Aim: This is an experimental study carried out to investigate the effect of back massage on vital signs and anxiety level of residents in a rest home.

Method: This research was conducted in a rest home between 1 December 2006 and 10 May 2007 in İzmir, Turkey. The research data were collected using “Elderly Introduction Form” and “the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory”. Back massage was applied to the older people at their beds between 18-20 pm three days long for 10 minutes by the researcher. Data analysis was conducted using Repeated Measures one-way ANOVA and paired samples t test.

Results: The mean age of the older people in this research was 73.07 year (Range: 62-85 years), 61.9% were female, 66.7% were widowed, 47.6% graduated from elementary school. It was identified that except body temperature, there was a statistically significant decrease in the vital signs immediately after the back massage, 15-minute and 30-minute afterwards measurements. There was also a statistically significant decrease in level of anxiety after the back massage.

Conclusion: Back massage was determined to decrease anxiety level and vital signs, except body temperature, of the elderly individuals.