Effect of foot reflexology massage on sleep, anxiety and quality of life in hemodialysis patients: A single-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial

Authors: Göktuna Gizem, Arslan Gülşah GürolJournal: Explore (New York, N.Y.)Published: January 1, 2024DOI: 10.1016/j.explore.2024.103061

Q2 JournalSJR: 0.5h-index: 55

Moderate EvidenceRandomized Controlled Trial

Anxiety Insomnia

In Plain Language: reflexology for anxiety, explained

The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of reflexology foot massage on sleep, anxiety, and quality of life as compared to foot massage only in patients undergoing hemodialysis treatment. This study was conducted as a single blinded randomized placebo-controlled parallel-group trial. Data were collected using the "Demographic Characteristics Form", "Richards-Campbell Sleep Scale", "State-Trait Anxiety Inventory" and "Nottingham Health Profile". Individuals in the reflexology and placebo groups received massages for three weeks; three times a week, for 15 minutes on each foot. Participants in the reflexology and placebo groups were followed-up before the massage and after the ninth massage session. In the statistical evaluation of the sleep quality scale mean scores, after the ninth massage session, it was determined that the average sleep score of the reflexology massage group was higher than that of the placebo group. Additionally, the state anxiety level was found to be lower in the reflexology group compared to the placebo group. As for the quality of life after the ninth massage session, it was determined that there was an improvement in the reflexology massage group compared to the placebo group. This study has found that foot reflexology massage is effective in reducing anxiety levels, improving sleep, and enhancing the quality of life in patients undergoing hemodialysis treatment. The findings of this study may offer nurses greater awareness of the potential benefits of reflexology. In this way, more healthcare professionals can be encouraged to use reflexology in addition to other cares.

Key Findings: what this randomised trial found about anxiety

✓Reflexology foot massage resulted in significantly higher sleep quality scores compared to placebo massage in hemodialysis patients after nine treatment sessions.
✓State anxiety levels were lower in the reflexology massage group compared to the placebo control group following the three-week intervention period.
✓A 15-minute reflexology foot massage performed three times weekly for three weeks produced measurable improvements in sleep and anxiety outcomes in hemodialysis patients.

What This Means for You

This study suggests reflexology may help dialysis patients sleep better and feel less anxious, though the evidence is moderate and more research with larger groups would strengthen these findings.

What This Means for Practitioners

This RCT provides support for offering reflexology to hemodialysis patients as a complementary therapy for sleep, anxiety, and quality of life outcomes.

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Reflexology for anxiety: common questions

Does reflexology help with anxiety?

This study suggests reflexology may help dialysis patients sleep better and feel less anxious, though the evidence is moderate and more research with larger groups would strengthen these findings.

What did this study find?

Reflexology foot massage resulted in significantly higher sleep quality scores compared to placebo massage in hemodialysis patients after nine treatment sessions. State anxiety levels were lower in the reflexology massage group compared to the placebo control group following the three-week intervention period. A 15-minute reflexology foot massage performed three times weekly for three weeks produced measurable improvements in sleep and anxiety outcomes in hemodialysis patients.

How strong is this evidence?

This is a randomised trial and we rate its evidence moderate. It was published in Explore (New York, N.Y.), a Q2 journal. Reflexology is a complementary therapy, not a replacement for medical treatment.