The effects of foot reflexology massage on anxiety in patients following coronary artery bypass graft surgery: A randomized controlled trial

ObjectiveTo examine the effects of foot reflexology massage on anxiety in patients following CABG surgery.MethodsIn this randomized controlled trial, 80 patients who met the inclusion criteria were conveniently sampled and randomly allocated to the experimental and control groups after they were matched on age and gender. On the days following surgery, the experimental group received foot reflexology massage on their left foot 20 min a day for 4 days, while the control group was given a gentle foot rub with oil for one minute. Anxiety was measured using the short-form of the Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory and the Visual Analogue Scale-Anxiety.ResultsBoth measurement instruments confirmed a significant decrease in anxiety following the foot reflexology massage.ConclusionThe significant decrease in anxiety in the experimental group following the foot reflexology massage supports the use of this complementary therapy technique for the relief of anxiety.     

The effect of foot reflexology and back massage on hemodialysis patients' fatigue and sleep quality

ObjectiveThe aim of this study is to examine the effectiveness of foot reflexology and back massage on optimizing the sleep quality and reducing the fatigue of hemodialysis patients.MethodsThe study includes 105 volunteer patients who were registered at a private dialysis clinic and were receiving hemodialysis treatment. Foot reflexology and back massage were administered to the patients two times a week for four weeks. The Visual Analogue Scale for Fatigue and the Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index were used to collect data.ResultsThe differences between the pretest and posttest score averages of the patients on the Visual Analogue Scale for Fatigue and the Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index were statistically significant (p < 0.001).ConclusionFoot reflexology and back massage were shown to improve the sleep quality and reduce the fatigue of hemodialysis patients. Compared to back massage, foot reflexology was determined to be more effective.     

The effect of hand reflexology on anxiety in patients undergoing coronary angiography: A single-blind randomized controlled trial

BackgroundThis study aimed to evaluate effects of hand reflexology on anxiety level in coronary angiography patients.Materials and methodsThis clinical trial recruited 80 eligible patients >6 months. The patients were randomly assigned to receive routine care plus either hand reflexology or a simple hand massage. Data were collected using the Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. Both groups' anxiety levels were measured before (T0) and 30 min (T1) and 1 h after the intervention (T2).FindingsThe mean anxiety level in the intervention group decreased from 57.54 at baseline to 55.47 after the intervention (P = 0.0001). The values in the control group were 54.27 and 51.4, respectively. The two groups had statistically significant differences in the mean scores of anxiety at T0 and T1 (P = 0.003), T1 and T2, and T0 and T2 (P = 0.0001).ConclusionHand reflexology could effectively decrease anxiety in coronary angiography patients.     

Manipulative and body-based methods in chronic kidney disease patients: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials

Backgroundand purpose: Among chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients, manipulative and body-based methods (MBM) have demonstrated efficacy in improving symptoms such as fatigue. This review aims to summarize the efficacy and safety of MBM among CKD patients.MethodsA systematic review was performed in PubMed, Embase, Scopus, CINAHL, CENTRAL and PsycInfo. Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) which evaluated the use of MBM among adult CKD patients were included. The grading of recommendations, assessment, development, and evaluation (GRADE) approach was used to determine the risk of bias and certainty of evidence. The efficacy of each MBM was determined by reduction in symptom severity scores. All adverse reactions were documented.ResultsOf 8529 articles screened, 55 RCTs were included. Acupressure (n = 23), massage therapy (n = 17), reflexology (n = 6) and acupuncture (n = 5) were the most studied MBMs. Acupressure and reflexology were shown to reduce sleep disturbance and fatigue by 6.2–50.0% and 9.1–37.7% respectively. For uremic pruritus, acupressure and acupuncture reduced symptoms by 34.5–77.7% and 56.5–60.2% respectively. Common adverse reactions associated with acupressure included intradialytic hypotension (20.4%) and dizziness (11.1%) while that of acupuncture included elbow soreness (7.5%) and bleeding (7.5%). No adverse effects were reported for massage therapy, moxibustion, reflexology and yoga therapy.ConclusionAcupressure, reflexology and massage therapies were the most well-studied MBMs which have demonstrated efficacy in alleviating sleep disturbance, fatigue and uremic pruritus symptoms in CKD patients.     

