The multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) on parental anxiety and children's behaviours revealed differences for the massage and control groups' scores from pre- to post-treatment session (massage or control session) on the first and last days of the study. Post hoc comparisons revealed the following effects favouring the massage group:
(1) the parents' reported anxiety levels decreased after the first massage session and by the last day of treatment, and
(2) the massaged children's mood (affect) and activity levels improved and their anxiety decreased, but only on the last day.
A repeated measure MANOVA, with first day - last day data as the repeated measure, yielded a group by first day - last day interaction effect. Post hoc comparisons revealed the following for the massage group:
(1) the parents' assessment of their child's anxiety and stability improved on the coping index; and
(2) the parents' feelings about their child improved.
A repeated measures MANOVA with first day - last day data as the repeated measure yielded a group by first day - last day interaction effect. Post hoc comparisons revealed the following in the massage group:
(1) for the focal area assessment, all measures were numerically and statistically improved by the last day of treatment; and
(2) for the global area assessment, scaling and excoriation statistically improved for the control group.