The Impact of Massage on Pain and Vital Signs Following Cardiovascular Surgery in Pediatric Patients.
Engin Turan, Mensure Turan, Gülay Manav et al.
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In 30 seconds
This randomized controlled study assessed classical massage for postoperative pain and vital signs in 86 children recovering from cardiovascular surgery. Before the intervention, mean scores were statistically similar between the massage and control groups. At post-test, the groups differed significantly in mean pain scores, heart rate, and oxygen saturation. The authors report lower postoperative pain with massage and favorable effects on oxygen saturation, respiratory rate, heart rate, and systolic blood pressure. The abstract does not provide numerical effect sizes or the magnitude of these changes.
Key findings
- At post-test, mean pain scores differed significantly between the massage and control groups; the massage group had lower postoperative pain.
- Post-test heart rate and oxygen saturation differed significantly between groups.
- The authors also report favorable effects of massage on respiratory rate and systolic blood pressure.
Why it matters
Postoperative pain management in children is an important part of recovery after cardiovascular surgery. This trial suggests that classical massage may be associated with reduced pain and changes in several vital signs, making it a potential supportive approach to evaluate alongside usual postoperative care. The abstract does not quantify the size of the effects.
What to keep in mind
The abstract reports no numerical effect sizes and does not specify follow-up duration or whether outcomes were assessed beyond the post-test measurement.