The effect of massage therapy on sleep quality of patients after coronary artery bypass graft operation

Aim. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of massage therapy on sleep quality of patients after coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG).Background. Poor sleep quality is common among patients following CABG and has been noticeable for more than 30 years.Method. In this quasi-experimental study, 72 patients, who had undergone CABG in Isfahan Chamran Hospital were were recruited. The patients were randomly assigned to the two experimental and control groups. The patients of the experimental group received light pressure stroking massage for 20 minutes in four sessions after the surgery. The patients in control group received only the routine care. The patients› sleep quality was measured before and after the intervention with St Mary›s Hospital Sleep Questionnaire. Data were analyzed by SPSS software, version 18 and descriptive and inferential statistical methods were used for data analysis.Findings. Mean scores for sleep quality before the intervention in the experimental and control groups were 22.5±3.6 and 22±3.8, respectively, and no statistically significant difference seen between them. After the intervention, there was a statistically significant difference between mean scores for sleep quality of the experimental and control groups (11.8±2.8 vs 15.5±4.7) (P<0.001).Conclusion. The use of massage therapy can promote sleep quality of patients after CABG and due to low cost and simplicity; it can be used as a complement to drug therapy and postoperative interventions implemented in these patients.