Effects of therapeutic touch on anxiety in the institutionalized elderly

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of therapeutic touch, a specific healing technique, on state anxiety in 105 institutionalized elderly. A double-blind, three-group experimental design was used. State anxiety was measured using the Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. The anxiety level of subjects who received therapeutic touch in the form of a back rub was found to be significantly lower than the anxiety level of subjects who received a back rub without therapeutic touch. Results suggest that this noninvasive intervention has potential for enhancing the quality of life for this population.