Effects of therapeutic touch in reducing pain and anxiety in an elderly population

This study investigated the effectiveness of therapeutic touch (TT) in reducing chronic musculoskeletal pain and anxiety in an elderly population. Ninety-five participants were divided into three groups: those receiving TT, mimic touch (a placebo) and standard care. Participants in the TT group received a 20-minute TT session given at the same time on 3 consecutive days. Pain reduction and anxiety in the TT group was significantly reduced when compared with control groups as measured by self-reported rating scales. Salivary cortisol levels,however, showed little change.