Therapeutic massage in older persons: research issues

Area of Science:

• Nursing Science
• Complementary and Alternative Medicine

Background:

• Holistic nursing interventions are gaining recognition.
• Therapeutic massage is experiencing a revival as a safe, inexpensive health and healing modality.
• Massage enhances relaxation, contributing to overall well-being.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review existing research on therapeutic massage in older populations.
• To identify theoretical frameworks, designs, outcome variables, sample characteristics, procedures, instruments, analyses, and results of prior studies.
• To establish a scientific basis for future therapeutic massage research.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review of therapeutic massage research focusing on older adults.
• Analysis of study components including theoretical framework, design, and outcome variables.
• Examination of sample characteristics, massage procedures, instruments, and statistical analyses.

Main Results:

• Prior research on therapeutic massage in older adults has varied in its methodological rigor.
• Inconsistencies were found in the definition and application of massage protocols across studies.
• A need for standardized research methodologies was identified.

Conclusions:

• Standardized research is crucial for establishing therapeutic massage as a scientifically-backed nursing intervention.
• Future studies must clearly define massage types, body parts, duration, and control for pre-massage variable levels.
• Research should prioritize variables with significant health impacts, such as agitation, immune status, and pain.