The effect of massage as a complementary therapy on fatigue and quality of life in females with Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic central nervous system disorder that can impair the sensory and motor-nerve system by destroying the myelin sheath. These may lead to fatigue and Quality of Life (QoL). This study investigated the effect of eight-week massage as a complementary therapy on fatigue, Physical Component Health (PhCH), Psychological Component Health (PsCH), and QoL in MS female patients. In this quasi-experimental study, 20 MS females with EDSS (Expanded Disability Status Score) = 2 – 5 were enrolled. After a briefing and obtaining consent, the subjects were pre-tested. The subjects were randomly divided into Control (n= 10) and experimental (n= 10) groups. The massage therapy was performed for eight-week (two sessions of 30 minutes per week). Fatigue and Quality of Life were assessed at the beginning and end of the protocol using the Modified Fatigue Impact Scale (MFIS) and Quality of Life Short Form Questionnaire (SF-36), respectively. Twenty females MS patients (age= 26-44 yr., weight= 53.-87 Kg, BMI (Body Mass Index) =24. 32 Kg.m-1) completed the study period. Data demonstrated a significant decrease in fatigue (F= 45.38, p= 0.001), a significant increase in PhCH (F= 21.60, P= 0.001), PsCH (F= 5.42, P= 0.001), and QoL (F= 22.67, P= 0.001). Massage can be a non-invasive, safe, low-cost, and complementary intervention to improve fatigue and quality of life in MS patients.