Reflexology hand massage reduces pain and anxiety after coronary angiography
Photo by Navy Medicine / Unsplash
Key Takeaway
Consider reflexology hand massage as an adjunct to reduce pain and anxiety after coronary angiography, but evidence is preliminary.
This randomized controlled trial compared reflexology hand massage to classical hand massage in 70 patients after coronary angiography at a single hospital. The primary outcomes were pain, anxiety, and vital signs, assessed at 30, 60, and 120 minutes after intervention.
Pain reduction was significantly greater in the reflexology group (effect size 0.926, p < .05). Anxiety also showed a significantly greater reduction with reflexology (effect size 0.680, p < .05). Systolic blood pressure decreased significantly in both groups (reflexology effect size 0.971; classical 0.986). Diastolic pressure dropped significantly only in the reflexology group (effect size -1.019). Pulse rate decreased significantly only in the reflexology group (effect size 0.985). Respiratory rate showed no significant change in either group. Oxygen saturation increased significantly in the reflexology group (effect size 0.998).
Safety data, including adverse events and tolerability, were not reported. Limitations include the small sample size and single-center design, which limit generalizability. The study did not report blinding or allocation concealment details.
Clinicians may consider reflexology as an adjunctive comfort measure, but these preliminary findings require confirmation in larger, more rigorous trials before routine recommendation.
View Original Abstract ↓
BACKGROUND: Pain and anxiety are common issues experienced by patients after coronary angiography, often negatively impacting recovery and causing changes in vital signs.
OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to compare the effects of reflexology and classical hand massage on pain, anxiety, and vital signs in patients after coronary angiography.
METHODS: It was designed as a single-blind randomized controlled trial with 70 patients who underwent coronary angiography in a hospital. Patients were randomly assigned into two groups via block randomization: reflexology hand massage (n = 35) and classical hand massage (n = 35). Data were collected using the Patient Information Form, State Anxiety Inventory, Visual Analog Scale, and Vital Signs Form. Both massages were applied to both hands for 20 min after angiography. Measurements were taken before the intervention and at 30, 60, and 120 min afterward.
RESULTS: In the reflexology group, a significantly greater reduction was found in pain (effect size=0.926) and anxiety (effect size=0.680) compared to the classical massage group (p < .05). Systolic blood pressure decreased significantly in both groups (reflexology: 0.971; classical: 0.986), while diastolic pressure dropped significantly only in the reflexology group (effect size = -1.019). A significant reduction in pulse rate was also noted only in the reflexology group (effect size=0.985). No significant change was observed in respiratory rate; however, oxygen saturation increased significantly in the reflexology group (effect size=0.998).
CONCLUSIONS: Reflexology was more effective than classical hand massage in reducing pain, anxiety, and certain vital signs after coronary angiography.
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