Effect of Body Massage prior to Invasive Procedures on Anxiety Level among Children

Invasive procedures are severe stressors for in-patient children. The stress result in sleep disorder, reduced concentration, and increased pain. Nowadays, pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic interventions are used to control stress. We aimed to assess the effect of massage on children's anxiety level before intensive procedures.Methods & Materials: In this clinical trial, 70 children aged 7-11 were recruited from a children hospital. The participants were randomly allocated to the intervention and control groups. The intervention group received massage therapy in the Yeen tang point and palms for five minutes. The control group received the usual care. Anxiety was measured using OSBD-R. Data were analyzed using Mann-Wittny and Willcoxon statistical tests. The anxiety level was not significantly different between two groups before the intervention (Control group: 3.24±0.48; Intervention group: 3.24±0.56) (P=0.472). Following the massage, the anxiety level decreased significantly in the intervention group (Intervention group: 1.57±0.54; Control group: 3.37±0.46) (P<0.001). Massage in the Yeen tang point and palms can reduce the anxiety level in hospitalized children prior to invasive procedures. It is recommended to use this massage technique in pediatric wards to reduce anxiety level.