ABSTRACT
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.