title: Effect of therapeutic massage on pain in patients with dementia.
abstract: Introduction The aim was to investigate whether therapeutic massage was effective in relieving pain in elderly residents with dementia. Methods A randomized controlled study was conducted in an aged care facility. Ten participants with dementia or advanced dementia were allocated to an intervention group or a control group. The intervention group received 10 min of massage (effleurage, kneading, and trigger point therapy) four times per week for 4 weeks. The Pain Assessment in Advanced Dementia scale was used as the outcome measure. Results No significant changes in mean outcome measure scores were found post intervention (Intervention mean = 5.0 ± 3.49; Control mean = 5.2 ± 3.49: t(8) = 0.09, p = 0.93). However, the Intervention Group had a greater magnitude of change (1.200 ± 1.78) when compared to the control group (0.800 ± 2.16). Conclusion Therapeutic massage may provide a useful adjunct to the current pain management plan of patients with dementia.
authors.affiliation: Bond Institute of Health and Sport, Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine, Bond University, Australia.
authors.forename: Yamini
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Kapoor
authors.affiliation: Bond Institute of Health and Sport, Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine, Bond University, Australia.
authors.forename: Robin
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Orr
keywords: PAINAD; chronic pain; dementia; massage; pain