Effect of Comforting Touch on Surface Electromyogram during Upper Gastrointestinal Endoscopy

Comforting touch is an integral aspect of nursing care. Health care providers touch can help patients to ease their descomfort. In the preent study, using surface electromyography, we investigated the effect of comforting touch on patient's feeling during upper gastrointestinal endoscopy without sedation. Twenty-seven patients, aged from 23 to 75 years, were informed of this study and consented to participate. During the examination, subjects were in supine position. Integrated electromyogram (IEMG) of sternocleidomastoid and trapezius muscles of 17 patients was recorded during upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and comforting touch on their shoulder or arm (touch group) and of 10 patients during upper gastrintestinal endscopy (control group). IEMG was decreased by about 50% in the touch group while very little change was observed in the control group. The difference between the two groups was statistically significant. Because the decrease in IEMG indicates relief of muscular strain induced by comforting touch, the results of this study suggest that comforting toush can relieve muscular strain during upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. The intended use of comforting touch should be emphasized in nursing education and staff development programs.

Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy

Comforting touch

Surface electromyography