Effect of hand reflexology on anxiety and physiological variables among patients hospitalized in the cardiac care unit: A randomized placebo controlled clinical trial

Abstract

Background and objective: Admission to the cardiac care unit may cause physiological and psychological problems in patients. This study aimed to investigate the effect of hand reflexology on anxiety and physiological variables among female patients with acute coronary syndrome hospitalized in the cardiac care unit.

Methods: This randomized placebo controlled clinical trial was conducted on 90 female patients hospitalized in the cardiac care unit in an urban area of Iran. The patients were chosen using a convenient sampling method and then were randomly assigned into intervention (n = 45) and placebo (n = 45) groups. While the intervention group received hand reflexology for 20 minutes, the placebo group received a simple touch of hand without the stimulation of reflexology points.  Demographic data was collected at the beginning of the study using face-to-face interviews with the patients. The anxiety level was assessed using the Spielberger’s State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) immediately after the intervention and 30 min after the intervention. Also, physiological variables including respiratory rate, heart rate, blood pressure and oxygen saturation were measured before, immediately after the intervention and 30 minutes after the intervention. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used for data analysis.

Results: There was no statistically significant difference between the intervention and placebo groups before the intervention (p > .05). The anxiety level in the intervention group was significantly lower than that of the placebo group immediately after the intervention and 30 minutes after the intervention (p < .05, η = 0.090). However, no statistically significant differences in physiological variables between the groups were observed (p > .05).

Conclusions: Hand reflexology influenced the level of anxiety. Therefore, nurses can use hand reflexology as a method for reducing patients’ anxiety along with other nursing interventions.