Undergraduate Nursing Student Research Outcomes Utilizing Bio-Touch Therapy

Achieving balance in work and life requires multiple approaches to managing stress.  In addition, given that stress is the underlying causative factor in the development of illness, the management of both life and work stressors becomes an important component to managing health and patient/family well-being. 

Senior nursing students at Northwestern Oklahoma State University developed and completed a research study utilizing a complementary touch therapy, entitled Bio-Touch, to assess the effects on stress and other related factors.  It is a butterfly light touch applied to specific points on the human body.  Previous research has suggested that Bio-Touch decreases individual stress, pain, restlessness, improvement in vital signs, increase in immune response and feeling cared for.  This therapy is easy to do and can be taught to anyone—a health care professional is not required—and there are no adverse side effects. 

 A convenience sample was utilized at the university, which included students, staff, faculty and community members.  There were 248 participates in the study fairly evenly matched in gender and with an age range of 19-78. Pain, restlessness, stress, the feeling of being cared for, and relaxation were assessed via questionnaire before and after the receipt of Bio-Touch. The levels of pain, restlessness, and stress were significantly decreased, and the levels of being cared for and relaxation were significantly increased after Bio-touch.

The utilization of an inexpensive stress management tool for patients/families is invaluable to managing health and to improving quality of life and balance for all.  This research can be easily replicated and utilized in any setting. In addition, the senior nursing research students achieved an interest in and respect for not only the complementary therapy but for research and have committed to presenting this research and utilizing this strategy in their clinical practice.