The effects of reflexology on pain and sleep deprivation in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: A randomized controlled trial

Complement Ther Clin Pract. 2018 May:31:315-319. doi: 10.1016/j.ctcp.2018.02.017. Epub 2018 Mar 1.

Abstract

Objective: This study was intended to examine the effect of foot reflexology on RA patients' pain and sleep quality.

Methods: This is a randomized controlled trial and was held at the "Rheumatology Follow-up Polyclinic" in Turkey between January-July 2015. A total of 60 patients were included in the research. A sociodemographic data form, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) were used. Foot Reflexology was administered to the experimental group.

Results: The research found that the pain scores of the experimental group were statistically more significant than those of the control group (p < .01). The experimental group's average pain was reduced by the six weeks of foot reflexology. The total PSQI score of the experimental group was lowered.

Conclusions: Foot reflexology is a non-pharmacological nursing intervention that may reduce the pain and sleep deprivation symptoms of RA patients.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Arthritis, Rheumatoid / therapy*
  • Female
  • Foot
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Massage / methods*
  • Middle Aged
  • Pain / etiology*
  • Pain Measurement
  • Sleep Deprivation / therapy*
  • Turkey
  • Visual Analog Scale
  • Young Adult