The effectiveness of massage on peri-operative anxiety in adults: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials and controlled clinical trials. (November 2020) - Guo, Ping-Ping
Abstract: Background and purpose: and purpose: Massage has gained increasing attention for reducing peri-operative anxiety. We aimed to investigate the effectiveness of massage for peri-operative anxiety in adults. Methods: Six English electronic databases were comprehensively searched from their inception to February 2020. Subgroup analysis, quality assessment, sensitivity analysis, meta-regression and publication bias assessment were performed. Results: Twenty-five controlled trials comprising 2494 participants were included. The meta-analysis indicated that massage could significantly reduce peri-operative anxiety for most types of surgical patients. Specifically, it was effective for pre-, intra- and post-operative anxiety. Acupoint or specific body reflex area massage showed a larger effect than general massage did. Massage delivered by professionals and non-professionals were both effective. Massage lasting 10–20 min per session was the most worthy of recommendation. Massage was concomitant with the improvement of peri-operative vital signs and post-operative pain. Conclusion: Massage is a promising complementary therapy for ameliorating peri-operative anxiety in adults. Highlights: Massage has been used to reduce peri-operative anxiety, but the effectiveness of this intervention remains uncertain. The pooled evidence from this meta-analysis supports the use of massage to reduce peri-operative anxiety in adults. Acupoint or specific reflex area massage lasting of 10–20 min per session is the most effective for peri-operative anxiety.