THE EFFICACY OF THERAPEUTIC TOUCH FOR IMPROVING FUNCTIONAL ABILITY INELDERS WITH DEGENERATIVE ARTHRITIS

The purpose of this Rogerian study was to determine whether therapeuti c touch improved functional ability in elders with arthritis as compar ed to routine treatment and progressive muscle relaxation. Eighty-two non-institutionalized elders were randomly assigned to therapeutic tou ch or progressive muscle relaxation treatments. Subjects served as the ir own control for 4 weeks, then received six treatments at 1-week int ervals. Pain, tension, mood, and satisfaction improved after therapeut ic touch and progressive muscle relaxation. Hand function improved aft er therapeutic touch; walking and bending improved after progressive m uscle relaxation. Functional ability was significantly different betwe en the two groups for mobility and hand function. Lower scores (indica ting better function) were attained by the therapeutic touch group.