The Effect of Thai Massages on General Health of Hemodialysis Patients: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of Thai massages on the general health of hemodialysis (HD) patients.

In this clinical trial, 80 patients undergoing HD were randomly assigned to intervention and control groups. Before study, the two groups completed sociodemographic and general health questionnaire (GHQ‑28) questionnaires. The control group received routine care for HD patients. In the intervention group, 60‑min Thai massages were performed three times a week for 4 weeks. Immediately and 1 month after the last session of the intervention, the GHQ‑28 questionnaire was completed by the two groups.

There was no significant difference between the mean scores of general health in the two groups before the intervention (P > 0.05). But, immediately after and 1 month after the last session of the intervention, there were significant differences between the two groups in the total scores of general health and the scores of physical symptoms and anxiety subscales (P < 0.05). In the intervention group, the repeated measures ANOVA test showed significant differences between the total scores of general health as well as physical symptoms and anxiety subscales over time (P < 0.001).

A Thai massage can be considered as an effective alternative for improving HD patients’ general health as well as reducing physical symptoms and anxiety.