before and during treatment in Group 1. Among the biological parameters, s-IgA levels indicated no significant changes. The pulse rate decreased with oil massage. Significant differences were noted before and after therapy in all cases for SPO2 and in Group 2 for pulse rate. CONCLUSIONS: Three therapies induced EEG and physiological changes in the adult group and older adults without nursing care. However, these effects are limited in older adults requiring nursing care.

Mothers' experience of infant massage in child health care: A qualitative interview study.

AIM: To investigate mothers' experience of infant massage. DESIGN: This was an exploratory-descriptive qualitative study based on individual interviews. METHODS: A qualitative interview study with an inductive approach was used according to the COREQ guidelines. The participants in the study were mothers (n = 11) residing in Sweden who received training in infant massage from the child health care nurse in the child health care services. The transcribed interviews were analysed using a qualitative content analysis. RESULTS: The collected material resulted in two categories and eight subcategories. The categories were learning infant massage and using infant massage as a tool. The eight subcategories were massaging in a parent group, massaging at home, massage movements and the child health care nurse's supporting hand, reading the child's signals, creating time and relaxation together, interaction and connection between the child and the parent, relief from stomach problems and anxiety and continuing to massage the older child. The study showed that mothers experienced that the relationship created through infant massage brought more joy, tenderness and security to the child. The child health care nurse had an important role in supporting the mothers, especially when it came to different views on doing infant massage at home and in groups. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: Mothers with experience of infant massage were interviewed.

Relationship between changes in muscle stiffness after a comfortable massage and the massage pressure.

INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to determine whether massage pressure on the target muscles (biceps brachii muscle [BB] and the medial head of the gastrocnemius muscle [MG]) is related to the massage effect (reducing muscle stiffness). METHOD: Nine healthy participants participated in this study. A physiotherapist massaged the upper arms and lower legs of participants on a rigid desk in a laboratory. Massage was delivered for 10 min with a 3-min rest. The shear modulus (i.e., the muscle stiffness), assessed by shear wave elastography, was measured at various time points (before [PRE], immediately after [POST], and 5 [POST-5], 10, 15, and 20 min after the massage). The massage pressure data (N) were obtained only during massage by force plate sensors. RESULTS: The BB shear modulus was significantly reduced POST massage. The MG shear modulus significantly reduced POST massage and remained clearly reduced until POST-5. There was a negative correlation between the total massage pressure and the % change in the shear modulus in both muscles. DISCUSSION: Since the spindle (BB) and pennate (MG) muscles have structural differences, our results suggest that these differences may affect the pattern of changes in the shear modulus in response to massage. CONCLUSION: Massage pressure is related to the massage effect (reducing muscle stiffness), and its relationships to POST are not related to the differences in the morphologies of the spindle (BB) and pennate muscles (MG). However, differences in the morphologies of the spindle and pennate muscles may cause differences in the duration of the massage effects.

[Acupuncture combined with tuina therapy for stiff neck with levator scapula injury type: a randomized controlled trial].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the clinical efficacy of acupuncture combined with tuina therapy for stiff neck with levator scapula injury type. METHODS: A total of 162 patients with stiff neck of levator scapula injury type were randomly divided into an acupuncture combined with tuina group (combined group, 52 patients), a tuina group (55 patients), and an acupuncture group (55 patients). The patients in the acupuncture group received acupuncture on the affected side's Houxi (SI 3), inserting the needle 10 to 20 mm towards Laogong (PC 8) with strong or moderate stimulation, and patients were instructed to move their neck, shoulders, and upper limbs during the process, with the needle retained for 2 to 3 min. The patients in the tuina group received strong stimulation pressing on tender points to release the starting and ending points of the trapezius muscle with modified techniques. The combined group first received tuina therapy, followed immediately by acupuncture treatment at the Houxi (SI 3). Treatments were administered every other day for a total of three sessions. Before treatment and on 1, 3, and 7 days after treatment, the simple McGill pain questionnaire (SF-MPQ) scores [including the pain rating index (PRI), visual analogue scale (VAS), and present pain intensity (PPI) scores] of the head, neck and shoulder, cervical spine mobility scores were observed, and the clinical efficacy and safety of each group were evaluated. RESULTS: On the 1, 3, and 7 days after treatment, the SF-MPQ, PRI, VAS, and PPI scores of the head, neck, and shoulder in all groups were significantly reduced (P<0.01). On the 1 and 3 days after treatment, the above scores in the combined group were lower than those in the tuina group and the acupuncture group (P<0.05, P<0.01). On the 7 days after treatment, the above scores in the combined group were lower than those in the acupuncture group (P<0.01). On the 3 days after treatment, the SF-MPQ, PRI, and VAS scores in the tuina group were lower than those in the acupuncture group (P<0.01). On the 7 days after treatment, the SF-MPQ, PRI, VAS, and PPI scores in the tuina group were lower than those in the acupuncture group (P<0.01, P<0.05). On the 1, 3, and 7 days after treatment, the cervical spine mobility scores in each group were decreased compared to those before treatment (P<0.01). On the 3 days after treatment, the cervical spine mobility score in the combined group was lower than that in the acupuncture group and the tuina group (P<0.01). On the 1, 3, and 7 days after treatment, the cured rate in the combined group was higher than that in the tuina group and the acupuncture group (P<0.01). During the treatment period, no serious adverse reactions occurred in any group. CONCLUSION: Acupuncture combined with tuina therapy could effectively improve stiff neck with levator scapula injury type, alleviate patient pain, restore cervical spine mobility, and clinically outperform both tuina and acupuncture therapy alone.

