The efficacy of therapeutic touch for improving functional ability in elders with degenerative arthritis

The purpose of this Rogerian study was to determine whether therapeutic touch improved functional ability in elders with arthritis as compared to routine treatment and progressive muscle relaxation. Eighty-two non-institutionalized elders were randomly assigned to therapeutic touch or progressive muscle relaxation treatments. Subjects served as their own control for 4 weeks, then received six treatments at 1-week intervals. Pain, tension, mood, and satisfaction improved after therapeutic touch and progressive muscle relaxation. Hand function improved after therapeutic touch; walking and bending improved after progressive muscle relaxation. Functional ability was significantly different between the two groups for mobility and hand function. Lower scores (indicating better function) were attained by the therapeutic touch group.