Does Slow Stroke Back Massage Relax Hospice Clients?

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of a non pharmacologic intervention, slow stroke back massage (SSBM) on systolic and diastolic blood pressure, heart rate, and skin temperature. These effects were evaluated as indicators of relaxation in 30 hospice client, all of whom where in the terminal stage of illness.

SSBM is a slow rhytmic stroking with the hands. The hands move over a 2-inch-wide area on either side of spinous proccesses and from the crown of the head to the sacral area. The entire massage lasts 3 minutes. findings revealed that after SSBM, the client's heart rates and systolic and diastolic blood pressure decreased, skin temperatures increased. The effects of the treatment persisted for 5 minutes following SSBM.

Implications : Slow stroke back massage has been used effectively to promote relaxation with hospice clients. It is easy to administer, takes only a bief time, requires minimal supplies of massage oil or lotion, and can be taught to family caregivers.