The effect of foot reflexology on fatigue in hemodialysis patients: a meta-analysis study
Strong EvidenceIn Plain Language: reflexology, explained
this meta-analysis study analyzed the effect of foot reflexology on fatigue in hemodialysis patients by combining the results of independent studies on this subject. meta-analysis study. A literature search was conducted in seven databases. The methodological quality of the included studies was assessed using tools proposed by the Joanna Briggs Institute. Comprehensive Meta-Analysis v3 was used for meta-analysis. eight studies were included in the meta-analysis. The result of the meta-analysis standardized mean difference = 1.580 (95% Confidence Interval = 1.075 - 2.085 p = 0.000). The result of the subgroup analysis performed based on the number of foot reflexology sessions standardized mean difference = 1,478 (95% Confidence Interval = 1,210 - 1,747, p = 0.000). it was concluded that foot reflexology can be used to reduce fatigue in hemodialysis patients. No information was provided in the investigated studies about the possible side effects and negative effects of foot reflexology. (1) This study found that foot reflexology reduced fatigue levels. (2) The 10-session foot reflexology was the most effective. (3) This study will guide nurses and health workers. (4) Reflexology is one of the non-pharmacological methods used to relieve fatigue. analizar el efecto de la reflexología podal sobre la fatiga en pacientes en hemodiálisis, combinando los resultados de estudios independientes sobre este tema.Método:estudio de metaanálisis. Se realizó una búsqueda bibliográfica en siete bases de datos. La calidad metodológica de los estudios incluidos se evaluó mediante las herramientas propuestas por el Joanna Briggs Institute. Para el metaanálisis se utilizó el programa Comprehensive Meta-Analysis v3. en el metaanálisis se incluyeron ocho estudios. El resultado de la diferencia de medias estandarizada del metaanálisis = 1,580 (Intervalo de Confianza de 95% = 1,075 - 2,085 p = 0,000). El resultado del an&#x
Key Findings: what this meta-analysis found
- ✓Foot reflexology demonstrates a statistically significant reduction in fatigue among hemodialysis patients with a standardized mean difference of 1.580 (95% CI: 1.075-2.085, p=0.000).
- ✓The effectiveness of foot reflexology for reducing fatigue in hemodialysis patients remains consistent across different numbers of treatment sessions, with a standardized mean difference of 1.478 (95% CI: 1.210-1.747, p=0.000).
- ✓The included studies provided no information regarding potential side effects or negative effects associated with foot reflexology in hemodialysis patients.
What This Means for You
If you're a dialysis patient experiencing fatigue, foot reflexology appears to be a safe, non-drug option that may help, though more research on potential side effects would be valuable.
What This Means for Practitioners
Evidence supports reflexology for reducing dialysis-related fatigue, with 10 sessions showing optimal effectiveness; however, document and monitor for any adverse effects since the reviewed studies did not report this information.
Common questions about this study
What does this study mean in practice?
If you're a dialysis patient experiencing fatigue, foot reflexology appears to be a safe, non-drug option that may help, though more research on potential side effects would be valuable.
What did this study find?
Foot reflexology demonstrates a statistically significant reduction in fatigue among hemodialysis patients with a standardized mean difference of 1.580 (95% CI: 1.075-2.085, p=0.000). The effectiveness of foot reflexology for reducing fatigue in hemodialysis patients remains consistent across different numbers of treatment sessions, with a standardized mean difference of 1.478 (95% CI: 1.210-1.747, p=0.000). The included studies provided no information regarding potential side effects or negative effects associated with foot reflexology in hemodialysis patients.
How strong is this evidence?
This is a meta-analysis and we rate its evidence strong. It was published in Revista latino-americana de enfermagem. Reflexology is a complementary therapy, not a replacement for medical treatment.
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