Effects of Foot Reflexology Education Program on Constipation, Anxiety and Depression in Nursing Students.
Moderate EvidenceIn Plain Language: reflexology for anxiety, explained
| 61 nursing students, with constipation, anxiety and depression were divided into two groups. Thirty-one students were place into an experimental group and 30 into a control group. The experimental group took a foot reflexology education program made to suit their needs for six weeks. It included 2 weeks of theory and 4 weeks of practical skill. A Bowel Function Assessment Form was done to measure constipation, along with a State Anxiety Inventory and Beck Depression Inventory. After the sessions, their bowel function scores and their anxiety and depression states were greatly decreased in the experimental group versus the control group. Conclusion: | Foot reflexology educational program was shown to be effective in improving constipation, anxiety and depression for the nursing students who had these symptoms.
Key Findings: what this randomised trial found about anxiety
- ✓A six-week foot reflexology education program combining two weeks of theory and four weeks of practical skill significantly improved bowel function in nursing students with constipation compared to a control group.
- ✓Foot reflexology education was effective in reducing anxiety levels in nursing students, as measured by the State Anxiety Inventory.
- ✓Foot reflexology education significantly decreased depression scores in nursing students, as measured by the Beck Depression Inventory.
What This Means for You
This study suggests foot reflexology may help reduce constipation, anxiety, and depression in nursing students, though results are based on a modest-sized trial and may not apply to all populations.
What This Means for Practitioners
A structured six-week reflexology education program (combining theory and practical skills) demonstrated measurable improvements in constipation and mental health symptoms, supporting reflexology as a complementary approach worth offering to clients with these concerns.
Study Design: how this randomised trial was run
Reflexology for anxiety: common questions
Does reflexology help with anxiety?
This study suggests foot reflexology may help reduce constipation, anxiety, and depression in nursing students, though results are based on a modest-sized trial and may not apply to all populations.
What did this study find?
A six-week foot reflexology education program combining two weeks of theory and four weeks of practical skill significantly improved bowel function in nursing students with constipation compared to a control group. Foot reflexology education was effective in reducing anxiety levels in nursing students, as measured by the State Anxiety Inventory. Foot reflexology education significantly decreased depression scores in nursing students, as measured by the Beck Depression Inventory.
How strong is this evidence?
This is a randomised trial and we rate its evidence moderate. It covers 61 participants. It was published in Korean Journal of Women Health Nursing. Reflexology is a complementary therapy, not a replacement for medical treatment.
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