The investigation of effect on foot plantar massage on functional recovery in older adults with general surgery, randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: Foot massage is known to be effective on the emotional state (anxiety, depression, etc.) in the postoperative period. However, studies on its effect on functional level are insufficient. AIM: The study aimed to investigate the impact of foot plantar massage on functional recovery in older adults undergoing general surgery, employing a randomized clinical trial design. METHODS: A total of 70 older adults aged 65 years and above who underwent abdominal surgery were included. Various assessments were conducted, including pain levels (Visual Analogue Scale), fear of mobility (Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia), functional independence (Functional Independence Measure), balance (Berg Balance Scale), basic mobility (Rivermead Mobility Index), mental function status (Standardized Mini-Mental State Examination), and delirium (Nu-DESC). RESULTS: Statistically significant differences were observed in some assessment parameters within the groups during the 2nd and 3rd measurement times, with the intervention group demonstrating significant mean differences. DISCUSSIONS: The literature underscores the increase in kinesiophobia scores post-general/abdominal surgery in older adults, emphasizing the importance of evaluating functional level and kinesiophobia to expedite discharge processes and potentially plan early post-discharge rehabilitation to mitigate readmissions for functional reasons. CONCLUSIONS: Ultimately, foot massage was found to be effective in reducing kinesiophobia, improving balance, mobility, daily living skills, and mental status in older adults post-abdominal surgery, thereby advocating for the facilitation of post-discharge rehabilitation programs or the reduction of readmission rates. THE CLINICAL TRIALS NUMBER: NCT05534490.

Massage for rehabilitation after total knee arthroplasty: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of massage for postoperative rehabilitation after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). DATA SOURCES: The PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) databases were systematically searched from inception to May 2024. STUDY SELECTION: Any randomized controlled trials on the use of massage for postoperative TKA rehabilitation were included. DATA EXTRACTION: A meta-analysis of outcomes, including postoperative pain, knee range of motion (ROM), postoperative D-dimer levels, and length of hospital stay, was performed. The Cochrane Risk of Bias Assessment Tool was used to assess the risk of bias, and the data for each included study were extracted independently by two researchers. DATA SYNTHESIS: Eleven randomized controlled clinical trials with 940 subjects were included. The results showed that compared with the control group, the massage group experienced more significant pain relief on the 7th, 14th and 21st days after the operation. Moreover, the improvement in knee ROM was more pronounced on postoperative days 7 and 14. In addition, the massage group reported fewer adverse events. However, there was no statistically significant difference in the reduction in postoperative D-dimer levels between the patients and controls. Subgroup analysis revealed that massage shortened the length of hospital stay for postoperative patients in China but not significantly for patients in other regions. Nevertheless, the heterogeneity of the studies was large. CONCLUSIONS: Increased massage treatment was more effective at alleviating pain and improving knee ROM in early post-TKA patients. However, massage did not perform better in reducing D-dimer levels in patients after TKA. Based on the current evidence, massage can be used as an adjunctive treatment for rehabilitation after TKA.