Reflexology has an acute (immediate) haemodynamic effect in healthy volunteers: A double-blind randomised controlled trial

Reflexologists claim that massage to specific points of the feet increases blood supply to internal organs. This study measured changes in cardiovascular parameters in subjects receiving reflexology to areas of their feet thought to correspond to the heart (intervention) compared with other areas which are not (control).Method16 reflexology-naive healthy volunteers received an active and control reflexology treatment in an RCT, double-blind repeated measures study.Main outcome measures‘Beat-to-beat’ continuous measurement of selected cardiovascular parameters, State Anxiety Inventory.ResultsCardiac index decreased significantly in the intervention group during left foot treatment (LFT) (baseline mean 2.6; standard deviation (SD) 0.75; 95% CI ± 0.38 vs. LFT mean 2.45; SD 0.68; CI 0.35), effect size (p = 0.035, omega squared effect (w2) = 0.002; w = 0.045).ConclusionReflexology massage applied to the upper part of the left foot may have a modest specific effect on the cardiac index of healthy volunteers.     

Caregiver delivered massage therapy options in inpatient palliative care: A mixed methods exploratory study

Backgroundand purpose: Massage therapy can benefit palliative care inpatients and this intervention could be provided by trained caregivers in this setting. This study aimed to determine the feasibility and acceptance of caregiver massage therapy, to explore patients' and caregivers’ experience of massage therapy, and examine staff perspectives about caregiver massage therapy in palliative care.Materials and methodsThis was a mixed methods, convergent, study design. Inpatient palliative care patients were offered massage provided by a caregiver, following training. Caregiver massage therapy was provided up to five days post training. Patients and caregivers completed self-report measures of satisfaction for the five-day intervention, while caregivers rated massage-related burden and confidence. Healthcare professionals working in inpatient palliative care participated in a focus group, during which enablers and barriers to caregiver massage therapy were explored.ResultsOver the three-month recruitment period, 62 participants were available for recruitment. Of these, 23 (37%) consented to caregiver massage. Caregiver burden was highest on day 2 (mean 2.9/5) while confidence was highest on day 4 (mean 4.1/5). Caregivers and patients were satisfied with the massage training sessions, and patients reported perceptions of comfort during subsequent sessions. Staff-identified enablers to caregiver massage therapy included patient symptom improvement and caregiver empowerment but considered caregiver massage potentially burdensome for caregivers.ConclusionCaregiver massage training is feasible, with a modest acceptance within an inpatient palliative care unit. Enablers of massage therapy in inpatient palliative care were caregiver empowerment, but this model was perceived as potentially burdensome for caregivers by healthcare professionals.     

Reflexology as an adjunctive nursing intervention for management of nausea in hemodialysis patients: A randomized clinical trial

IntroductionNausea is common side effect of hemodialysis. Nonpharmacological methods such as reflexology or other branches of integrative medicine can be used to control nausea. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of reflexology on nausea in hemodialysis patients.MethodsThis study was a double-blind randomized clinical trial conducted from March 2018 to June 2018 at the Arak Dialysis Center, Iran, in which 72 eligible hemodialysis patients were randomly assigned into intervention (n = 36) and control (n = 36) groups. Reflexology was performed on the solar plexus and soles of the feet once (30 min per session) per day for twelve days, one hour after the onset of hemodialysis in the area of nausea on the solar plexus and on the soles of the feet.ResultsThe results showed there was no significant difference in severity of nausea (P = 0.28) between the two groups before intervention. However, after intervention the severity of nausea in the 3rd, 6th, 9th, and 12th days in the intervention group was significantly lower than the control group.ConclusionsThe results showed that reflexology had a positive effect on reducing the severity of nausea in hemodialysis patients. Therefore, reflexology is recommended as part of nursing care to reduce patient suffering. Universities can train students in reflexology and managers can use the protocols to apply this method to reduce patient discomfort during hemodialysis.     

The effect of foot reflexology applied to women aged between 40 and 60 on vasomotor complaints and quality of life

PurposeThis study aims to identify the effects of foot reflexology applied to women on their vasomotor complaints and quality of life.MethodsA randomised controlled study was conducted with 120 women. The experimental group received foot reflexology treatment, while the control group received nonspecific foot massage.ResultsThe mean scores for hot flashes, sweats, and night sweats, were lower in the reflexology group than the control group after the practice; and the difference between the groups was statistically significant (p < 0.001). The mean scores for the sub-groups of the MENQOL demonstrated improvements in both groups after the application (p < 0.001). As for the sexual domain, there was a significant improvement in the reflexology group (p < 0.05), but no improvements were found in the control group (p > 0.05).ConclusionResults showed that reflexology might be effective in decreasing vasomotor problems and increasing quality of life in women in the menopausal period.     

