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Cited by 70Biofield Effects and BiophysicsDementia and Cognitive Impairment ResearchGeriatric Care and Nursing Homes

The Effect of Therapeutic Touch on Behavioral Symptoms and Cortisol in Persons with Dementia

Woods, Diana Lynn, Beck, Cornelia, Sinha, Karabi·2009·Forschende Komplementärmedizin / Research in Complementary Medicine
DOI 10.1159/000220479
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Abstract

BACKGROUND: Between 75-90% of nursing home (NH) residents with dementia develop behavioral symptoms (BSD) which may be associated with a stress response. Therapeutic touch has been shown to decrease restlessness in NH residents, however the mechanism is unknown. The purpose of this randomized controlled trial (RCT) was to examine the effect of therapeutic touch on BSD and basal cortisol levels among NH residents with dementia. PARTICIPANTS AND METHODS: Using a double blind experimental interrupted time series ABAB design, 65 participants were assigned to one of three groups. The experimental group received therapeutic touch with contact on the neck and shoulders delivered twice daily for 3 days (administered over 2 separate treatment periods); the placebo group received a mimic treatment identical in appearance, and the control group received routine care. Study outcomes were BSD, measured by the modified Agitated Behavior Rating Scale (mABRS), and salivary cortisol levels, measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). RESULTS: 64 residents, aged 67-93 years (M = 85.5, SD = 5.50), completed the study. Restlessness was significantly reduced in the experimental group compared to the control group (p = 0.03). There was a significant difference in morning cortisol variability among groups across time periods (<0.0001). Findings suggest that therapeutic touch may be effective for management of symptoms like restlessness coupled with stress reduction. At a time when cost containment is a consideration in health care, therapeutic touch is an intervention that is non-invasive, readily learned, and can provide a non-pharmacologic alternative for selected persons with BSD.

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Crossref · 10.1159/000220479

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  • A large study including participants without high agitation levels found agitation improved significantly during 8 weeks of person-centred care training and 20 weeks later.

    “A large study including participants without high agitation levels found agitation improved significantly during 8 weeks of person-centred care training and 20 weeks later. 36”

    From Non-pharmacological interventions for agitation in dementia: systematic review of randomised controlled trials (2014) · cites this paper as [36]

  • Training paid caregivers in person-centred care, communication skills training or dementia care mapping was investigated in five RCTs, and all interventions included supervision during training and implementation.

    “Training paid caregivers in these techniques was investigated in five RCTs. 35-39 All interventions included supervision during training and implementation.”

    From Non-pharmacological interventions for agitation in dementia: systematic review of randomised controlled trials (2014) · cites this paper as [36]

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Authors
Woods, D. L., Beck, C., & Sinha, K.
Affiliations
  • University of California, Los Angeles (US)
  • University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (US)
Venue
Forschende Komplementärmedizin / Research in Complementary Medicine
Publisher
S. Karger AG
Published
2009
Volume
16
Issue
3
Pages
181-189
ISSN
  • 1021-7096 (ISSN-L)
  • 1661-4127
  • 1661-4119
DOI
10.1159/000220479
OpenAlex
W1977368796
Cited by
70
References
49
Citations by year
2025: 4 · 2024: 4 · 2023: 2 · 2022: 4 · 2021: 6 · 2020: 2 · 2019: 4 · 2018: 3 · 2017: 6 · 2016: 7 · 2015: 3 · 2014: 6 · 2013: 5 · 2012: 3
FWCI
3.09
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
closed
Locations
  • Forschende Komplementärmedizin / Research in Complementary Medicine (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
Topics
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Physiology › Biofield Effects and Biophysics
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Psychiatry and Mental health › Dementia and Cognitive Impairment Research
  • Health Sciences › Health Professions › General Health Professions › Geriatric Care and Nursing Homes
Keywords
therapeutic touch, dementia, behavioral symptoms of dementia, restlessness, cortisol, salivary cortisol, nursing home residents, stress response, non-pharmacological treatment, agitation
MeSH terms
Aged, Aged, 80 and over, Alzheimer Disease, Circadian Rhythm, Double-Blind Method, Female, Homes for the Aged, Humans, Hydrocortisone, Male, Nursing Homes, Psychomotor Agitation, Therapeutic Touch

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