Assessment of the effect of massage therapy on stroke patients

In addition routine conservative management for decreasing the difficulties of stroke patients, complementary treatments such as massage therapy is also applied that is considered as one of the most important nursing managements. The goal of this study was assessment of the effect of massage therapy on the level of blood pressure and anxiety of stroke patients. This quasi-experimental study with two groups, two steps and pre- Post design was done on 50 patients with CVA (cerebrovascular accident). Sampling was done with convenience method and patients were divided randomly to two groups. Including criteria were documented CVA, the ability of speaking, complete consciousness, one week hospitalization period and having the motivation for the entering in this study. In massage group, relatives to patient should massage the patient body 7 times per day after receiving complete administration and doing the right technique at the next days. Control group received only the routine management. Blood pressure and Cattle test for anxiety were evaluated before and the end of study. In massage group, mean blood pressure had been significantly decreased at the end of study (p<0.05). Anxiety score in the massage group had been decreased after study, but there was no significant difference (NS). Results showed the positive effect of massage on decreasing blood pressure and anxiety level. Therefore, it could be suggested as complement method alongside of the routine treatment of stroke for increasing the welfare and remediation sense of the patients.