title: Massage therapy in post-operative rehabilitation of children and adolescents with cerebral palsy - a pilot study.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of this pilot study was to explore the use of massage therapy in children with cerebral palsy undergoing post-operative rehabilitation.
  
  
  METHODS
  Three participants were randomized to massage therapy and another three participants to rest. All children had undergone surgery in one or two lower limbs. Pain, wellbeing, sleep quality, heart rate and qualitative data were collected for each child.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The scores of pain intensity and discomfort were low in all participants. Heart rate decreased in participants who were randomized to rest, but no change was found in the massage therapy group.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The lack of decrease in heart rate in the study group of massage therapy may imply an increased sensitivity to touch in the post-operative setting. Further research with larger study populations are needed to evaluate how and when massage therapy is useful for children with cerebral palsy.
authors: Department of Paediatric Anaesthesia and Intensive Care Unit, The Queen Silvia Children's Hospital, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Göteborg, Sweden. stefan.r.nilsson@vgregion.se
authors: Stefan
authors: S
authors: Nilsson
authors: Gunilla
authors: G
authors: Johansson
authors: Karin
authors: K
authors: Enskär
authors: Kate
authors: K
authors: Himmelmann
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D002547:Cerebral Palsy / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000534:rehabilitation / Q000601:surgery; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D006339:Heart Rate; D006801:Humans; D008405:Massage; D010146:Pain / Q000209:etiology*; D059408:Pain Management; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011182:Postoperative Care / Q000379:methods*; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D012146:Rest