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A systematic review and multivariate meta-analysis of the physical and mental health benefits of touch interventions

Medicine and Health

A systematic review and multivariate meta-analysis of the physical and mental health benefits of touch interventions

J. Packheiser, H. Hartmann, et al.

Discover the compelling findings of a pre-registered systematic review and multilevel meta-analysis conducted by Julian Packheiser, Helena Hartmann, and colleagues. The research explores how touch interventions can enhance physical and mental health, revealing surprising distinctions between human and robot touch, and highlighting the profound benefits of parental touch on newborns.

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Playback language: English
Abstract
This pre-registered systematic review and multilevel meta-analysis (n = 12,966 individuals from 212 studies) investigated the effects of touch interventions on physical and mental health, identifying moderators of efficacy. Touch interventions effectively regulated cortisol levels and increased weight in newborns, and reduced pain, depression, and anxiety in adults. Object/robot touch yielded similar physical but lower mental health benefits than human touch. Clinical cohorts benefited more from touch than healthy individuals. Parental touch was more beneficial for newborns than healthcare professional touch. Small study bias and blinding limitations were noted. Understanding these factors can maximize future interventions.
Publisher
Nature Human Behaviour
Published On
Apr 08, 2024
Authors
Julian Packheiser, Helena Hartmann, Kelly Fredriksen, Valeria Gazzola, Christian Keysers, Frédéric Michon
Tags
touch interventions
physical health
mental health
systematic review
meta-analysis
cortisol regulation
newborn benefits
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