The Effect of Foot Reflexology on Pain and Kinesiophobia in Patients Following Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Study
Moderate EvidenceIn Plain Language: reflexology, explained
Nonpharmacological methods are used in the management of pain and kinesiophobia following total knee arthroplasty. The aim of this double-blind randomized controlled trial was to examine the effect of foot reflexology on pain and kinesiophobia in patients following total knee arthroplasty. A total of 40 patients (20 in the control group and 20 in the intervention group) were randomly assigned to either of two groups for the study. The intervention group was exposed to foot reflexology. Postoperative Visual Analog Scale scores decreased faster in the intervention group compared to the control group (F = 80.417; p < .001; η2 = 0.685). The Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index scores decreased in the intervention group over time, while they increased in the control group (p < .05). While a gradual increase was observed in the Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia scores in the control group, there was a decrease in the intervention group (F = 84.860; p < .001; η2 = 0.696). The amount of analgesics used was lower in the intervention group (p < .05). Foot reflexology can be applied as an effective and safe method to manage pain and kinesiophobia in total knee arthroplasty patients.
Key Findings: what this randomised trial found
- ✓Foot reflexology significantly reduced postoperative pain scores in total knee arthroplasty patients compared to the control group (p < 0.001).
- ✓Patients receiving foot reflexology showed decreased kinesiophobia (fear of movement) over time, while control patients experienced increasing kinesiophobia.
- ✓Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index scores improved in the reflexology intervention group but worsened in the control group over the study period.
What This Means for You
This moderate-quality study suggests foot reflexology may help reduce pain and fear of movement after knee surgery, though results from a larger study would provide stronger confidence in this benefit.
What This Means for Practitioners
Reflexology shows promise as a complementary tool to reduce post-operative pain and kinesiophobia in knee arthroplasty patients, supporting its integration into post-surgical care protocols.
Study Design: how this randomised trial was run
Common questions about this study
What does this study mean in practice?
This moderate-quality study suggests foot reflexology may help reduce pain and fear of movement after knee surgery, though results from a larger study would provide stronger confidence in this benefit.
What did this study find?
Foot reflexology significantly reduced postoperative pain scores in total knee arthroplasty patients compared to the control group (p < 0.001). Patients receiving foot reflexology showed decreased kinesiophobia (fear of movement) over time, while control patients experienced increasing kinesiophobia. Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index scores improved in the reflexology intervention group but worsened in the control group over the study period.
How strong is this evidence?
This is a randomised trial and we rate its evidence moderate. It covers 40 participants. It was published in Orthopedic nursing. Reflexology is a complementary therapy, not a replacement for medical treatment.
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