Effect of Foot Reflexology Massage on Sleep Quality in Hemodialysis Patients: A Randomized Control Trial

Sleep disorders are the most important problems which hemodialysis patients faced with them. On the other hand, medication is the most common way to treat sleep disorders these days. Thus, an uncomplicated and effective intervention is particularly important in order to overcome sleep disorders in these patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of foot reflexology massage on sleep quality in hemodialysis patients.

This study is a randomized clinical trial that was conducted on 62 hemodialysis patients in Qazvin. Patients randomly divided into two groups of control and intervention. Before the intervention Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index Questionnaire for all patients in both groups was completed. In intervention group, foot reflexology massage was implemented by the researcher assistants for 12 sessions (Three times a week for 4 weeks) and 30 minutes in each session (15 minutes each leg). After the intervention, sleep quality questionnaire was completed for patients again. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 24 and statistical tests including chi-square, independent t, repeated measures and general linear model. P

There was a significant increase in sleep quality for the intervention group. Foot Reflexology Massage in the intervention group showed good improvement over time (P=0.001). However, no significant difference was observed in sleep quality over time for the control group (P=0.096).

The results of the present study indicated that the use of foot reflexology massage improves sleep quality in hemodialysis patients. Therefore, it can be recommended as a useful and effective intervention for improvement of sleep quality in patients on .hemodialysis