Clinical Trial Details
— Status: Completed
Administrative data
| NCT number |
NCT04787107 |
| Other study ID # |
2021-0186 |
| Secondary ID |
|
| Status |
Completed |
| Phase |
N/A
|
| First received |
|
| Last updated |
|
| Start date |
August 30, 2021 |
| Est. completion date |
February 28, 2023 |
Study information
| Verified date |
March 2023 |
| Source |
Geisinger Clinic |
| Contact |
n/a |
| Is FDA regulated |
No |
| Health authority |
|
| Study type |
Interventional
|
Clinical Trial Summary
The purpose of this study is to examine the effectiveness of 10-minute chair massage therapy
in comparison to a scheduled 10-minute break to evaluate the impact on perceived quality of
life, heart rate, blood pressure, and pain scale in healthcare workers.
Description:
The primary purpose of this study is to provide cost-effective interventions for nursing
personnel aimed at reducing fatigue and stress within their work environment while improving
their overall quality of life. Studies have demonstrated that stress management resources and
overall engagement of staff lead to quality outcomes for both staff and patients. There is
limited research that examines interventions that can reduce stress perception in nursing.
This study will examine the physical and psychological impact of 10-minute massage therapy in
comparison to a 10-minute scheduled break weekly over a period of 5 weeks. If the outcomes of
the study indicate that either massage therapy or scheduled breaks are an effective
intervention for management of stressful situations and improving quality of life, the
overall goal would be to create relaxation rooms on more nursing units that allow staff to
engage in massage therapy or scheduled rest sessions to reduce stressful work situations.
Studies have indicated that healthcare workers experience high levels of work-related stress
that include individual, social, occupational and environmental factors. Unrelieved or
mismanaged stressors contribute to a variety of health-related consequences including
disturbances in the digestive system, headaches, sleep disturbances, hypertension, fatigue
and psychological issues, including anxiety. Massage therapy and scheduled breaks have been
identified as potential interventions to mitigate or reduce stress. The use of mechanical
massage has been shown to mimic the effects of traditional physical massage in terms of
reducing stress and anxiety of the end-users. Mechanical massages have an advantage over
physical massages since they are more cost-effective, can be used when convenient, and within
a controlled environment. The literature supports that massage therapy can have an impact on
reducing stress, anxiety, depression, and pain, while enhancing an individual's immune
function, relaxation, and overall well-being. Studies have also indicated that nurses often
lack opportunities to take breaks during their scheduled shifts. In many instances, staff
sacrifice their breaks in order to fulfill patient-care duties. This study will compare both
massage therapy and scheduled breaks to examine the overall impact on healthcare workers.
The COVID-19 pandemic has increased workplace stressors for healthcare workers; however,
there is limited evidence to support successful interventions to manage these stressors.
