Effect of therapeutic massage on pain in patients with dementia. (January 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kapoor, Yamini; Orr, Robin
• Is Part Of: Dementia. Volume 16:Number 1(2017)
• Page Start: 119
• Page End: 125
• Publication Date: 2017-01
• Subjects: chronic pain -- dementia -- massage -- pain -- PAINAD; Psychiatric social work -- Periodicals; Social work with older people -- Periodicals; Dementia -- Periodicals; 362.19683005
• DOI: 10.1177/1471301215583391
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1471-3012

Abstract

Introduction: The aim was to investigate whether therapeutic massage was effective in relieving pain in elderly residents with dementia. Methods: A randomized controlled study was conducted in an aged care facility. Ten participants with dementia or advanced dementia were allocated to an intervention group or a control group. The intervention group received 10 min of massage (effleurage, kneading, and trigger point therapy) four times per week for 4 weeks. The Pain Assessment in Advanced Dementia scale was used as the outcome measure. Results: No significant changes in mean outcome measure scores were found post intervention (Intervention mean = 5.0 ± 3.49; Control mean = 5.2 ± 3.49: t (8) = 0.09, p = 0.93). However, the Intervention Group had a greater magnitude of change (1.200 ± 1.78) when compared to the control group (0.800 ± 2.16). Conclusion: Therapeutic massage may provide a useful adjunct to the current pain management plan of patients with dementia.