title: Massage in patients undergoing intensive chemotherapy reduces serum cortisol and prolactin.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The objective is to identify whether single 20 min massage sessions were safe and effective in reducing stress levels of isolated haematological oncology patients.
  
  
  METHODS
  Based on a randomised controlled trial, 39 patients were randomised to aromatherapy, massage or rest (control) arm.
  
  
  METHODS
  The measures were serum cortisol and prolactin levels, quality of life (EORTC QLQ-C30) and semi-structured interviews. Primary outcome measure was the fall in serum cortisol levels.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A significant difference was seen between arms in cortisol (P=0.002) and prolactin (p=0.031) levels from baseline to 30 min post-session. Aromatherapy and massage arms showed a significantly greater drop in cortisol than the rest arm. Only the massage arm had a significantly greater reduction in prolactin then the rest arm. The EORTC QLQ-C30 showed a significant reduction in 'need for rest' for patients in both experimental arms compared with the control arm, whereas the semi-structured interviews identified a universal feeling of relaxation in patients in the experimental arms.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This pilot study demonstrated that in isolated haematological oncology patients, a significant reduction in cortisol could be safely achieved through massage, with associated improvement in psychological well-being. The implications are discussed.
authors.affiliation: Haematology and Transplant Unit, Christie Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK. jacqui.stringer@christie.nhs.uk
authors.forename: Jacqui
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Stringer
authors.forename: Ric
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Swindell
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Dennis
mesh_terms: D019341:Aromatherapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006854:Hydrocortisone / Q000097:blood*; D007938:Leukemia / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000453:epidemiology*; D008297:Male; D008405:Massage; D008875:Middle Aged; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011388:Prolactin / Q000097:blood*; D011788:Quality of Life / Q000523:psychology; D012146:Rest; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
chemical_list: D011388:Prolactin; D006854:Hydrocortisone