Comparing the Efficacy of Foot Reflexology and Benson's Relaxation on Anxiety and Physiologic Parameters After Cesarean Surgery

Authors: Vahedparast Hakimeh, Samsami Khatoon, Hajinezhad Fatemeh, Tavallali Farnoosh, Bagherzadeh RaziehJournal: Nursing for women's healthPublished: August 1, 2024DOI: 10.1016/j.nwh.2024.02.008

Strong EvidenceRandomized Controlled Trialn=135 participants

Anxiety High Blood Pressure

In Plain Language: reflexology for anxiety, explained

To compare the efficacy of foot reflexology and Benson's relaxation on anxiety and physiologic parameters after cesarean surgery. Randomized controlled trial with three parallel arms. Gynecologic ward of the Persian Gulf Martyrs Hospital in Bushehr, Iran, in 2020. Women undergoing cesarean surgery (n = 135) were selected by convenience sampling and divided via block randomization into three groups of foot reflexology, Benson's relaxation interventions, and control group (n = 45 in each group). Interventions were performed 2 hours after cesarean surgery. Spielberger's State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, mercury sphygmomanometer, and pulse oximeter were used to collect the data. Anxiety was measured before and 30 minutes after the intervention. Physiologic parameters were measured before the intervention and immediately, 30 minutes, and 60 minutes after the intervention. Data were analyzed using inferential statistics. The mean score of situational anxiety after the intervention was significantly lower than before the intervention in the reflexology (t = 6.171; 95% confidence interval [CI] [5.66, 11.14]) and Benson's relaxation groups (t = 7.362; 95% CI [5.91, 9.85]). However, changes in the control group were not significant (t = 1.674; 95% CI [-0.24, 2.55]). Decreases in anxiety scores were similar in the two intervention groups. After intervention, in most measurement times, respiratory rate and pulse rate decreased in the two intervention groups compared to the control group, and arterial oxygen saturation and systolic blood pressure increased. Considering the effect of both interventions on decreasing anxiety and improving most physiologic parameters, it seems that foot reflexology and Benson's relaxation can be recommended after cesarean surgery.

Key Findings: what this randomised trial found about anxiety

✓Both foot reflexology and Benson's relaxation interventions were effective in reducing situational anxiety within 30 minutes of administration in post-cesarean surgery patients.
✓Foot reflexology and Benson's relaxation produced improvements in physiologic parameters (blood pressure and oxygen saturation) measured at multiple time points up to 60 minutes after the intervention.
✓When performed 2 hours after cesarean surgery, both non-pharmacological interventions demonstrated efficacy comparable to or potentially superior to standard care control conditions for managing post-operative anxiety and physiologic stress responses.

What This Means for You

If you're recovering from cesarean surgery, foot reflexology appears effective at reducing anxiety and lowering vital signs like heart rate, though it works similarly to other relaxation techniques.

What This Means for Practitioners

Foot reflexology demonstrates efficacy comparable to Benson's relaxation for post-cesarean anxiety management, supporting its use as an adjunctive intervention in gynecologic recovery settings.

Study Design: how this randomised trial was run

Sample Size

135 participants

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Reflexology for anxiety: common questions

Does reflexology help with anxiety?

If you're recovering from cesarean surgery, foot reflexology appears effective at reducing anxiety and lowering vital signs like heart rate, though it works similarly to other relaxation techniques.

What did this study find?

Both foot reflexology and Benson's relaxation interventions were effective in reducing situational anxiety within 30 minutes of administration in post-cesarean surgery patients. Foot reflexology and Benson's relaxation produced improvements in physiologic parameters (blood pressure and oxygen saturation) measured at multiple time points up to 60 minutes after the intervention. When performed 2 hours after cesarean surgery, both non-pharmacological interventions demonstrated efficacy comparable to or potentially superior to standard care control conditions for managing post-operative anxiety and physiologic stress responses.

How strong is this evidence?

This is a randomised trial and we rate its evidence strong. It covers 135 participants. It was published in Nursing for women's health. Reflexology is a complementary therapy, not a replacement for medical treatment.