Hand self-shiatsu to promote sleep among Veterans and their family members: A non-randomized, multiple-methods study

Abstract

Introduction:The determinants of Veterans' and their family members' health and well-being are compromised by sleep deficiency (SD). The use of long-term drug therapies for treatment is controversial, and the evidence to support positive outcomes is limited. Instead, guidelines recommend non-pharmacological sleep interventions for SD. Hand self-shiatsu (HSS) is a drug-free, pragmatic, easy-to-learn self-management technique that provides patients with an intervention they can actively control, thus contributing to feelings of self-effi cacy. The objective of this work was to examine whether a prescribed HSS intervention would result in improved objectively and subjectively measured sleep. Methods: This was a non-randomized controlled study. Objective (actigraphy) measures and standardized self-report questionnaires were applied at baseline and at four and eight weeks post-intervention. Participants also completed a detailed sleep log. Results: No signifi cant differences were found in the actigraphy sleep dimensions across the three measurement time points in either the intervention or the control group. With respect to the self-report measures, a signifi cant change was detected for sleep disturbance (  2 2 = 10 [ n = 25], p = 0.007) for the intervention group, and 77% stated they would recommend HSS to others. A significant change in two self-report measures was noted in the control group, a potential artifact of the sub-optimal recruitment to this group imposed by coronavirus disease 2019 restrictions. Discussion: Although actigraphy data did not support the hypothesis, the self-report measures and qualitative information from participants' end-of-study interviews indicated endorsement of HSS for the management of sleep difficulties and increased self-effi cacy.

The Experience of Shiatsu for Care Partners and Persons Living With Dementia: a Qualitative Pilot Study

“…(33) The benefits of decreased stress and enhanced well-being demonstrated with shiatsu (34,35) may translate to self-shiatsu. If so, self-shiatsu may, as shown in other populations, (36)(37)(38)(39) be a cost-effective, convenient self-management tool for care partners. Self-management interventions enhance self-efficacy (40) which improves QoL.…”

“…A selfshiatsu procedure of comparable length and complexity was successfully taught to persons with chronic pain and veterans with sleep problems. (36,38,39)…”

“…Though evidence for shiatsu is limited, studies have demonstrated benefits for: stress/anxiety, pain, muscle/joint issues, migraine, ability to cope, mind-body awareness, mobility, energy and mental clarity, and sleep disturbances. (34)(35)(36)38,39,(55)(56)(57)(58)(59) These studies reported no adverse effects aside from mild, transient fatigue or achiness. (34) Shiatsu has been shown to be an intrinsically safe therapy in qualified hands (60) with numerous potential benefits.…”