What do people talk about during reflexology? Analysis of worries and concerns expressed during sessions for patients with multiple sclerosis

BackgroundOur previous study evaluated the use of reflexology compared to progressive muscular relaxation in improving the psychological and physical profile associated with multiple sclerosis. In this paper audiotapes from the reflexology sessions have been analysed to give a picture of the nature of interaction between patients and therapists during treatment.MethodsA crossover design with two groups was chosen. Each participant received six sessions of both interventions. All reflexology sessions were recorded and the tapes transcribed and analysed.ResultsAnalysis of the available audiotapes (n = 245) revealed that reflexology provided opportunities for 48 out of the 50 participants to share worries and concerns. Recurring disclosure themes related to physical symptoms and treatment, psychological concerns, home/family worries, and work/leisure issues. Explorative analysis revealed some differences in the amount of disclosure over the weeks, between for example the participant's type of MS and time living with the diagnosis.ConclusionsReflexology appears to have created a space for patients to talk about their worries and concerns, and to receive advice and support from the nurse therapists. This work contributes to the debate about the role of the therapeutic relationship within reflexology practice.     

Effects of reflexology on fibromyalgia symptoms: A multiple case study

PurposeTo explore the effects of reflexology on pain and other symptoms in women with fibromyalgia syndrome [FM].MethodsMultiple case study method as developed by Stake was used to investigate the effects of reflexology on six cases of women with FM which were given ten sessions of weekly reflexology. Data were collected with observation, interviews and diary and then analyzed within cases and across cases.ResultsReflexology affected the symptom of pain in multiple areas such as head, neck and arms. Pain started to isolate and decrease.ConclusionReflexology may be helpful to decrease fibromyalgia symptoms. Qualitative research methods and individually tailored interventions are important when researching complementary and alternative therapies.     

Effects of Massage Therapy on Indirect Hyperbilirubinemia in Newborns Who Receive Phototherapy

ObjectiveTo evaluate the effects of massage therapy on total serum bilirubin (TSB) levels and frequency of defecation, urination, and feeding in newborns who receive phototherapy for indirect hyperbilirubinemia.DesignA randomized controlled clinical trial.SettingAnkara University Cebeci Research and Training Hospital and 29 May State Hospital in Ankara, Turkey.ParticipantsFifty full-term newborns with indirect hyperbilirubinemia who underwent phototherapy.MethodsThe newborns were randomly allocated to an intervention group (n = 25) or a control group (n = 25). Newborns in the intervention group received massage therapy throughout the duration of phototherapy for 15 minutes twice per day; newborns in the control group received routine care during phototherapy. Every 24 hours, TSB levels were measured, and the frequencies of defecation, urination, and feeding were also calculated for each newborn.ResultsWe found no differences in the characteristics of the newborns or in TSB levels between groups at enrollment. After treatment, TSB levels were lower in the intervention group (p < .001). Frequencies of defecation, urination, and feeding were significantly greater in the intervention group than in the control group.ConclusionMassage therapy had significant effects on TSB levels, feeding, breastfeeding, defecation, and urination in newborns who received phototherapy for indirect hyperbilirubinemia. Massage therapy can be added as routine care for full-term newborns with hyperbilirubinemia under phototherapy and may be an effective supplementary intervention.     

Randomised controlled trial of the effectiveness of using foot reflexology to improve quality of sleep amongst Taiwanese postpartum women

Objective

to examine the effectiveness of using foot reflexology to improve sleep quality in postpartum women.

Design and setting

randomised controlled trial, conducted at two postpartum centres in northern Taiwan.

Participants

65 postpartum women reporting poor quality of sleep were recruited from July 2007 to December 2007.

Interventions

participants were assigned randomly to either an intervention or a control group. Participants in both groups received the same care except for reflexology therapy. The intervention group received a single 30-minute foot reflexology session at the same time each evening for five consecutive days. Sessions were administered by a certified nurse reflexologist.

Measures and findings

the outcome measure was the Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI), and this was performed at baseline and post test. Mean PQSI scores for both groups declined over time between baseline and post test. Using a generalised estimation equation to control several confounding variables, the changes in mean PSQI were found to be significantly lower in the intervention group (β=−2.24, standard error=0.38, p<0.001) than in the control group.

Conclusion

an intervention involving foot reflexology in the postnatal period significantly improved the quality of sleep.

Implications for practice

midwives should evaluate maternal sleep quality and design early intervention programmes to improve quality of sleep in order to increase maternal biopsychosocial well-being. Midwives interested in complementary therapies should be encouraged to obtain training in reflexology and to apply it in clinical settings if it is allowed.     

