Clinical efficacy observation on pediatric massage for chronic cough in children

Objective To observe the clinical efficacy of pediatric massage(tuina)for chronic cough in children.Methods A total of 96 cases were randomized into a control group and an observation group,with 48 cases in each group.Cases in the control group received routine pediatric massage manipulations.Cases in the observation group received additional Mo-rubbing abdomen manipulation.The treatment was done 3 times a week and 12 times made up a treatment session.The cough symptom scores were evaluated before treatment and after 3,6,9 and 12 treatments respectively.Results There were 8 dropouts in the observation group and 5 dropouts in the control group.Before treatment,there was no statistical difference in coughing score between the two groups(P>0.05).After 9 times of treatment,the total coughing scores were significantly reduced in both groups(both P<0.05);however,there were no statistical differences between the two groups in the score differences between before treatment and after 3,6 and 9 times of treatment(all P>0.05).After 12 times of treatment,the total coughing scores were significantly reduced in both groups(both P<0.05),along with a statistical difference between the two groups in the score difference between before treatment and after 12 times of treatment(P<0.05).There was a statistical difference between the two groups in overall response(P<0.05).The total effective rate in the observation group was 92.5%,versus 86.0%in the control group,showing a statistical difference(P<0.05).Conclusion The routine pediatric massage manipulations alone or in combination with Mo-rubbing abdomen manipulation both can significantly improve chronic cough in children;however,the combination obtains a better effect.