Abstract:PurposeTo study the efficacy of traditional Thai massage (TTM) versus conventional physical therapy (PT) programs in treating muscle spasticity, functional ability, anxiety, depression, and quality of life (QoL) in Thai stroke patients.MethodsThis randomized controlled trial with a blinded assessor was carried out at the Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Siriraj Hospital (Bangkok, Thailand). The study included 50 stroke (onset ≥3 months) outpatients experiencing spasticity at the elbow or knee muscles at … Show more
“…The main treatments of stress include psychiatric treatment and pharmacotherapy. Another choice that has been suggested to reduce stress is massage [ 16 , 17 ]. Traditional Thai massage (TTM) is an alternative treatment using the thumbs to apply deep massage, often combined with muscle stretching at the end of the session.…”
BackgroundStress can cause psychological and physiological changes. Many studies revealed that massage can decrease stress. However, traditional Thai massage has not been well researched in this regard. The purpose of this study was to investigate the immediate effects of traditional Thai massage (TTM) on salivary alpha-amylase levels (sAA), heart rate variability (HRV), autonomic nervous system (ANS) function, and plasma renin activity (PRA).Material/MethodsTwenty-nine healthy participants were randomly allocated into either a traditional Thai massage (TTM) group or Control (C) group, after which they were switched to the other group with a 2-week wash-out period. Each of them was given a 10-minute mental arithmetic test to induce psychological stress before a 1-hour session of TTM or rest.ResultsWithin-groups comparison revealed that sAA was significantly decreased (p<0.05) in the TTM group but not in the C group. HRV and ANS function were significantly increased (p<0.05) and PRA was significantly decreased (p<0.05) in both groups. However, low frequency per high frequency ratio (LF/HF ratio) and ANS balance status were not changed. Only sAA was found to be significantly different between groups (p<0.05).ConclusionsWe conclude that both TTM and rest can reduce psychological stress, as indicated by decreased sAA levels, increased parasympathetic activity, decreased sympathetic activity, and decreased PRA. However, TTM may have a modest effect on stress reduction as indicated by a reduced sAA.
“…The main treatments of stress include psychiatric treatment and pharmacotherapy. Another choice that has been suggested to reduce stress is massage [ 16 , 17 ]. Traditional Thai massage (TTM) is an alternative treatment using the thumbs to apply deep massage, often combined with muscle stretching at the end of the session.…”
BackgroundStress can cause psychological and physiological changes. Many studies revealed that massage can decrease stress. However, traditional Thai massage has not been well researched in this regard. The purpose of this study was to investigate the immediate effects of traditional Thai massage (TTM) on salivary alpha-amylase levels (sAA), heart rate variability (HRV), autonomic nervous system (ANS) function, and plasma renin activity (PRA).Material/MethodsTwenty-nine healthy participants were randomly allocated into either a traditional Thai massage (TTM) group or Control (C) group, after which they were switched to the other group with a 2-week wash-out period. Each of them was given a 10-minute mental arithmetic test to induce psychological stress before a 1-hour session of TTM or rest.ResultsWithin-groups comparison revealed that sAA was significantly decreased (p<0.05) in the TTM group but not in the C group. HRV and ANS function were significantly increased (p<0.05) and PRA was significantly decreased (p<0.05) in both groups. However, low frequency per high frequency ratio (LF/HF ratio) and ANS balance status were not changed. Only sAA was found to be significantly different between groups (p<0.05).ConclusionsWe conclude that both TTM and rest can reduce psychological stress, as indicated by decreased sAA levels, increased parasympathetic activity, decreased sympathetic activity, and decreased PRA. However, TTM may have a modest effect on stress reduction as indicated by a reduced sAA.
Objective: To assess the effect of therapeutic massage for improving sequelae in stroke survivors. Methods: A systematic review of the nine medical databases from January 1961 to December 2020 was carried out. The bibliography was screened to identify randomized controlled clinical trials (RCTs). Two reviewers independently screened references, selected relevant studies, extracted data and assessed the risk of bias using the PEDro scale. The primary outcome was upper and lower limb motor function and spasticity. Results: A total of 3196 studies were identified and 18 RCT were finally included (1989 individuals). A meta-analysis of RCTs in the comparison of Chinese massage (Tuina) plus conventional physiotherapy versus conventional physiotherapy was performed. The mean difference (MD) in the subacute stage on upper limb motor-function using the Fugl Meyer Assessment was 2.75; (95% confidence interval (CI) from 0.97 to 4.53, p = 0.002, I2 = 36%). The MD on upper limb spasticity using modified Ashworth scale was −0.15; (95% CI from −0.24 to −0.06, p < 0.02, I2 = 0%).The MD on lower limb spasticity was −0.59; (95% CI from −0.78 to −0.40, p < 0.001, I2 = 0%) in the endpoint. Conclusions: Therapeutic massage, especially Tuina, in addition to conventional therapy is effective for improving motor function and for reducing spasticity in stroke survivors.
“…14 It has also been found that traditional Thai massage can decrease spasticity, increase functional ability, and improve post-stroke quality of life. 15 …”
Stroke is a life changing experience. Current treatments focus on treating the condition, rather than the whole person. The goal of this report is to communicate the benefits of a holistic approach to the treatment and recovery of stroke. Our intent is to begin a conversation to transform our approach to stroke care to focus on the whole person, body, mind and spirit.
Wellness approaches are fiscally responsible ways of providing holistic care for patients and their family members to help them achieve optimal individualized recovery. Very few multidimensional programs for wellness exist for stroke and brain injury patients. Given the changes in healthcare and the call to action set forth in the Institute of Medicine's 2010 report, it would behoove us to consider holistic approaches to stroke care and research programs.
Nurses are uniquely positioned to implement multidisciplinary, innovative holistic approaches to address solutions for issues in stroke care. Wellness is a critically important area of stroke care and an opportunity for research. As both patient advocates and nurses with personal experiences, we hope this commentary stimulates conversation around developing and testing multi-dimensional holistic programs of wellness for stroke prevention, treatment, and recovery.
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