N/A
N=70
Hand Reflexology for Fatigue and Anxiety in Hemodialysis Patients
End Stage Kidney Disease (ESRD) · Hemodialysis · Anxiety · Fatigue · Reflexology
Bottom Line
View on ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT07253831 ↗Enrolled (actual)
70
Serious AEs
0.0%
Results posted
May 2026
Primary outcome: Primary: Change in Fatigue Levels as Measured by the Arabic FACIT-Fatigue Scale (FACIT-F) — 24.4; 21.7; 29.5; 21.2 Points on FACIT-Fatigue Scale
Study Design & Population
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- N/A
- Interventions
- Hand Reflexology Massage (Procedure); Standard (Procedure)
- Age
- Adult, Older Adult · 18+ yrs
- Sex
- All
- Sponsor
- Kufa University
- Primary completion
- Feb 2026
Outcome Measures
| Outcome | Result | p-value |
|---|---|---|
| PRIMARY Change in Fatigue Levels as Measured by the Arabic FACIT-Fatigue Scale (FACIT-F) |
24.4; 21.7; 29.5; 21.2 | — |
| PRIMARY Change in Anxiety Levels as Measured by the Arabic Beck Anxiety Inventory (Ar-BAI) |
20.7; 23.6; 12.8; 22.9 | — |
Summary
This randomized controlled trial evaluates the efficacy of hand reflexology massage (HRM) in reducing fatigue and anxiety among adult patients receiving maintenance hemodialysis. Participants are randomly assigned to either an HRM intervention group or a usual care control group. The HRM group receives eight 21-minute sessions of hand reflexology during routine hemodialysis visits over four weeks, while the control group continues with standard care only. Outcomes are measured using validated scales at baseline, mid-intervention (after 4 sessions), and post-intervention (after 8 sessions). This non-pharmacological, nurse-deliverable intervention is designed to be culturally appropriate, feasible in resource-limited settings, and respectful of patient comfort during dialysis.
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria
- Adults aged 18 years and older.
- Diagnosed with End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) and undergoing maintenance hemodialysis for at least three months.
- Receiving hemodialysis treatment two or three times per week.
- Fully alert, conscious, and able to communicate clearly.
- Able to understand the Arabic language.
- Willing to participate in the study and provide informed consent.
Exclusion Criteria
- Presence of ulcers, wounds, burns, infections, or skin diseases on the hands or forearms.
- Deformities, fractures, or orthopedic disorders affecting the hands or upper limbs.
- Peripheral neuropathy, vascular problems, or Raynaud's phenomenon in the hands.
- Diagnosis of major psychiatric disorders (e.g., psychosis, bipolar disorder, generalized anxiety disorder).
- Active systemic diseases that contribute to fatigue or anxiety (e.g., cancer, heart failure, lupus).
- Use of sedatives, anxiolytics, or sleeping pills within 48-72 hours prior to data collection.
- Current use of complementary or alternative therapies aimed at managing anxiety or fatigue.
- History of drug or alcohol abuse.
- Presence of implanted cardiac devices (e.g., pacemaker, implantable cardioverter defibrillator).
- Hemodynamic instability or unstable vital signs during hemodialysis sessions.
- Missing more than two scheduled intervention sessions during the study period.
Data sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT07253831). Outcome figures and adverse-event rates are extracted automatically from the registry's posted results and are provided for clinician reference, not as a substitute for the primary publication.