Riassunto dello studio

This randomized clinical trial enrolled 99 orthopedic postoperative patients and randomized them equally to slow-stroke back massage, hot stone massage, or routine care. All participants completed the study with no loss to follow-up. Massage interventions were delivered on the first or second postoperative day, twice daily, for 10–15 minutes per session. The primary outcome of interest was postoperative anxiety measured using the Spielberger State Anxiety Inventory (STAI) at baseline and 30 minutes after the intervention. Overall, the results of the study revealed that both slow-stroke back massage and hot stone massage significantly reduced postoperative anxiety compared with routine care, with no statistically significant difference between the two massage techniques. These findings support massage therapy as an effective nonpharmacologic intervention for postoperative anxiety management in orthopedic patients.