Ahles, T. A., Tope, D. M., Pinkson, B., Walch, S., Hann, D., Whedon, M., . . . Silberfarb, P. M. (1999). Massage therapy for patients undergoing autologous bone marrow transplantation. Journal of Pain and Symptom Management, 18, 157–163.

The intervention was a Swedish/Esalen massage of shoulders, neck, and scalp lasting 20 minutes up to three times per week. Prior to hospitalization, patients were randomly assigned to massage or standard medical care conditions.

• Thirty-five adult patients with varying diagnoses admitted for autologous bone marrow transplantation were included.
• Mean age was 41 years, and the sample was predominantly female.
• Race and ethnicity were not reported.

All participants were inpatients in the bone marrow transplantation unit of a cancer center.

Patients were undergoing the active treatment phase of care. 

The study was a randomized trial comparing massage (n = 16) with a quiet time control condition (n = 18).

Fatigue was measured by a zero to 10 Numerical Rating Scale.

• Borderline significant decreases were observed in fatigue (p = 0.06) over time, although significant decreases were seen during week 1 (pretreatment) and prior to discharge.
• The most robust effects were found during the first week of treatment.

• The study had a small sample size and a lack of control for covariates.
• The analysis of time by group interaction was confusing.
• Effects may not be as great during the posttreatment phase when patients are most ill.
• Massage was performed by a trained healing arts specialist.