The effects of foot reflexology on agitation and extubation time in male patients following coronary artery bypass surgery: A randomized controlled clinical trial
Strong EvidenceIn Plain Language: reflexology, explained
This study examined the effects of foot reflexology on agitation and extubation time of male patients following coronary artery bypass graft surgery. In this randomized three-arm controlled clinical trial, participants (n = 120) were randomly assigned to the intervention, placebo, or control groups. The intervention group received foot reflexology massage for 15 min. Agitation was assessed using the Richmond Agitation- Sedation Scale before the intervention (Time 1) and immediately (Time 2) and 10 min after the intervention (Time 3). Extubation time was measured as the time from gaining full consciousness to endotracheal extubation. Agitation reduced in all groups from Time 1 to Time 3 (p < 0.05); however, the intervention group showed a significantly higher reduction at Time 2 (p < 0.001) and Time 3 (p < 0.001). Also, extubation time was significantly shorter in the intervention group (p < 0.01). Foot reflexology may be introduced as a nursing intervention to facilitate the weaning process in the cardiac ICUs.
Key Findings: what this randomised trial found
- ✓Foot reflexology significantly reduced agitation in male post-coronary artery bypass surgery patients compared to placebo and control groups at both immediate and 10-minute post-intervention assessments (p < 0.001).
- ✓Extubation time was significantly shorter in patients who received foot reflexology compared to control groups (p < 0.01).
- ✓A 15-minute foot reflexology intervention produced measurable clinical improvements in both agitation levels and extubation timing in the immediate postoperative period.
What This Means for You
If you're facing heart bypass surgery, reflexology may help reduce post-operative agitation and potentially shorten your time on a ventilator, though more research in diverse patient groups is needed.
What This Means for Practitioners
A 15-minute foot reflexology session shows promise as an evidence-based nursing intervention for reducing agitation in post-cardiac surgery patients, with potential to support faster weaning from mechanical ventilation.
Study Design: how this randomised trial was run
Common questions about this study
What does this study mean in practice?
If you're facing heart bypass surgery, reflexology may help reduce post-operative agitation and potentially shorten your time on a ventilator, though more research in diverse patient groups is needed.
What did this study find?
Foot reflexology significantly reduced agitation in male post-coronary artery bypass surgery patients compared to placebo and control groups at both immediate and 10-minute post-intervention assessments (p < 0.001). Extubation time was significantly shorter in patients who received foot reflexology compared to control groups (p < 0.01). A 15-minute foot reflexology intervention produced measurable clinical improvements in both agitation levels and extubation timing in the immediate postoperative period.
How strong is this evidence?
This is a randomised trial and we rate its evidence strong. It covers 120 participants. It was published in Complementary therapies in clinical practice, a Q2 journal. Reflexology is a complementary therapy, not a replacement for medical treatment.
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