The Effect of Combined Massage Therapy for Children with Asthma on Maternal Anxiety: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Asthma is the most common chronic disease of childhood, which is increasing in prevalence worldwide. Parents try to find the ways to overcome their anxiety of chronic diseases such as asthma. This study was designed to determine the effect of massage therapy for children on anxiety level of mothers with asthmatic children. This study aimed to determine the effect of combined massage therapy for children with asthma on maternal anxiety is a clinical trial that was performed in asthma and allergy clinic of Tabriz University of Medical Sciences in 2012. This study was a clinical trial that was carried out in asthma and allergy clinic of Tabriz University of Medical Sciences in 2012. Sixty children with asthma aged 6-14 years were randomly allocated into two groups. Mothers in the massage group were instructed massage techniques, and they were asked to do massage therapy for their children 30 minutes every night at bedtime for one month in addition to standard treatment. The control group performed only standard asthma treatment. At the beginning and end of the study, the data were collected by Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. The data were analyzed by the SPSS software version 18 using independent t test, paired t test, Chi-square and ANCOVA. The mean age of the mothers was 34.78±4.18 years. The scores of State and Trait anxiety in both groups before the intervention, was not statistically different. But there was statistically significant difference in terms of State (41.23±11.65 vs. 35.83 ±6.88), and Trait) 45±12.31 vs. 39.96±8.07) anxiety mean score in the experimental group before and after intervention (P<0.05). Maternal anxiety level decreases following combined massage therapy. It seems that the active role of the mothers in the care of their children can improve emotional health and decrease anxiety level.