Back to Annual Meeting Page		American Public Health Association 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition December 10-14, 2005 Philadelphia, PA

Abstract #106966

Jolie Haun, MS, EdS, LMT, Health Education and Behavior, University of Florida, 4100 SW 20th Ave. Apt G-25, Gainesville, FL 32607, 904-377-6796, joliehaun@bellsouth.net, John Graham-Pole, MD, College of Medicine, University of Florida, PO Box 100296, Gainesville, FL 32610, and Brendan Shortley, BA, BS, Neurobiological Sciences and Psychology, University of Florida, 3324 W. University Ave. #125, Gainesville, FL 32607.

Background: Previous studies have reported positive effects of massage therapy on premature infants; children with asthma; adults with arthritis; individuals with pain; and with other illnesses. Method: This research measured physical and mental effects of massage therapy on 30 pediatric patients with cancer and/or blood disease. The hypothesis of this study suggests possible beneficial effects from massage therapy, which may help relieve some symptoms associated with cancer and/or blood disease. Results: Analysis of this study's data suggest the treatment group benefited significantly more both psychologically and physiologically than the control group which did not receive massage treatment. Data analysis suggests a reduction of both psychological stress and anxiety, and physiological measures such as muscle tension and respiration within the treatment group. Conclusions: The interpretation of the results implies significant physical and mental benefit from the effects of massage for pediatric patients with cancer and blood diseases.

Learning Objectives: Learning Objectives

• to summarize the current research in massage therapy;
• to discuss the methodology and instrumentation of the massage research study;
• to discuss the outcomes of the massage therapy research; and
• to discuss implications for future research and practice.

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

I wish to disclose that I have NO financial interests or other relationship with the manufactures of commercial products, suppliers of commercial services or commercial supporters.

Recorded presentation