Vol. 2 No. 4 (2026): Agustus
Articles

PARAFFIN BATH AND HAND EXERCISE THERAPY TO IMPROVE HAND FUNCTION IN OLDER ADULTS

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  • Aditya Johan Romadhon,
  • Fendy Nugroho
Aditya Johan Romadhon
Poltekkes Kemenkes Surakarta
Fendy Nugroho
Poltekkes Kemenkes Surakarta

Published 2026-08-21

Keywords

  • paraffin bath,
  • hand exercise,
  • older adults,
  • hand function,
  • community service

Abstract

Hand pain and joint stiffness are common complaints among older adults and reduce independence in daily activities. This community service program aimed to reduce hand complaints, improve hand functional ability, and increase participants’ understanding of self-management among members of the elderly integrated health post (Posyandu Lansia) in Tohudan Village, Colomadu, Karanganyar, Indonesia. Thirty participants were involved, consisting of older adults with hand complaints, health cadres, and family caregivers. The program comprised health education through lectures, demonstrations, and question-and-answer sessions, followed by paraffin bath therapy at 40–44°C combined with hand exercise therapy in the form of joint mobilisation, intrinsic muscle exercise, and gripping exercise, delivered once a week for four weeks. Participants’ understanding was measured before and after the program using a five-item questionnaire with a four-point scale. The mean understanding score increased from 6.30 ± 1.09 to 16.90 ± 2.28 out of 20, a mean gain of 10.60 ± 2.30 points that was statistically significant (paired t-test, p < 0.001; Cohen’s d = 4.61). All participants reached at least the understand category and rated the program as highly beneficial (91.9%).

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