Efficacy of Cabbage Leaf Wraps (CLW) Application on Joint Pain Reduction among Elderly

Abstract

Introduction: Cabbage is known to have many healing properties an one food item that may relieve joint pain naturally. Objectives: The aim of the study was to assess the effectiveness of the application of Cabbage Leaf Wraps (CLW) on joint pain reduction among elderly. Methods: A Quantitative approach with quasi-experimental pre-test post-test control group design was selected for the study. A total of 60 elderly with joint pain residing in Lumdiengsoh Community, Shillong were selected by purposive sampling technique. The pre-test level of joint pain was assessed using Numerical Pain Rating Scale for both the groups. Cabbage leaf wraps (CLW) application was provided in the experimental group 2 hours, once a day for 3 weeks and Control group were kept on their usual routine care. A post-test was conducted for both groups using the same tool 3 weeks after pre-test. Data was analysed by descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: The findings revealed that the application of cabbage leaf wraps in experimental group was more effective in joint pain reduction among elderly as compared to the routine care in the control group.In the experimental group the calculated paired ‘t’ value (28.61) was greater than the table value at df (29) =2.05, therefore the mean difference was statistically significant (p< 0.0001). Thus, the cabbage leaf wraps application was effective in reducing the level of joint pain among elderly people. There was no association between the demographic variables with post-test level of joint pain in both experimental and control group. Conclusion: The results of this study inferred that cabbage leaf wraps application is very effective in reducing the level of joint pain among the elderly.