[Effects of Foot-Reflexology Massage on Fatigue, Stress and Postpartum Depression in Postpartum Women]
Moderate EvidenceIn Plain Language: reflexology for stress, explained
To identify the effects of foot reflexology massage on fatigue, stress and depression of postpartum women. A nonequivalent control group pre-post design was used. A total of 70 women in a postpartum care center were recruited and were assigned to the experimental group (35) or control group (35). Foot reflexology massage was provided to the experimental group once a day for three days. Data were collected before and after the intervention program which was carried out from December, 2013 to February, 2014. Data were analyzed using Chi-square test, Fisher's exact test, and t-test. The level of fatigue in the experimental group was significantly lower than the control group (t=-2.74, p=.008). The level of cortisol in the urine of women in the experimental group was significantly lower than the control group (t=-2.19, p=.032). The level of depression in the experimental group was significantly lower than the control group (t=-3.00, p=.004). The results show that the foot reflexology massage is an effective nursing intervention to relieve fatigue, stress, and depression for postpartum women.
Key Findings: what this observational study found about stress
- ✓Foot reflexology massage significantly reduced fatigue levels in postpartum women compared to the control group (t=-2.74, p=.008).
- ✓Foot reflexology massage significantly decreased urinary cortisol levels, indicating reduced stress in postpartum women compared to the control group (t=-2.19, p=.032).
- ✓Foot reflexology massage significantly reduced postpartum depression scores in postpartum women compared to the control group (t=-3.00, p=.004).
What This Means for You
This small study suggests foot reflexology may help reduce postpartum fatigue and depression, though more rigorous research is needed before drawing firm conclusions.
What This Means for Practitioners
This quasi-experimental study provides preliminary support for offering foot reflexology as a complementary nursing intervention for postpartum women, particularly for fatigue and mood support.
Study Design: how this observational study was run
Reflexology for stress: common questions
Does reflexology help with stress?
This small study suggests foot reflexology may help reduce postpartum fatigue and depression, though more rigorous research is needed before drawing firm conclusions.
What did this study find?
Foot reflexology massage significantly reduced fatigue levels in postpartum women compared to the control group (t=-2.74, p=.008). Foot reflexology massage significantly decreased urinary cortisol levels, indicating reduced stress in postpartum women compared to the control group (t=-2.19, p=.032). Foot reflexology massage significantly reduced postpartum depression scores in postpartum women compared to the control group (t=-3.00, p=.004).
How strong is this evidence?
This is a observational study and we rate its evidence moderate. It covers 70 participants. It was published in Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing, a Q3 journal. Reflexology is a complementary therapy, not a replacement for medical treatment.
Related Research
Effect of Reflexology Intervention on Stress Levels, Sleep Duration, Sucking Frequency, and Crying Episodes in Newborn Infants
Effectiveness of non-pharmacological treatments in lowering blood pressure in pregnant women with hypertension: A systematic review.
Comparative effectiveness of nonpharmacological interventions on postpartum maternal sleep quality: a systematic review and network meta-analysis
The effect of prenatal yoga and reflexology in reducing labor duration and perceived pain; a systematic review and meta-analysis
Effect of acupressure and reflexology on pregnancy constipation: a quasi-experimental study
Looking for a reflexologist?
Find practitioners who can help with the conditions studied in this research.
Find a Reflexologist