The Effect of Reiki on Pain, Functional Status, and Holistic Well-Being in Patients With Knee Osteoarthritis: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Author: Nursemin Unal1,2,3,4, Nilay Bektaş Akpinar1,2,3,4, Doğan Bek1,2,3,4, Sabire Yurtsever1,2,3,4
Affiliation:
1 Nursemin Unal, PhD, RN, Assistant Professor, Faculty of Nursing, Midwifery Department, Ankara University, Ankara, Turkey.
2 Nilay Bektaş Akpinar, PhD, RN, Assistant Professor, School of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ankara Medipol University, Ankara, Turkey.
3 Doğan Bek, MD, Professor, Orthopaedic and Traumatology Department, Gulhane Training and Research Hospital, Health Sciences University, Ankara, Turkey.
4 Sabire Yurtsever, PhD, RN, Professor, Faculty of Health Sciences, Girne University.
Conference/Journal: Orthop Nurs
Date published: 2024 Mar-Apr
Other: Volume ID: 43 , Issue ID: 2 , Pages: 109-118 , Special Notes: doi: 10.1097/NOR.0000000000001017. , Word Count: 166


Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic degenerative joint disease that causes pain and adversely affects functional status and holistic well-being. This randomized controlled trial investigated the effect of Reiki on pain, functional status, and holistic well-being in patients with knee OA. The sample consisted of 42 patients. The control group received standardized treatment only, whereas the intervention group received face-to-face Reiki (nine positions; 39 minutes) and distance Reiki on two consecutive days in addition to standardized treatment. The Reiki group had lower pain scores than the control group as measured by the Visual Analog Scale (p < .001) and the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index pain score (p < .001). Those participating in the Reiki group had improved holistic well-being scores specifically for the subscales of Sadness, Perception of Sadness, Spiritual Disruption, Cognitive Awareness, and General mood. Reiki is a safe, noninvasive, and cost-effective alternative treatment technique that has the potential to reduce symptoms of pain and improve holistic well-being in patients with knee OA.


PMID: 38546686 DOI: 10.1097/NOR.0000000000001017

BACK