Effect of Thai traditional massage for reduction of depression in Social Welfare Development Center for Older Persons

Abstract

Background: Thailand is becoming an aging society wherein is the number of the elderly has been increasing continuously. Most elderly people had health problems as it is the age of degeneration. Thai elderly are facing more problems from rapid social changes which cause their mental health problem, especially depression. Thai traditional massage can treat the depressed elderly. Thai massage helps the blood flow better and decreases the spastic muscle and increase endorphins which cause their body relaxed and their mind relaxed as well.

Objectives: To examine the effect of Thai traditional massage on the reduction of depression in the elderly at Ban Banglamung Social Welfare Development Center for Older Persons, Chonburi.

Methods: There are 34 depressed elderly subjects. Seventeen of them were randomized to experimental group and seventeen to control group. The instruments and methods used to collect data composed of :

1) case recording form that includes general information;

2) Thai Geriatric Depression Scale (TGDS);

3) physical condition record form that includes vital sign and visual analogue scales (VAS);

4) intervention of Thai traditional massage program;

5) automatic blood pressure monitor. Statistics used to analyze the data are: percentage, mean, and standard
deviation according to paired-sample t - test, independent samples t - test, Wilcoxon signedrank test and Mann-Whitney

Results: Among 34 subjects, average TGDS score for experimental group was 22.2 3.3 and control group was 21.1 4.4. After the intervention, the experimental group had significantly lower mean depression scores when compared to before the intervention (P < 0.01). During the intervention the experimental group had significantly lower mean depression scores than the control group (P < 0.01).

Conclusion: Thai traditional massage 4 times continuously can reduce depression in the elderly. This research might serve as a beneficial as guidelines for prevention of depression in the elderly with Thai traditional massage for reduction of depression, important for the care of the elderly.