Coakley, A: Exploration of energy expenditure between

This investigation measured and analyzed energy expenditure of provider and recipient of Therapeutic Touch (TT) treatment and examined the experience of TT by healthy individuals. Both groups had vital signs taken, completed visual analog scales for pain, energy and fatigue and completed the Spielberger State Trait Anxiety tool before and after TT treatment. Energy expenditure was measured using a Total Energy Expenditure Machine (TEEM 100) during the treatment and then both provider and recipients were asked to complete open ended questions describing their experience with the TT treatment. Vital sign and Visual Analog Scale data were analyzed using T test, TEEM 100 data was analyzed using pattern analyses and answers to the open ended questions were analyzed by content analysis. Energy expenditure of providers and recipients moved in similar directions during a TT treatment. There were statistical significant differences in level of anxiety, energy, pain and fatigue in the nurse providers and level of anxiety, blood pressure, pain and fatigue in the recipients of TT. Both groups reported being relaxed and focused after TT.