Reflexology for Critical Care

Subject:

	Critical Care

Study Conducted:	Country:	Institution:

	United Kingdom		Intensive and Critical Care Unit

Citation:

	Hayes J, Cox C," Immediate Effects of a Five-Minute Foot Massage on Patients in Critical Care." Intensive & Critical Care Nursing: The official Journal of the British Association of Critical Care Nurses. 1999 Apr;15(2):77-82.

Synopsis:

25 patients were given 68 sessions of five-minute foot massage. Physiological data, which included heart rate, mean arterial blood pressure, respirations, peripheral oxygen saturation, were obtained from the patients bedside monitoring system. Results: There was no significant effect on peripheral oxygen saturation but a significant decrease in heart rate, blood pressure and respirations was noted.

Conclusion:

	Foot massage was shown to be effective in increasing relaxation in critically ill patients in intensive care.

	Reflexology Research provided courtesy of the American Academy of Reflexology, Bill Flocco, Director. Foot Hand Ear Reflexology Classes, Reflexology Certification, Continuing Education ARCB, NCBTMB, ABMP, many Cities, and States.