The effect of back massage on physiological parameters, dyspnoea, and anxiety in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in the intensive care unit: A randomised clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to examine the effect of back massage on physiological parameters, dyspnoea and anxiety in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease receiving noninvasive mechanical ventilation in the intensive care unit.

DESIGN AND METHODS

This study was a randomised controlled trial. Patients in the intervention group received back massage (15 minutes) between 16.00 and 20.00 every day for four days in the intensive care unit. The control group received no intervention. The data was collected using a personal information form, Baseline Dyspnoea Index, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory and Physiological Parameters Chart.

RESULTS

We found no statistically significant change between systolic-diastolic blood pressures, heart rates and respiratory rate, oxygen saturation and dyspnoea level of the intervention and control groups (p > .05), while there was a significant reduction in the anxiety scores of patients in the intervention group (p < .05).

CONCLUSION

This study found that back massage applied in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease receiving noninvasive mechanical ventilation was effective in decreasing anxiety. Back massage is a low-cost intervention with benefits for patients, and it may be a useful intervention in the anxiety management of intensive care patients.