Changes in the self-efficacy of multiple sclerosis clients following massage therapy

Summary 

Objective

This preliminary study was conducted to examine self-efficacy changes in multiple sclerosis (MS) clients following a series of massage therapy treatments.

Method

The study was based on a prospective single group pre-test post-test design with follow-up. Self-efficacy scores were obtained before the first treatment, after the last treatment in the series, and again 8–12 weeks after the final treatment had been received.

Intervention

The intervention involved a series of weekly 1h therapeutic massage treatments conducted over a 16-week period. All treatments were delivered by supervised student therapists in the final term of their 2-year program.

Outcome measures

Self-efficacy (SE) was the outcome measure for the study. Descriptive statistics for SE scores were assessed, and inferential analysis involved the testing of differences between baseline, post-intervention, and follow-up scores.

Results

Statistically significant improvement in self-efficacy was noted when baseline and post-intervention scores were compared (; ). At the point of follow-up 8–12 weeks after the last treatment had been received, self-efficacy scores had decreased and did not differ significantly from baseline (; ).

Conclusion

The results suggest that massage therapy may increase the self-efficacy of clients with MS, potentially resulting in a better overall adjustment to the disease and an improvement in psycho-emotional state. The increase in self-efficacy noted at the end of the treatment series had dissipated at point of follow-up, suggesting that on-going treatment is required in order to maintain the positive changes observed.

Keywords: Massage therapy, Multiple sclerosis, Self-efficacy, Psycho-emotional state