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Effect of Classical Hand Massage on Pain in Patients Undergoing Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery: Randomized
Öykü Kara1, Seher Deniz Öztekin2, Nihan Yapıcı3
1Department of Surgical Nursing, Florence Nightingale Faculty of Nursing, Istanbul University-Cerrahpaşa, Istanbul, Türkiye.
Insights
Classical hand massage effectively reduced postoperative pain and improved physiological stability in patients after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery. This nonpharmacological approach offers a safe option for pain management in CABG patients.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Surgery
- Pain Management
- Nonpharmacological Interventions
Background:
- Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is a common procedure associated with significant postoperative pain.
- Effective, nonpharmacological strategies are needed for pain management and physiological stability post-CABG.
- This study investigated the impact of classical hand massage on pain and vital signs in CABG patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effect of classical hand massage on postoperative pain intensity.
- To assess the impact of hand massage on physiological parameters (blood pressure, pulse, respiratory rate, oxygen saturation).
- To determine the safety and efficacy of hand massage as an adjunct therapy in CABG recovery.
Main Methods:
- A single-blind randomized controlled trial involving 80 patients undergoing CABG.
- The intervention group received 30 minutes of classic hand massage, while the control group received routine care.
- Pain was measured using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS); physiological parameters were recorded at multiple time points.
Main Results:
- Classical hand massage significantly reduced sternotomy and drain pain compared to routine care.
- Systolic and diastolic blood pressure decreased, and respiratory rate lowered with increased oxygen saturation post-massage.
- No significant differences were observed in back/leg-incision pain or pulse rate; no adverse events were reported.
Conclusions:
- Hand massage demonstrated significant pain reduction and favorable physiological effects in CABG patients.
- The intervention appears safe and effective for managing postoperative pain and improving stability.
- Further multicenter studies with larger sample sizes are recommended to confirm these findings and enhance generalizability.
Introduction:
Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is one of the most common major surgical procedures, and patients often experience severe postoperative pain. Effective, safe, and nonpharmacological strategies are needed to support pain management and physiological stability after CABG. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of classical hand massage on postoperative pain and physiological parameters in patients undergoing CABG surgery.
Methods:
This single-blind randomized controlled trial study was conducted with 80 patients in the cardiovascular surgery intensive care unit. The intervention group received 30 min of classic hand massage (15 min per hand) in addition to routine care, while the control group received routine care alone. The primary outcome was postoperative pain intensity measured using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS). Secondary outcomes included systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, pulse rate, respiratory rate, and oxygen saturation. These outcomes were assessed before the intervention (T0) and at 5, 30, 60, 90, and 120 min thereafter (T1-T5), and between-group differences were evaluated at a significance level of p < 0.05.
Results:
Classic hand massage significantly reduced sternotomy pain at all follow-up times (2.30-3.50 vs. 5.37-6.20; p < 0.001). Drain pain was also lower at 5 min (2.07 ± 0.64 vs. 3.94 ± 1.25) and 30 min (2.07 ± 0.64 vs. 4.11 ± 1.32) (p < 0.001). Back and leg-incision pain showed no between-group differences (p > 0.05). Systolic blood pressure was lower at 30 and 60 min (p = 0.012; p = 0.037), and diastolic blood pressure at 5 and 30 min (p = 0.015; p = 0.018). Respiratory rate decreased and oxygen saturation increased at all times (p < 0.001). Pulse rate did not differ (p > 0.05). No patient requested analgesics. No adverse events or intervention-related harms were observed during the study period.
Conclusion:
Hand massage was associated with lower pain scores and favorable physiological responses in patients undergoing CABG surgery. Nevertheless, further multicenter studies with larger sample sizes are needed to strengthen the evidence base and support the generalizability of these findings.