The Effect of Abdominal Massage on Bilirubin Levels in Term Infants Receiving Phototherapy: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: The incidence of neonatal hyperbilirubinemia in Europe and the United States is estimated to be 3.2 and 4.4 per 10,000 live births, respectively. Abdominal massage for hyperbilirubinemia is considered a safe complementary treatment for infants that may increase number of defecations and decrease bilirubin levels. PURPOSE: This study was designed as a randomized controlled trial to determine the effect of abdominal massage on bilirubin levels in term infants receiving phototherapy. METHODS: The sample consisted of 43 term newborns (intervention group: 23; control group: 20) who received phototherapy in a university hospital between June 2019 and February 2021. Information and observation forms were used for data collection. The intervention group received 6 abdominal massages over 2 days, performed 3 times a day, 6 hours apart, and lasting 5 minutes each. RESULTS: Transcutaneous bilirubin levels and heart rate were significantly lower in the intervention group than in the control group at 48 hours (P = .015 and P = .033, respectively). Number of defecations was higher in the intervention group at 24 hours (P = .007) but there was no significant difference at 48 hours. The decrease in serum bilirubin between 24 and 48 hours was significantly greater in the intervention group (P = .005). IMPLICATION FOR PRACTICE AND RESEARCH: Abdominal massage was effective in reducing bilirubin levels and may increase the number of defecations. Providing massage training to the parents of infants who are discharged early could be a protective approach to prevent the rise in bilirubin levels.

The effect of uterine massage and number of embryo flushing attempts on embryo recovery in mares.

The aims of this study were to determine the effect of the embryo flushing technique and the number of flushing attempts performed by operators of different experience on embryo recovery (ER). Ten non-lactating mares were inseminated with the same stallion in six cycles each (n = 60). Embryo flushing (EF) was performed 7-9 days after ovulation by three operators (OP; 20 EF cycles each): OP1 had performed >500 EF before the study, while OP2 and 3 had performed 0 EF. Each EF was performed with 2 flushing attempts (FA) using 1L of ringer's lactate "in-and-out" using two EF techniques: 1) uterine massage (UM): continuous ballottement and massage of the uterus per rectum during ringer lactate recovery, 2) gravity flow (GF): the ringer lactate was allowed to flow back without massaging the uterus. In both groups, 20 IU of oxytocin were administered at the second FA and the ringer lactate was allowed to remain in the uterus for 3 min before recovery. An extra FA was performed in each group using 0.5 L of ringer lactate and uterine massage. More embryos (P < 0.05) per ovulation were recovered in the UM (17/33, 0.51) than in the GF group (8/36, 0.22). For the UM group, 16/17 embryos (94.1 %) were recovered in the first FA, while only one embryo in the second FA (1/17, 5.9 %). In the GF group, 4 embryos were recovered in each FA. No embryo was found in the extra FA in the UM group, while seven additional embryos were found in the GF group (5/7 flushed by OP1; P < 0.05). The overall ER per cycle was 70, 40, and 45 % for OP1, 2 and 3, respectively. In conclusion, highest embryo recovery is achieved in EF performed with UM, with the majority of embryos being flushed in the first FA.

Ergonomic interventions to reduce upper limb musculoskeletal pain during robotic surgery: a narrative review.

There is a high prevalence of upper limb musculoskeletal pain among robotic surgeons. Poor upper limb ergonomic positioning during robotic surgery occurs when the shoulders are abducted, and the elbows are lifted off the console armrest. The validated rapid upper limb assessment can quantify ergonomic efficacy. Surface electromyography and hand dynamometer assessment of strength are the most common methods to assess muscle fatigue. A literature review was performed to find evidence of ergonomic interventions which reduce upper limb musculoskeletal pain during robotic surgery. There is a paucity of studies which have reported on this topic. In other occupations, there is strong evidence for the use of resistance training to prevent upper extremity pain. Use of forearm compression sleeves, stretching, and massage may help reduce forearm fatigue. Microbreaks with targeted stretching, active ergonomic training, improved use of armrest, and optimal hand controller design have been shown to reduce upper limb musculoskeletal pain. Future studies should assess which interventions are beneficial in reducing surgeon upper limb pain during robotic surgery.

