Abstract Title:

Chair massage for treating anxiety in patients withdrawing from psychoactive drugs.

Abstract Source:

J Altern Complement Med. 2010 Sep;16(9):979-87. PMID: 20799900

Abstract Author(s):

Shaun Black, Kathleen Jacques, Adam Webber, Kathy Spurr, Eileen Carey, Andrea Hebb, Robert Gilbert

Article Affiliation:

Addiction Prevention and Treatment Services, Capital District Health Authority, Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, Canada.

Abstract:

CONTEXT: Therapeutic massage has been proven to be an effective, nonpharmacologic, alternative for managing state and trait anxiety in a variety of clinical situations. However, no controlled study has investigated this effect in an addiction treatment setting. AIM: The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of chair massage for reducing anxiety in persons participating in an inpatient withdrawal management program for psychoactive drugs. DESIGN: The design was a randomized, controlled clinical trial conducted from June 2008 to January 2009. SUBJECTS: Eighty-two (82) adult patients received inpatient treatment for psychoactive drug withdrawal (alcohol, cocaine, and opiates). SETTING: This study was conducted at the Withdrawal Management Services at the Capital District Health Authority, Halifax, Nova Scotia. INTERVENTIONS: Subjects were randomly assigned to receive chair massage (n = 40) or a relaxation control condition (n = 42). Treatments were offered for 3 consecutive days. Standard counseling and pharmacologic management were also offered concurrently to patients in all conditions. MEASUREMENTS: The primary outcome measure was anxiety assessed using the Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI). State and trait anxiety scores were determined immediately prior to and following each treatment intervention. RESULTS: Analysis of STAI scores showed a significant reduction in state and trait anxiety for both interventions (p < 0.001). The magnitude in the reduction in state (p = 0.001) and trait (p = 0.045) anxiety was significantly greater in the chair massage group where the effect on state anxiety was sustained, at least in part, for 24 hours. CONCLUSIONS: Within the clinical context of this study, chair massage was more effective that relaxation control in reducing anxiety. Further investigation of chair massage as a potential nonpharmacologic adjunct in the management of withdrawal related anxiety is warranted.

Study Type : Human Study

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