Effects of foot reflexology on pain in patients after lower limb amputation

Abstract

Background and purpose: Pain after amputation have several outcomes including disability, reduced quality of life and reduces the ability of communication with others. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of foot reflexology on pain in patients after lower limb amputation. Materials and methods: A clinical trial was conducted in patients undergoing amputation in Isfahan Al-Zahra Hospital who were divided into a control and an experimental group (n= 25 per group). To assess the pain intensity the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) was used. The patients in experimental group received 30 minutes foot reflexology while simple massage was done for the control group for 30 minutes. Both techniques were carried out 8 to 10 times. To analyze the data Chi-square test, T-test, and ANOVA were used. Results: Foot reflexology massage significantly reduced pain intensity in the experimental group compared with the control group (P= 0.009). The T-test showed no significant difference in pain intensity between intervention group and controls before the operation (P= 0.52). There was a significant difference between the two groups in mean pain intensity (P< 0.001). Conclusion: Foot reflexology in patients undergoing amputation reduces post-operation pain and is suggested for pain relief. © 2016, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences. All rights reserved.