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[Foot reflexology: an intervention study]

A Kesselring1, E Spichiger, M Müller

  • 1Institut für Pflegeforschung des Schweizer Berufsverbandes der Krankenschwestern und Krankenpfleger.

Pflege
|October 17, 1998
PubMed
Summary

Foot reflexology (FR) improved post-abdominal surgery recovery by aiding bladder function. However, FR was associated with poorer sleep quality, while foot massage enhanced overall well-being.

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Area of Science:

  • Integrative Medicine
  • Surgical Recovery
  • Complementary Therapies

Background:

  • Post-abdominal surgery recovery involves managing various symptoms, including urinary dysfunction, pain, and sleep disturbances.
  • Non-pharmacological interventions are increasingly explored to improve patient outcomes and well-being after surgery.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the effects of foot reflexology (FR) on well-being, voiding, bowel movements, pain, and sleep in women following abdominal surgery.
  • To compare FR with foot/leg massage (FM) and a control (talking) intervention.

Main Methods:

  • A randomized controlled trial involving 130 women post-abdominal surgery.
  • Interventions included 15 minutes of FR, FM, or talking daily for five days.
  • Outcomes assessed included voiding function, catheter removal time, well-being, pain, and sleep quality.

Main Results:

  • Women receiving FR demonstrated improved ability to void independently after catheter removal compared to control groups.
  • A trend towards earlier catheter removal was observed in the FR group.
  • Foot reflexology was associated with worse sleep quality in the FR group.
  • Foot/leg massage (FM) significantly improved subjective well-being, pain perception, and sleep quality.

Conclusions:

  • Foot reflexology may facilitate urinary function recovery after abdominal surgery.
  • Foot/leg massage appears to be a beneficial intervention for enhancing overall well-being and managing pain and sleep post-surgery.
  • Further research is needed to understand the mechanisms and optimize the use of FR and FM in surgical recovery.

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