Natalie A Williams1, Judith M Burnfield2, Kayla Wolf3, Thad Buster2. 1. Department of Child, Youth and Family Studies, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, USA. Electronic address: nwilliams17@unl.edu. 2. Institute of Rehabilitation Science and Engineering, Madonna Rehabilitation Hospital, Lincoln, NE, USA. 3. Department of Child, Youth and Family Studies, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, USA.
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: A massage therapy program was implemented to address the psychological well-being of family caregivers to patients in a rehabilitation hospital. The impact of massage "dosage" on caregiver stress and psychological well-being was examined in this study. Participants' perspectives on the program were also explored. MATERIALS AND METHODS:Thirty-eight family caregivers were randomized to receive either one massage per week or three massages per week for two weeks. Caregivers reported psychological symptoms and stress pre- and post-program. Program acceptability was assessed via responses on an exit survey. RESULTS: Overall, 79% of massages were received (89% among program completers). Post-program symptom scores were lower than baseline scores for both groups (F (1, 31) = 8.74 - 24.50, P < 0.01). Exit surveys indicated high program acceptability and perceived benefits. CONCLUSION: Findings suggest that massage services would be welcomed, utilized, and beneficial for improving the psychological well-being of family caregivers in a rehabilitation hospital.
RCT Entities:
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: A massage therapy program was implemented to address the psychological well-being of family caregivers to patients in a rehabilitation hospital. The impact of massage "dosage" on caregiver stress and psychological well-being was examined in this study. Participants' perspectives on the program were also explored. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-eight family caregivers were randomized to receive either one massage per week or three massages per week for two weeks. Caregivers reported psychological symptoms and stress pre- and post-program. Program acceptability was assessed via responses on an exit survey. RESULTS: Overall, 79% of massages were received (89% among program completers). Post-program symptom scores were lower than baseline scores for both groups (F (1, 31) = 8.74 - 24.50, P < 0.01). Exit surveys indicated high program acceptability and perceived benefits. CONCLUSION: Findings suggest that massage services would be welcomed, utilized, and beneficial for improving the psychological well-being of family caregivers in a rehabilitation hospital.
Authors: Joanna Szczepańska-Gieracha; Lilianna Jaworska-Burzyńska; Krystyna Boroń-Krupińska; Joanna Kowalska Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2020-12-08 Impact factor: 3.390