Massage therapy for pain relief after spinal surgery in children
The Impact of Massage Therapy on Post-Surgical Pain, Anxiety, Quality of Life, and Opioid Analgesia Exposure on Children After Thoracic or Lumbar Surgery
This study tests if massage therapy can help kids aged 7 to 19 feel less pain and anxiety after spinal surgery compared to standard care.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 100 (estimated) |
| Ages | 7 Years to 19 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Cook Children's Health Care System Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Fort Worth, Texas) |
| Trial ID | NCT06424158 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This research investigates the impact of massage therapy on pain, anxiety, and quality of life in pediatric patients following thoracic or lumbar spinal fusion surgery. The study is a single-site, prospective, randomized, interventional design conducted at Cook Children's Medical Center in Fort Worth, Texas. Participants aged 7 to 19 will be recruited before their scheduled surgery and randomly assigned to receive either massage therapy or standard care. The study aims to assess the effectiveness of massage therapy in improving postoperative recovery outcomes.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are pediatric patients aged 7 to 19 scheduled for their first thoracic or lumbar spinal fusion surgery.
Not a fit: Patients with chronic pain syndromes, previous cardiac surgery, or other significant medical conditions may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide an effective non-pharmacological approach to managing pain and anxiety in pediatric patients after spinal surgery.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown positive outcomes with massage therapy in postoperative recovery, suggesting this approach may be beneficial.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Patients scheduled to undergo their first thoracic or lumbar spinal fusion surgery * Able to participate and perform in a massage therapy as a recovery option * Participant needs to be verbal * Ability to understand study procedures and to comply with them for the entire length of the study Exclusion Criteria: * Prospective patients scheduled to undergo any spinal fusion other than a thoracic or lumbar spinal fusion surgery. * Prospective patients scheduled to undergo a second or multiple thoracic or lumbar spinal fusion surgery * Previous cardiac surgery * Chronic pain syndromes * Chronic opioid usage * History of psychosis * Prolonged bleeding * Intubation greater than 24 hours * Illicit/recreation drug use * Paralysis diagnosis * History of chronic pain requiring medical intervention * Neuromuscular scoliosis diagnosis * Cerebral palsy diagnosis * Developmental delay characteristics
Where this trial is running
Fort Worth, Texas
- Cook Children's Medical Center — Fort Worth, Texas, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Meredith Brooks, MD — Cook Children's Health Care System
- Study coordinator: Throy Campbell, PhD
- Email: throy.campbell@cookchildrens.org
- Phone: 682-885-1044
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.