CLINICAL EFFECT OF SWEDISH MASSAGE VERSUS ADJUVANT YOGA ON BLOOD GLUCOSE LEVEL IN CHILDREN WITH TYPE 1 DIABETES MELLITUS

Background: Swedish massage (SM) and yoga are complementary non-pharmacological techniques that haverecently been used in managing chronic disorders such as type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). Both techniquesplay an important role in reducing stress, which contributes to lowering blood glucose levels in children withT1DM. Individuals with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) confront serious lifestyle alterations that include anabsolute daily requirement for exogenous insulin, monitoring their glucose control, and paying attention todietary intake. Yoga is an ancient mind-body practice increasingly recognized to have health benefits invarious clinical and non-clinical conditions. The current trial was intended to evaluate the efficacy of yogatherapy on glycemic variability and physical activity among patients with T1DM. Objective: To investigatethe effect of Swedish massage versus children’s yoga exercises on blood glucose levels of children with T1DM.Setting: This study was conducted at the Outpatient Diabetic Clinic in the Specialized University Hospital atEgypt. Design: A quasi-experimental research design was used. Subjects: A convenience sample of 50 diabeticchildren was randomly allocated into two equal study groups: study group I (SM) and study group II (yoga).Tools: Two tools were used: socio-demographic and medical history interview schedule and blood glucose levelassessment tool. Results: Swedish massage and yoga exercises were associated with significant decreases infasting blood glucose level, random blood glucose level, and consequently HbA1c after intervention (P < 0.001).The SM group showed a greater reduction compared to the yoga group. Conclusion: Both techniques wereeffective in decreasing blood glucose levels in children with T1DM, while Swedish massage was more effectivethan yoga exercises.