Comparing the effects of auricular seed acupressure and foot reflexology on neonatal abstinence syndrome: A modified double blind clinical trial

BackgroundThe neonates of addicted women are at risk for neonatal abstinence syndrome. This study aimed to compare the effects of auricular seed acupressure and foot reflexology on neonatal abstinence syndrome among the neonates of addicted women.MethodsThirty one neonates of addicted women were purposively recruited and randomly allocated through coin flipping to receive either foot reflexology then seed acupressure or seed acupressure then foot reflexology. Interventions were performed in two successive days with a 12-h washout interval. Foot reflexology was applied for 15 min to the first horizontal zone of the sole while seed acupressure was applied for 24 h through attaching acupuncture-specific ear seeds to the posterior surface of the auricle on the SJ 17 acupoint. The symptoms of abstinence syndrome were assessed using Finnegan Neonatal Abstinence Scoring System before and after foot reflexology, and before, 15 min, and 24 h after the onset of the seed acupressure intervention. Symptom assessment was done by a research assistant who was blind to the study intervention.FindingsThe mean score of abstinence symptoms for the foot reflexology intervention significantly reduced from 10.32 ± 2.10 at pretest to 7.87 ± 2.04 at posttest (P < 0.001). Moreover, the mean score of abstinence symptoms for the seed acupressure intervention significantly reduced from 9.70 ± 2.10 to 8.70 ± 1.46 at the first posttest (P = 0.007) and 7.32 ± 1.42 at the second posttest (P < 0.001). The change in the mean score of the foot reflexology intervention was significantly greater than the change in the mean score at the first seed acupressure posttest (P < 0.001) but did not significantly differ from the change in the second seed acupressure posttest (P = 0.880).ConclusionBoth foot reflexology and auricular seed acupressure has significant effects on abstinence symptoms. Of course, 15-min seed acupressure is less effective than 15-min foot reflexology, while 24-h seed acupressure is as effective as 15-min foot reflexology in alleviating abstinence symptoms.     

Effect of aromatherapy massage with lavender essential oil on pain in patients with osteoarthritis of the knee: A randomized controlled clinical trial

BackgroundOsteoarthritis of the knee is the most common chronic joint disease that involves middle aged and elderly people. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of aromatherapy massage with lavender essential oil on pain in patients with osteoarthritis of the knee.MethodsIn this single-blinded, randomized clinical trial, 90 patients with osteoarthritis of the knee who referred to the outpatient rheumatology clinics affiliated with Birjand University of Medical Sciences were selected through convenience sampling method. They were randomly assigned to three groups: intervention (aromatherapy massage with lavender essential oil), placebo (massage with almond oil) and control (without massage). The patients were evaluated at baseline, immediately after the intervention, 1 week, and 4 weeks after the intervention in terms of pain via visual analogue scale. The data were analyzed in SPSS (version 16) using the repeated measure ANOVA, one-way ANOVA, and chi-squared test.ResultsPain severity of the patients in the intervention group was significantly different immediately and 1 week after the intervention compared with their initial status (p < 0.001) and that of the control group (p < 0.001 and p = 0.009 respectively). However, at the third phase of follow-up (i.e., 4 weeks after the intervention), there was no significant difference between the groups according to the visual analogue scale (p = 0.67).ConclusionAromatherapy massage with lavender essential oil was found effective in relieving pain in patients with knee osteoarthritis. However, further studies are needed to confirm findings of this study.     

Comparing the effects of massage and aromatherapy massage with lavender oil on sleep quality of cardiac patients: A randomized controlled trial

IntroductionSleep disorder is a common problem in cardiac patients. This study aimed to investigate the effect of massage and aromatherapy massage on sleep quality of cardiac patients.Materials and methodsin this study, 150 subjects were randomly allocated into 1)massage, 2)aromatherapy massage and 3)control. In the massage group, the subjects received hands and feet massage using sweet almond oil. In the second group, the massage was performed on the same areas using a mixture of lavender and sweet almond oil. Data collection tool included Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Before and after the intervention, the PSQI was completed by the subjects.ResultsThere was a significant difference between the mean scores of PSQI before and after the intervention in the intervention and control groups, but this difference was not statistically significant between the two intervention groups.ConclusionMassage and aromatherapy massage can improve the sleep quality in cardiac patients.     