The effect of massage on patients with chronic fatigue syndrome: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a long-term and complex chronic disease that seriously affects the physical and mental health and quality of life of patients. Massage, as one of the methods in traditional Chinese medicine, can treat both symptoms and root causes and is widely used to treat CFS. The main purpose is to systematically evaluate the impact of massage therapy on the efficacy and safety of CFS patients, providing a reference for clinical practice. METHODS: By searching for literature published in PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Embase, Wanfang Database, VIP Database, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure Database until November 2023, randomized controlled trial studies were selected according to the established inclusion and exclusion criteria. The Cochrane system evaluation manual was used to evaluate the quality of the included studies, and RevMan5.4 software was used for meta-analysis. RESULTS: 32 randomized controlled trials were included, with a total of 2594 CFS patients. Meta-analysis showed that the total score of the fatigue scale (FS-14) in the treatment group, MD = -1.59, 95% CI (-1.84, -1.34), P < .00001; Physical fatigue score, MD = -1.30, 95% CI (-1.60, -1.00), P < .00001; Mental fatigue score, MD = -0.84, 95% CI (-0.99, -0.72), P < .0001]; Effective rate [RR = 1.23, 95% CI (1.19,1.28), P < .00001]; all indicators were superior to the control group, Only one study reported adverse reactions, including local swelling, skin bruising, and nausea. CONCLUSION: Our research findings suggest that massage therapy has a significant therapeutic effect on CFS, avoiding adverse reactions and improving fatigue symptoms. Therefore, massage therapy for chronic fatigue syndrome should be further promoted and applied.

Muscle preservation in proximal nerve injuries: a current update.

Optimal recovery of muscle function after proximal nerve injuries remains a complex and challenging problem. After a nerve injury, alterations in the affected muscles lead to atrophy, and later degeneration and replacement by fat-fibrous tissues. At present, several different strategies for the preservation of skeletal muscle have been reported, including various sets of physical exercises, muscle massage, physical methods (e.g. electrical stimulation, magnetic field and laser stimulation, low-intensity pulsed ultrasound), medicines (e.g. nutrients, natural and chemical agents, anti-inflammatory and antioxidants, hormones, enzymes and enzyme inhibitors), regenerative medicine (e.g. growth factors, stem cells and microbiota) and surgical procedures (e.g. supercharge end-to-side neurotization). The present review will focus on methods that aimed to minimize the damage to muscles after denervation based on our present knowledge.

Comparison of local massage, steroid injection, and extracorporeal shock wave therapy efficacy in the treatment of lateral epicondylitis.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to compare the clinical outcomes of patients with lateral epicondylitis (LE) treated with local massage, corticosteroid (CS) injection, and extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT). PATIENTS AND METHODS: This randomized prospective study included 52 patients. Patients treated with local massage in Group 1 (n=17; 9 males, 8 females; mean age: 46.1±10.9 years; range, 27 to 64 years), CS injection in Group 2 (n=17; 7 males, 10 females; mean age: 46.0±8.8 years; range, 28 to 63 years), and ESWT in Group 3 (n=18; 12 males, 6 females; mean age: 46.7±11.3 years; range, 28 to 68 years) for LE were evaluated between March 2021 and June 2022. Clinical outcomes were assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH), and DASH-Work Model (DASH-WM) scoring systems at the initial examination at the beginning of the study and at two-week, three-month, and six-month follow-up controls. RESULTS: Similar results were observed between VAS, DASH, and DASH-WM scores measured during LE diagnosis. In the first two weeks of follow-up, statistically significant decreases were observed in VAS, DASH, and DASH-WM scores in all three groups. Compared to baseline values, Group 1 and 2 had significant difference in VAS and DASH scores at three months. Group 3 had a significant difference in all clinical evaluation scores. At six months, no significant difference was observed in Groups 1 and 2 in any of the scoring systems, while Group 3 showed significant improvements in all scoring systems. CONCLUSION: Treatment with ESWT was superior to other treatments throughout the study and at the final follow-up. In patients receiving CS injections, the clinical outcomes worsened with time, evidenced by the six-month follow-up. Further studies on combined treatment modalities are needed on this subject.

Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo After Use of Handheld Massage Gun.

This report describes 2 cases of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo symptoms in middle-aged patients who experienced onset after using a handheld massage gun.