Abstract

PURPOSE
The objective of the study was to identify the effects of the meridian massage therapy on hand edema and hand functions in patients with hemiplegia. METHOD: The experiment was conducted in the Oriental Medical ward of "K" hospital during the period of 2000. 12. 15 - 2001. 03. 15. Fifty five subjects with hemiplegia following a stroke participated in the study. Volumetric size of the hand and the circumference of the index finger of each patient was measured and functional points were recorded for pre and post experiment. RESULT: 1. Apparent decrease in volumetric size of the hand and the circumference of the index finger(p=.022. p=.021), and higher functional points(p=.003) in the experimental group in comparison to the control group. 2.Volume of hands & their functions appeared to be irrelevant(r=-.195, p=.154). 3. Circumference of the index finger & their functions also turned out to be irrelevant (r=-.110, p=.424). CONCLUSION: Meridian massage is an effective nursing interventional therapy to relieve hand edema and improve hand functions in hemiplegic patients and has great potential for use in a wide range of medical fields as an efficient supplementary treatment for stroke rehabilitation.

• Keywords: Meridian massage; Hand edema; Hand function