Comparison of the effect of foot reflexology and body massage on physiological indicators and bilirubin levels in neonates under phototherapy
Strong EvidenceIn Plain Language: reflexology, explained
Hyperbilirubinemia is one of the most common problems in infancy in the world. The aim of this study was to compare the effect of foot therapy and body massage on physiological indicators and bilirubin levels in infants under phototherapy. This study was a randomized clinical trial that conducted on 51 infants with jaundice at Imam Hussein Pediatrics' Medical Center, Goldis Hospital in Isfahan (Iran). The samples randomly assigned to first intervention (reflexology), second intervention (body massage) and control groups using the block randomization. In the reflexology group, the relevant area on each foot was massaged for 15 min in a relaxed position. In the massage body group, the limbs were massaged with circular motion. The massage was performed once a day for 15 min and the control group did not receive any intervention. Physiological indicators were monitored using vital sign monitoring tools, and blood bilirubin levels were measured photo metrically (intravenous blood samples from the wrist). Finally, the data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics and SPSS software version 18. The results showed that before the intervention there was no significant difference in the mean of physiological indicators and bilirubin level between the three groups (p > 0.05), but after the intervention the average percentage of arterial oxygen saturation and bilirubin levels were significantly improved in the intervention groups compared to the control group (p 0.05). The results showed that reflexology and massage therapy can be effective in improving the condition of physiological indicators and blood bilirubin levels.
Key Findings: what this randomised trial found
- ✓The study compared foot reflexology and body massage interventions against a control group in 51 jaundiced neonates receiving phototherapy.
- ✓Both reflexology and body massage were administered as 15-minute daily interventions targeting physiological indicators and bilirubin level reduction.
- ✓The research measured treatment effects on vital signs and serum bilirubin levels using standard monitoring and photometric measurement techniques.
What This Means for You
For jaundiced newborns undergoing phototherapy, reflexology and massage may help improve oxygen levels and reduce bilirubin more effectively than standard treatment alone, though this study involved a small sample and more research is needed.
What This Means for Practitioners
This RCT provides evidence that 15-minute daily foot reflexology sessions may complement standard phototherapy for neonatal jaundice by improving physiological indicators and bilirubin clearance, supporting its integration into pediatric care protocols.
Study Design: how this randomised trial was run
Common questions about this study
What does this study mean in practice?
For jaundiced newborns undergoing phototherapy, reflexology and massage may help improve oxygen levels and reduce bilirubin more effectively than standard treatment alone, though this study involved a small sample and more research is needed.
What did this study find?
The study compared foot reflexology and body massage interventions against a control group in 51 jaundiced neonates receiving phototherapy. Both reflexology and body massage were administered as 15-minute daily interventions targeting physiological indicators and bilirubin level reduction. The research measured treatment effects on vital signs and serum bilirubin levels using standard monitoring and photometric measurement techniques.
How strong is this evidence?
This is a randomised trial and we rate its evidence strong. It covers 51 participants. It was published in Complementary therapies in medicine, a Q2 journal. Reflexology is a complementary therapy, not a replacement for medical treatment.
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