PURPOSE
This study was to investigate the effects of upper meridian massage on cerebral blood flow, emotions, and sleep of the institutionalized elderly.
METHODS
This study was a nonequivalent control group pre- and post-test design. The participants were 50 elderly (26 in the experimental group; 24 in the control group) living in the institutions. Data were collected between July 9 and September 1, 2011. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, t-test, and chi2-test, Repeated Measures ANOVA, and Cronbach's alpha coefficient. Each participant in the experimental group received the upper meridian massage for 10 minutes, 4 times per week for 2 weeks. Each participant's cerebral blood flow and self-reported questionnaires were tested before treatment, after 1 week and 2 weeks during treatment sessions.
RESULTS
There were significant differences in sleep and emotions after 1 week and 2 weeks during treatment sessions. But cerebral blood flow measured by common carotid artery pulsatility index (CCA PI) and common carotid artery resistance index (CCA RI) demonstrated significant differences in 2 week point in time.
CONCLUSION
These results indicated that upper meridian massage could be an effective intervention for improving cerebral blood flow, emotions, and sleep of the institutionalized elderly.

Citations

• Effects of Non-Pharmacological Interventions to Improve the Sleep of Korean Elderly: A Systematic Review
  Yunhee Park, Hyun Jung Yun
  Journal of Korean Academy of Fundamentals of Nursing.2022; 29(1): 67.     CrossRef