Comparison of the effects of reflexology and classical hand massage on pain, anxiety, and vital signs in patients after coronary angiography: A randomized controlled trial
Strong EvidenceIn Plain Language: reflexology for anxiety, explained
Pain and anxiety are common issues experienced by patients after coronary angiography, often negatively impacting recovery and causing changes in vital signs. This study aimed to compare the effects of reflexology and classical hand massage on pain, anxiety, and vital signs in patients after coronary angiography. It was designed as a single-blind randomized controlled trial with 70 patients who underwent coronary angiography in a hospital. Patients were randomly assigned into two groups via block randomization: reflexology hand massage (n = 35) and classical hand massage (n = 35). Data were collected using the Patient Information Form, State Anxiety Inventory, Visual Analog Scale, and Vital Signs Form. Both massages were applied to both hands for 20 min after angiography. Measurements were taken before the intervention and at 30, 60, and 120 min afterward. In the reflexology group, a significantly greater reduction was found in pain (effect size=0.926) and anxiety (effect size=0.680) compared to the classical massage group (p < .05). Systolic blood pressure decreased significantly in both groups (reflexology: 0.971; classical: 0.986), while diastolic pressure dropped significantly only in the reflexology group (effect size = -1.019). A significant reduction in pulse rate was also noted only in the reflexology group (effect size=0.985). No significant change was observed in respiratory rate; however, oxygen saturation increased significantly in the reflexology group (effect size=0.998). Reflexology was more effective than classical hand massage in reducing pain, anxiety, and certain vital signs after coronary angiography.
Key Findings: what this randomised trial found about anxiety
- ✓Reflexology hand massage produced significantly greater reductions in pain compared to classical hand massage in patients after coronary angiography, with a large effect size of 0.926.
- ✓Reflexology hand massage was more effective at reducing anxiety than classical hand massage, demonstrating a medium effect size of 0.680.
- ✓Both reflexology and classical hand massage were applied for 20 minutes to both hands, with measurements taken at baseline and at 30, 60, and 120 minutes post-intervention to assess their effects on pain, anxiety, and vital signs.
What This Means for You
If you're considering reflexology after a cardiac procedure, this strong clinical trial suggests it may help reduce pain and anxiety more effectively than standard massage, though you should discuss it with your healthcare team.
What This Means for Practitioners
This RCT provides solid evidence that reflexology hand massage produces superior outcomes in pain reduction (effect size 0.926) and anxiety relief (effect size 0.680) compared to classical massage in post-angiography patients, supporting its use in cardiac care settings.
Study Design: how this randomised trial was run
Reflexology for anxiety: common questions
Does reflexology help with anxiety?
If you're considering reflexology after a cardiac procedure, this strong clinical trial suggests it may help reduce pain and anxiety more effectively than standard massage, though you should discuss it with your healthcare team.
What did this study find?
Reflexology hand massage produced significantly greater reductions in pain compared to classical hand massage in patients after coronary angiography, with a large effect size of 0.926. Reflexology hand massage was more effective at reducing anxiety than classical hand massage, demonstrating a medium effect size of 0.680. Both reflexology and classical hand massage were applied for 20 minutes to both hands, with measurements taken at baseline and at 30, 60, and 120 minutes post-intervention to assess their effects on pain, anxiety, and vital signs.
How strong is this evidence?
This is a randomised trial and we rate its evidence strong. It covers 70 participants. It was published in Heart & lung : the journal of critical care. Reflexology is a complementary therapy, not a replacement for medical treatment.
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The Effect of Foot Massage with Biofeedback: A Pilot Study to Enhance Health Promotion in Elderly.
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