The effect of reflexology massage and passive music therapy intervention before burn dressing on pain, anxiety level and sleep quality

Authors: Kabuk A, Şendir M, Filinte GJournal: Burns : journal of the International Society for Burn InjuriesPublished: November 1, 2022DOI: 10.1016/j.burns.2021.10.012

Q1 JournalSJR: 0.9h-index: 120SCImago

Limited EvidenceRandomized Controlled Trialn=36 participants

Anxiety Insomnia

In Plain Language: reflexology for anxiety, explained

The pain, anxiety, and sleep disorders that burn patients experience due to burn dressing negatively affect their treatment process. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of reflexology massage and passive music therapy intervention before burn dressing on pain, anxiety level and sleep quality. This study was a randomized controlled trial. The study sample consisted of 36 patients who were hospitalized in the Burn Center of a University Hospital. After obtaining written consent, patients were enrolled to study according to inclusion criteria and then, divided into Reflexology Massage (n = 12), Reflexology Massage with Passive Music Therapy (n = 12) and Control (n = 12) groups using simple random allocation. In the experimental groups, in addition to standard care, interventions were performed for consecutive three days. Interventions were done before dressing for 40 min in the patient's room. The control group received only standard care during this time. Severity of pain in three groups was measured using "Visual Analog Scale" twice a day (before dressing change and 2 h after dressing change). Severity of state anxiety and sleep quality in three groups was measured using "State Anxiety Scale" and "Richards-Campbell Sleep Questionnaire" once a day (before dressing change). Severity of trait anxiety in three groups was measured using "Trait Anxiety Scale" for two times (before and after study). The drugs used by the patients for 3 days were recorded in the "Opioid and Analgesic Drug Form." Data were analyzed using Pearson Chi-square, Independent Samples T-test, One-Way ANOVA, Bonferroni, Paired Sample T-Test, Repeated Measures ANOVA tests were used. The results showed no significant difference in severity of pain, anxiety, and sleep quality (p > 0,05) between the three groups on the first day. However, the mean pain scores showed a significant difference between the experimental and control groups in the

Key Findings: what this randomised trial found about anxiety

✓Reflexology massage and passive music therapy were delivered as 40-minute interventions before burn dressing for three consecutive days in addition to standard care.
✓The study compared three groups: reflexology massage alone, reflexology massage combined with passive music therapy, and a control group receiving only standard care.
✓The interventions targeted pain, anxiety, and sleep quality in burn patients undergoing dressing changes.

What This Means for You

While this small study suggests reflexology combined with music therapy may help reduce pain and anxiety before burn care procedures, the limited sample size means results should be considered preliminary evidence rather than definitive proof.

What This Means for Practitioners

This research supports offering reflexology with complementary music therapy as an adjunct to standard burn care to help manage pre-procedure anxiety and pain, though larger studies are needed to confirm effectiveness.

Study Design: how this randomised trial was run

Sample Size

36 participants

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Reflexology for anxiety: common questions

Does reflexology help with anxiety?

What did this study find?

Reflexology massage and passive music therapy were delivered as 40-minute interventions before burn dressing for three consecutive days in addition to standard care. The study compared three groups: reflexology massage alone, reflexology massage combined with passive music therapy, and a control group receiving only standard care. The interventions targeted pain, anxiety, and sleep quality in burn patients undergoing dressing changes.

How strong is this evidence?

This is a randomised trial and we rate its evidence limited. It covers 36 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.