title: Effects of integrating therapeutic touch into a cognitive behavioral pain treatment program. Report of a pilot clinical trial.
abstract: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of offering Therapeutic Touch (TT) as an adjunct to cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for people with chronic pain. Patients were randomized to relaxation training (control group) or TT plus relaxation (experimental). Subsequently, all participants attended a CBT program. Preprogram and postprogram data were examined to identify patterns of change in pain intensity, self-efficacy, unitary power, disability, and perceived distress. In addition, patterns of attrition were examined. Patients in this study who were randomized to receive TT fared better in terms of enhanced self-efficacy and unitary power, as well as having lower attrition rates. Trends associated TT with less distress and disability. This pilot study suggests that offering TT as an adjunct to CBT may help to improve clinical outcomes, reduce program attrition, and promote unitary power in those who suffer with chronic pain.
authors.affiliation: University of Southern Maine, USA.
authors.forename: Dorothy Woods
authors.initials: DW
authors.lastname: Smith
authors.forename: Paul
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Arnstein
authors.forename: Katherine Cowen
authors.initials: KC
authors.lastname: Rosa
authors.forename: Carol
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Wells-Federman
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D002908:Chronic Disease / Q000628:therapy; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010146:Pain / Q000523:psychology; D059408:Pain Management; D010147:Pain Measurement; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D010865:Pilot Projects; D020377:Self Efficacy; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D019124:Therapeutic Touch