A Pilot Study to Evaluate the Effectiveness of Focused Massage on Pain, Mobility, and Quality of Life During Radiation Treatment for Patients With Breast Cancer

Conditions studied

Breast Cancer, Radiation Therapy Patient

About this study

The goal of this interventional study is to to evaluate the effectiveness and acceptability of a focused upper body massage when offered after radiation treatments to participants diagnosed with breast cancer. Given the prevalence of musculoskeletal complaints during radiation therapy delivery and acknowledging the emotional stress associated with breast cancer diagnosis and treatment, the aims of this pilot study are to: 1) evaluate the effectiveness of a focused upper body massage, available after radiation treatments, on patient's muscle and joint achiness and disability/symptoms of the upper extremities; 2) evaluate the effectiveness of a focused chair massage, available after radiation treatments on health-related quality of life; 3) assess the need for repeating the pre-radiation simulation process and revising the established treatment plan; and 4) and evaluate patient acceptability of the massages offered during the course of radiation treatment.

Interventions

• Other: upper body massage — brief massage of the upper back, neck, shoulders, arms, and hands; participant is fully clothed during the massage

Primary outcomes

• Musculoskeletal and Joint Pain (Measured: Baseline; Every 7 days up to 10 weeks; 6 weeks after participant study completion)
• Disability of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand - short version (QuickDASH) (Measured: Baseline; Every 7 days up to 10 weeks; 6 weeks after participant study completion)

Eligibility information

Study locations

• The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210 United States