The effect of hand massage on post-dialysis fatigue and recovery time in hemodialysis patients

Non-pharmacological interventions, such as massage, can be beneficial in managing the post-dialysis fatigue often experienced by hemodialysis patients. This study aims to investigate the influence of hand massage during the intradialytic process on the severity of post-dialysis fatigue and recovery time in patients undergoing hemodialysis treatment. The study is a randomized controlled, single-blind experimental design. Data were collected using the Individual Identification Form, Postdialysis Fatigue Scale and post-dialysis recovery time. Patients in the hand massage group received hand massage on the non-fistula arm three times a week for five minutes over four weeks. Control group patients received routine care. In the first week, before starting the hand massage application, the post-dialysis fatigue severity scores and recovery times of both groups were determined (pretest). At the end of the fourth week, posttest data were recorded. Linear regression analysis, dependent samples t-test, and independent samples t-test were used for data analysis. It was determined that there were no statistically significant differences between the hand massage and control groups in terms of socio-demographic characteristics, disease-related features, and laboratory parameters (p>0.05). While there was no difference between the pretest recovery time and post-dialysis fatigue levels of both groups (p>0.05), the recovery time and post-dialysis fatigue level of the hand massage group were statistically significantly lower than those of the control group in the posttest (p<0.05). A statistically significant effect was observed in the change over time of the post-dialysis fatigue scale score and recovery time for the groups (p<0.001). Hand massage is effective in reducing post-dialysis fatigue levels and shortening post-dialysis recovery times in hemodialysis patients. It is recommended that nurses incorporate hand massage into their practices to mitigate post-dialysis fatigue levels and recovery times in hemodialysis patients. Key Words: Post Dialysis Fatigue, Hand Massage, Hemodialysis, Nursing, Recovery Time