The effects of back massage before diagnostic cardiac catheterization.
BACKGROUND
Admission to the hospital for a diagnostic cardiac catheterization can be perceived as a threat to one's health status. Autonomic nervous system arousal, particularly the sympathetic division, can elicit negative physiological and psychological human responses as a reaction to this threat.


OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to measure the effects of a 20-minute back massage on the physiological and psychological human responses of patients admitted for a diagnostic cardiac catheterization.


METHODS
A randomized clinical trial design was used. Data were compared in a repeated measures design before massage (T1), immediately following the back massage or standard care (T2), and 10 minutes later (T3).


METHODS
A large urban academic medical center.


METHODS
Forty-six subjects admitted from home for a diagnostic cardiac catheterization.


METHODS
Heart rate, heart rate variability, blood pressure, respiration, peripheral skin temperature, pain perception, and psychological state.


METHODS
A 20-minute back massage.


RESULTS
There was a significant difference between subject effect for group, with a reduction in systolic blood pressure in the treatment group (F = 8.6, P < .05). In addition, main effects were noted for time for diastolic blood pressure (F = 5.44; P < .006), respiration (F = 10.6; P < .005), total Profile of Mood States score (F = 5.9; P < .001) and pain perception (F = 4.09; P < .04) in both groups.


CONCLUSIONS
A 20-minute back massage appeared to reduce systolic blood pressure in patients awaiting a diagnostic cardiac catheterization, while preparatory time in the cardiac catheterization laboratory appeared to reduce diastolic blood pressure, respiration, perceived psychological distress, and pain.
McNamara
Mary Ellen
ME
Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, USA.
Burnham
Diann C
DC
Smith
Christine
C
Carroll
Diane L
DL
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000368:Aged; D001007:Anxiety / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D001415:Back; D001794:Blood Pressure; D001831:Body Temperature; D006328:Cardiac Catheterization / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000523:psychology*; D006339:Heart Rate; D006801:Humans; D016014:Linear Models; D008405:Massage / Q000379:methods; D008875:Middle Aged; D010147:Pain Measurement; D012119:Respiration; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome