The effectiveness of Chair Massage on Stress and Pain in Oncology.

BackgroundThere is a high prevalence of moderate-to-high levels of chronic stress among nurses, as well as an occurrence of musculoskeletal disorders.PurposeTo evaluate the effectiveness of chair massage to reduce chronic stress and musculoskeletal pain in the Oncology Nursing team.SettingTwo teaching cancer hospitals, one public and the other private, in São Paulo city, Brazil.ParticipantsA total of 60 women from the Oncology Nursing team.Research designA randomized controlled trial divided into two groups: chair massage and control without intervention.InterventionThe massage group received two chair massage sessions lasting 15 minutes, twice a week, for three weeks.Main outcome measureReduction of stress and pain measured by the List of Signs and Symptoms (LSS) and the Brief Pain Inventory (BPI), respectively.ResultsThe average age was 32 (± 5.3) years. There was a reduction of stress measured by the LSS with a statistical difference in the group-time interaction (p < .001), with a Cohen's d value of 1.21 between groups. The BPI analysis showed a statistically significant difference in the group-time interaction for general activity (p < .008), mood (p < .03), work (p < .000), and sleep (p = .03), with reduced pain interference in these components.ConclusionChair massage reduced stress and pain interference in the team's daily life activities, bringing a positive impact in the context of work stress and pain in Oncology nursing professionals.