Effects of therapeutic massage on the quality of life among patients with breast cancer during treatment.
OBJECTIVE
Therapeutic massage has demonstrated positive physical and emotional benefits to offset the effects of treatments associated with breast cancer. The goal of this study was to assess the impact of therapeutic massage on the quality of life of patients undergoing treatment for breast cancer.


METHODS
Using a pre/post intervention assessment design, this prospective, convenience sample pilot study measured anxiety, pain, nausea, sleep quality, and quality of life. Treatment consisted of one 30-minute treatment per week for 3 consecutive weeks.


METHODS
Instruments selected for this study were used in previous massage therapy studies to measure quality of life/health status and have documented validity and reliability.


RESULTS
Participants experienced a reduction in several quality of life symptom concerns after only 3 weeks of massage therapy. Respondents' cumulative pre- and post-massage mean for state anxiety, sleep quality, and quality of life/functioning showed significant improvement. Among study participants, there was variability in reported episodes of nausea, vomiting, and retching; although participants reported decreased pain and distress, changes were non-significant.


CONCLUSIONS
Therapeutic massage shows potential benefits for ameliorating the effects of breast cancer treatment by reducing side affects of chemotherapy and radiation and improving perceived quality of life and overall functioning.
Sturgeon
Michele
M
Integrative Therapies Inc., Wichita, KS, USA.
Wetta-Hall
Ruth
R
Hart
Traci
T
Good
Marge
M
Dakhil
Shaker
S
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects; D001007:Anxiety / Q000628:therapy; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008405:Massage; D008875:Middle Aged; D009325:Nausea / Q000628:therapy; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011788:Quality of Life; D011878:Radiotherapy / Q000009:adverse effects; D012893:Sleep Wake Disorders / Q000628:therapy; D014839:Vomiting / Q000628:therapy
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents