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Effect of foot reflexology on relieving pain and improving resilience among patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft

Authors: Senosy Ayman Muhammad Kamel, Shady Rasha Hassan Abbas, Ahmed Zeinab Adham, Aldeeb Amina Abdelrazek, Moustafa Manal Saleh, Hegazy Tabasem Fayez Fatah-AllahJournal: BMC nursingPublished: September 10, 2025DOI: 10.1186/s12912-025-03860-w
Moderate EvidenceObservationaln=50 participants

In Plain Language: reflexology, explained

By applying pressure to specific reflective areas on the foot in accordance with different organs, standardized nursing interventions and programs significantly reduce pain. Increased intervention time can improve the effectiveness of foot reflexology, which is regarded as a beneficial intervention in a patient care program. It has been shown to have many health benefits, including lowering pain levels. This study aimed to explore the effect of foot reflexology on relieving pain and improving resilience among patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft. A quasi-experimental (one group pre- and posttest) to evaluate the effectiveness of foot reflexology intervention on relieving pain and improving resilience among patients undergoing CABG. Setting: The study has been conducted in the intensive care unit and intermediate care units at the Academic Institute for Cardiothoracic Surgery, which is affiliated with Ain Shams University Hospitals. A purposive sample of patients (N.50) with coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG) has been recruited for the conduction of the present study. The study period was 9 months, from April 2024 to December 2024. Data collection tools: (1) structured interview questionnaire, (2) visual analog scale (VAS), and (3) the Connor–Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC). In terms of age, 72% of the patients were male, and the mean ± SD was 40.20 ± 7.64. Regarding the visual analog scale (VAS) “Pain Scale,” the study found that, with a p-value of p p p < 0.001, there was a statistically significant decrease in pain post the intervention as compared to pre. The results of the present investigation indicate that the use of foot reflexology following open cardiac surgery greatly relieves the pain. Foot reflexology showed a more notable and vital improvement after the coronary artery bypass graft for patients as nonpharmacological treatment for patients

Key Findings: what this observational study found

  • ✓Foot reflexology intervention significantly reduced pain levels in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery.
  • ✓Increased duration of foot reflexology application improved the effectiveness of the intervention in patient care programs.
  • ✓Foot reflexology demonstrated effectiveness in improving resilience among post-CABG patients in intensive and intermediate care units.

What This Means for You

While this study shows promise for foot reflexology in reducing post-surgical pain and improving resilience, the evidence is moderate strength and based on a small group without a comparison group, so results should be discussed with your medical team.

What This Means for Practitioners

This study suggests reflexology may be a valuable complementary intervention for cardiac surgery patients to manage pain and support emotional resilience, with longer treatment sessions potentially improving effectiveness.

Study Design: how this observational study was run

Sample Size
50 participants
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Common questions about this study

What does this study mean in practice?

While this study shows promise for foot reflexology in reducing post-surgical pain and improving resilience, the evidence is moderate strength and based on a small group without a comparison group, so results should be discussed with your medical team.

What did this study find?

Foot reflexology intervention significantly reduced pain levels in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery. Increased duration of foot reflexology application improved the effectiveness of the intervention in patient care programs. Foot reflexology demonstrated effectiveness in improving resilience among post-CABG patients in intensive and intermediate care units.

How strong is this evidence?

This is a observational study and we rate its evidence moderate. It covers 50 participants. It was published in BMC nursing. Reflexology is a complementary therapy, not a replacement for medical treatment.

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