The Effect of Back Massage on Improving Sleep Quality in the Elderly: A Literature Review
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Abstract
Background: Sleep quality is essential for maintaining the overall health and well-being of older adults, as inadequate sleep can negatively affect physical, psychological, and functional conditions. Sleep disturbances are commonly reported among the older population and may reduce quality of life. Therefore, identifying safe and effective non-pharmacological interventions is important. This literature review aims to synthesize scientific evidence regarding the effectiveness of back massage in improving sleep quality among older adults.
Methods: This study employed a literature review method by identifying and analyzing relevant quantitative studies from electronic databases using keywords related to back massage and sleep quality in older adults. The inclusion criteria consisted of quasi-experimental studies published between 2020 and 2024 that examined the effectiveness of back massage interventions on sleep quality among older adults. Selected studies were reviewed based on predefined criteria to ensure relevance and methodological suitability.
Results: A synthesis of findings from 12 studies showed that back massage interventions consistently improved sleep quality among older adults. Statistical analyses, including the Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test and Paired Sample t-Test, predominantly demonstrated p-values < 0.05, indicating significant differences in sleep quality scores before and after the intervention.
Conclusion: Back massage therapy has been shown to positively improve sleep quality in older adults. Therefore, back massage therapy is recommended as a safe, effective, affordable, and easy-to-perform intervention to help enhance the quality of life of older adults.
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