Massage therapy improves mood and behavior of students with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder

Adolescence. 2003 Winter;38(152):623-38.

Abstract

In the present study, 30 students between the ages of 7 and 18 years (M = 13 years) diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) were randomly assigned to a massage group or a wait-list control group. The massage group received massage therapy for 20 minutes twice per week over the course of one month. The results revealed that massage therapy benefited students with ADHD by improving short-term mood state and longer-term classroom behavior.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Comparative Study
  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Affect*
  • Analysis of Variance
  • Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / complications
  • Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / diagnosis
  • Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / psychology
  • Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / therapy*
  • Child
  • Child Behavior / psychology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hydrocortisone
  • Male
  • Massage / methods
  • Massage / psychology*
  • Relaxation Therapy*
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Hydrocortisone