This study aimed to evaluate the effects of Reiki on pain, anxiety, and hemodynamic parameters in patients receiving invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) in an adult intensive care unit.
Methods:
A single-blind, randomized, sham-controlled experimental design was used. Sixty patients undergoing IMV were randomly assigned to either the Reiki group (n = 30) or the sham Reiki group (n = 30). The Reiki group received a 30-min Reiki session, while the sham group received a 30-min simulated session by a noncertified individual with no energy transmission intent. The primary outcome was the change in pain score measured by the Critical Care Pain Observation Tool (CPOT). Secondary outcomes included anxiety level, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, heart rate, and respiratory rate. Data collection tools included the Patient Identification Form, Face Anxiety Scale, CPOT, and a Hemodynamic Parameters Form.
Results:
Multivariate analysis revealed significant main effects of time (p < .001) and a significant time × group interaction (p = .001) on CPOT and FAS scores. Reiki significantly reduced pain (p = .002) and anxiety levels (p = .006) compared to the sham Reiki group. In terms of hemodynamic parameters, Reiki was more effective in reducing diastolic blood pressure (p = 0.019) and heart rate (p = 0.001). Systolic blood pressure showed a marginal effect (p = 0.052), while respiratory rate demonstrated a significant group effect (p = 0.047) without a time × group interaction.
Conclusions:
Reiki demonstrated beneficial effects on pain, anxiety, and certain hemodynamic parameters, particularly diastolic blood pressure and heart rate, with more limited effects on systolic blood pressure and respiratory rate (Trial registration ID: NCT06526949).
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