Randomized controlled trial of the foot reflexology on pain and anxiety severity during dressing change in burn patients.

Authors: Fahimeh Davodabady, Vahid Naseri-Salahshour, Mahbobeh Sajadi, Abolfazl Mohtarami, Fatemeh RafieiJournal: Burns : journal of the International Society for Burn InjuriesPublished: November 8, 2021DOI: 10.1016/j.burns.2020.06.035

Q1 JournalSJR: 0.9h-index: 120SCImago

Moderate EvidenceRandomized Controlled Trialn=66 participants

Anxiety

In Plain Language: reflexology for anxiety, explained

This study examined the effects of foot reflexology on pain and anxiety in burn patients undergoing dressing changes. The researchers found that reflexology significantly reduced pain and anxiety levels after the fourth, fifth, and sixth days of treatment. This suggests that reflexology can be an effective complementary therapy for burn patients' pain management.

Key Findings: what this randomised trial found about anxiety

✓No significant difference in pain and anxiety severity on the first day of treatment.
✓Significant reduction in pain scores on days 4 (p = 0.005), 5 (p = 0.001), and 6 (p = 0.001).
✓Significant reduction in anxiety scores on days 4 (p = 0.01), 5 (p = 0.001), and 6 (p = 0.001).

What This Means for You

For burn patients considering reflexology treatment, this study indicates that it can help reduce pain and anxiety during dressing changes after several sessions. It offers a safe, additional option to standard medical care.

What This Means for Practitioners

Reflexology practitioners can incorporate this study's findings into their practice by offering reflexology sessions to burn patients, particularly before dressing changes, to help alleviate pain and anxiety as reported in this clinical trial.

Study Design: how this randomised trial was run

Blinding

open label

Control

active

Duration

one week

Sample Size

66 participants

Limitations: what it cannot tell you about anxiety

The study had a relatively small sample size and was conducted in a single hospital, which may affect the generalizability of the results.

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Reflexology for anxiety: common questions

Does reflexology help with anxiety?

What did this study find?

No significant difference in pain and anxiety severity on the first day of treatment. Significant reduction in pain scores on days 4 (p = 0.005), 5 (p = 0.001), and 6 (p = 0.001). Significant reduction in anxiety scores on days 4 (p = 0.01), 5 (p = 0.001), and 6 (p = 0.001).

How strong is this evidence?

This is a randomised trial and we rate its evidence moderate. It covers 66 participants. It was published in Burns : journal of the International Society for Burn Injuries, a Q1 journal. Reflexology is a complementary therapy, not a replacement for medical treatment.