Measuring the Effect of Chair Massage on Stress Related Symptoms for Nurses

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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The purpose of this study was to assess the feasibility and effect of chair massage provided during working hours for nurses in an inpatient psychiatric and an outpatient pain rehabilitation unit and on the nurses stress related symptoms.

Detailed Description
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Nursing staff working in a hospital in-patient psychiatric unit and out-patient pain rehabilitation/ fibromyalgia units each have varying causes of stress as both are intensely demanding environments. The physical and psychosocial demands of these stress-loaded work environments place a significant amount of strain on the physiological well-being of the employee. Nurses in these settings are considered healthy employees and able to participate in the workforce, although symptoms such as headaches, shoulder tension, insomnia, fatigue, and muscle and joint pain are often a part of their work day. As these stress related symptoms become more chronic, they lead to days missed and become pre-cursors to physiological illnesses so warrant further search for prevention tactics. Massage therapy has been noted to decrease levels of anxiety and fatigue which is essential to maintaining employee's efficient care in a dynamic environment. This study will provide massage in the workplace utilizing chair massage as it is easy to set up, does not need a great deal of space, and can be provided in semi-private areas, as the participant remains clothed. A 2006 report on a small study indicated chair massage can be effective in reducing stress perception in nurses within a hospital setting, at least in the short-term. Another study reported some short-term positive effects on stress related symptoms; and came to the conclusion that further studies are indicated to examine the efficacy of workplace-based massage therapy programs.

Official Title
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Measuring the Effect of Chair Massage on Stress Related Symptoms for Nurses: A Pilot Study

Conditions
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Stress, Fatigue, Anxiety, Tension

Intervention / Treatment
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* Procedure: Chair massage


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: Men and women age 18-65 able to give informed consent Able to speak and understand English Minimum of 8-hour per day shift schedule with .75 - 1.0 FTE. Need to be able to schedule one massage per week in the available massage schedule time slots. Exclusion Criteria: Individuals being treated for acute musculoskeletal symptoms Individuals currently on work restrictions Undergoing treatments for a malignancy Pregnancy (due to this being chair massage) Recent head, neck, shoulder or back surgeries Pins or joint fusion of the head or neck Current sinus infections, earaches, or vascular migraines Nursing staff that float on to the unit

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 18 Years
Maximum Age: 65 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Design Details

Primary Purpose: Prevention
Intervention Model: Single Group Assignment
Masking: None (Open Label)


Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Experimental: Massage<br>Chair massage for 15 minutes once a week for 10 weeks. | Procedure: Chair massage<br>* Chair massage for 15 minutes once a week for 10 weeks.<br>* Other names: Massage;|

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Change in stress, anxiety and quality of life after 10 weeks of chair massage therapy in nursing staff using four self reported instruments. |  | 10 Weeks | 

Secondary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Change from baseline of stress related symptoms in nursing staff at 5 weeks. |  | 5 Weeks | 
| Change from baseline of stress related symptoms in nursing staff at 10 weeks. |  | 10 Weeks | 

 Terms related to the study
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Keywords Provided by Centre Hospitalier Valida
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Massage, Chair massage, Relaxation, Nurses