Anxiety reduction in patients undergoing cardiac catheterization following massage and guided imagery

ObjectiveThis study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of massage with or without guided imagery in reducing anxiety prior to cardiac catheterization.MethodA total of 55 inpatients and outpatients received massage, guided imagery, or massage with guided imagery prior to cardiac catheterization. Self-reported anxiety levels and blood pressure (BP) and heart rate (HR) were evaluated in participants and a matched comparison group.ResultsMassage with and without guided imagery resulted in significant reductions in self-reported anxiety (p < 0.0001). Patients receiving intervention had lower diastolic BP and HR vs. the comparison group (p < 0.0001 and p < 0.05).ConclusionsMassage with or without guided imagery immediately reduced self-reported anxiety. This pilot study has certain limitations: a non-randomized, convenience sample and a matched control group that was created retrospectively. However, the study indicates a benefit to providing massage or massage with guided imagery prior to anxiety-inducing medical procedures such as cardiac catheterization.     

Effect of massage therapy on pain,anxiety, and tension in cardiac surgical patients: A pilot study

ObjectivesTo assess the role of massage therapy in the cardiac surgery postoperative period. Specific aims included determining the difference in pain, anxiety, tension, and satisfaction scores of patients before and after massage compared with patients who received standard care.DesignA randomized controlled trial comparing outcomes before and after intervention in and across groups.SettingSaint Marys Hospital, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota.SubjectsPatients undergoing cardiovascular surgical procedures (coronary artery bypass grafting and/or valvular repair or replacement) (N = 58).InterventionsPatients in the intervention group received a 20-minute session of massage therapy intervention between postoperative days 2 and 5. Patients in the control group received standard care and a 20-minute quiet time between postoperative days 2 and 5.Outcome measuresLinear Analogue Self-assessment scores for pain, anxiety, tension, and satisfaction.ResultsStatistically and clinically significant decreases in pain, anxiety, and tension scores were observed for patients who received a 20-minute massage compared with those who received standard care. Patient feedback was markedly positive.ConclusionsThis pilot study showed that massage can be successfully incorporated into a busy cardiac surgical practice. These results suggest that massage may be an important therapy to consider for inclusion in the management of postoperative recovery of cardiovascular surgical patients.     

Randomised controlled trial of the effectiveness of using back massage to improve sleep quality among Taiwanese insomnia postpartumwomen

Objective

to examine the effectiveness of using back massage to improve sleep quality in postpartum women.

Design and setting

randomised controlled trial, conducted at a postpartum centre in Northern Taiwan.

Participants

sixty postpartum women reporting poor quality of sleep were recruited from February 2012 to May2012.

Interventions

participants were assigned randomly to either an intervention or a control group. Participants in both groups received the same care except for back massage therapy. The intervention group received a single 20-minutes back massage session at the same time each evening for 5consecutive days. Sessions were administered by a certified massage therapist.

Measures and finding

the outcome measure was the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), which was administered pre- and post-test. Using a generalised estimation equation to control several confounding variables, the changes in mean PSQI were significantly lower in the intervention group (B=−3.97, standard error=0.43, p<0.001) than in the controlgroup.

Conclusions

an intervention involving back massage in the postnatal period significantly improved the quality ofsleep.

Implications for practice

midwives should evaluate maternal sleep quality and design early intervention programs to improve the quality of sleep, to increase maternal health. Midwives interested in complementary therapies should be encouraged to obtain training in back massage and to apply it in postpartumcare.     

Neck arthritis pain is reduced and range of motion is increased by massage therapy

BackgroundThe literature on the effects of massage therapy on neck arthritis pain is mixed depending on the dose level, and it is also based on self-report. In the present study an attempt was made to enhance the effects of weekly massage therapy by having the participants massage themselves daily. And in addition to self-reports on pain, range of motion (ROM) and the associated ROM pain were assessed before and after the first massage session and pre-post the last session one month later.MethodsStaff and faculty members at a medical school who were eligible for the study if they had neck arthritis pain were randomly assigned to a massage or a waitlist control group (N = 24 per group). The massage group received moderate pressure massages weekly by a massage therapist plus daily self-massages. The waitlist control group received the same schedule massages one month after being control subjects.ResultsThe massage group showed significant short-term reductions after the first and last day massages in self-reported pain and in ROM-associated pain as well as an increase in ROM. Comparisons between the massage group (N = 23) and the control group (N = 14) on the last versus the first day data suggested significantly different changes including increased ROM and reduced ROM-associated pain for the massage group and reduced ROM and increased ROM-associated pain for the control group. These changes occurred specifically for flexion and right and left lateral flexion motions.DiscussionThese data highlight the importance of designing massage therapy protocols that target the most affected neck muscle groups and then assessing range of motion and related pain before and after the massage therapy. Comparisons with other studies also suggest that moderate pressure may contribute to the massage effects, and the use of daily self-massages between sessions may sustain the effects and serve as a cost-effective therapy for individuals with neck arthritis pain.