Abstract

Effect of Foot Reflexology on Vital Parameters and Anxiety of Hypertensive Patients: A Clinical Trial Study

Introduction: Complementary medicine interventions are now successfully used to stabilize physiological parameters and reduce anxiety within different procedures. The present study aimed to examine the effect of foot reflexology on stabilization physiological parameters and reducing anxiety in hypertensive patients. Methods: In this clinical trial, 90 hypertensive patients were assigned to intervention (received foot reflexology), placebo (received general foot massage), and control (received only routine care of the hospital) groups. Anxiety levels and vital signs were measured before, immediately after, and half an hour after the intervention. Results: Based on our findings in this study, systolic blood pressure, heart rate, and respiratory rate in the intervention and placebo groups were significantly reduced compared to the control group. Diastolic blood pressure and level of oxygen saturation showed a significant decrease only in the intervention group compared to the control group. The findings of this study also showed that the level of state and trial anxiety in the intervention and placebo groups was significantly lower than in the control groups. Conclusion: The results of this study and most of the research done, show that foot reflexology has a positive effect on improving physiological factors and anxiety in hypertensive patients. Therefore, foot reflexology as a method of complementary medicine in these patients can be useful and effective.

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