The effect of reflexology applied on haemodialysis patients with fatigue, pain and cramps
Moderate EvidenceIn Plain Language: reflexology, explained
The research was conducted to evaluate the effect of foot reflexology on fatigue, pain and cramps in haemodialysis patients. The sample consisted of 80 patients in total, 40 intervention and 40 control patients, receiving treatment in the haemodialysis units of two institutions. Data were collected by using a questionnaire, Piper Fatigue Scale and visual analogue scale for measuring the severity of cramp and pain. The intervention group received reflexology treatment for 1 week in three sessions following haemodialysis, each session lasting approximately 30 min. Parametric and non-parametric tests were used in data analysis. It was determined that reflexology reduced the fatigue subscale scores and total scale scores as well as pain and cramp mean scores in the intervention group. The research results revealed that the severity of fatigue, pain and cramp decreased in patients receiving reflexology.
Key Findings: what this randomised trial found
- ✓Reflexology treatment applied for 30 minutes in three sessions following haemodialysis significantly reduced fatigue scores in the intervention group compared to the control group.
- ✓Foot reflexology decreased both pain and cramp severity in haemodialysis patients receiving the treatment.
- ✓The study demonstrated that reflexology reduces multiple symptom burdens in haemodialysis patients, affecting fatigue subscale scores, total fatigue scale scores, and pain/cramp mean scores.
What This Means for You
This moderate-quality study suggests reflexology may help reduce fatigue, pain, and cramps in dialysis patients, though more research is needed to confirm these benefits apply broadly.
What This Means for Practitioners
Consider offering reflexology as a complementary therapy for haemodialysis patients experiencing fatigue, pain, and cramps, as this RCT demonstrates measurable improvements with three weekly sessions.
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 reflexology may help reduce fatigue, pain, and cramps in dialysis patients, though more research is needed to confirm these benefits apply broadly.
What did this study find?
Reflexology treatment applied for 30 minutes in three sessions following haemodialysis significantly reduced fatigue scores in the intervention group compared to the control group. Foot reflexology decreased both pain and cramp severity in haemodialysis patients receiving the treatment. The study demonstrated that reflexology reduces multiple symptom burdens in haemodialysis patients, affecting fatigue subscale scores, total fatigue scale scores, and pain/cramp mean scores.
How strong is this evidence?
This is a randomised trial and we rate its evidence moderate. It covers 80 participants. It was published in International journal of nursing practice, a Q2 journal. Reflexology is a complementary therapy, not a replacement for medical treatment.
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