Comparison of the Effects of Hand Massage Provided with Different Intervals and Periods on Pain and Sleep Disturbance after Orthopedic Surgery

Cho, You Na; Kim, Inja

Abstract

PURPOSE
The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of hand massage provided with different intervals and periods on pain and sleep disturbance after orthopedic surgery.
METHODS
A non-equivalent control group pretest-posttest design was used. The subjects were admitted in an orthopedic hospital to get a surgery. They were divided into three groups. Group I (n=30) had hand massage every day. Group II (n=30) had hand massage every other day. Control group (n=31) had usual care. Data of all three groups were collected on the day before operation, POD (postoperative day) 6 and POD12. Hand massage was given for 2 and half minutes per hand.
RESULTS
Pain on POD6 of experimental group II was reduced more than those of control group. Pains on POD12 of both experimental groups were reduced more than those of control group. On POD6, only perceived sleep disturbance (PSD) was significantly different among groups. On POD12, PSD, total sleeping time, and sleep efficiency were more improved in the experimental groups.
CONCLUSION
Hand massage was effective on the reduction of pain and sleep disturbance after orthopedic surgery. Applying hand massage on alternate day was effective enough. Also the effects were more obvious after 12 days.