Effect of hand massage after abdominal surgery on pain, emotional symptoms and physiological parameters among children

Abstract

Aim: This randomized controlled study aimed to evaluate the effect of hand massage on pain, emotional symptoms, and physiological parameters in children after abdominal surgery.

Materials and methods: The study included 40 children aged 7-12 years who underwent abdominal surgery (20 intervention, 20 control). Data were collected using the Faces Pain Scale-Revised, Children's Emotion Manifestation Scale, Physiological Measurements Chart, and Child Information Form. The intervention group received a 10-min hand massage 3 h after surgery, and measurements were taken before the massage, immediately after the massage, and 30 min after the massage. Statistical analyses were performed using the Mann-Whitney U, Friedman, and Bonferroni tests.

Results: Immediately after the massage, the pain and emotional manifestation scores were significantly lower in the intervention group compared to the control group (p < 0.05). However, no significant difference was found between the two groups at the third measurement (p = 0.478). Heart rate significantly decreased in the intervention group immediately after the massage (p < 0.001), while it significantly increased in the control group (p < 0.001).

Keywords: Children; Emotional symptoms; Hand massage; Pain; Postoperative care.