Comparing the Efficacy of Foot Reflexology and Benson’s Relaxation on Anxiety and Physiologic Parameters After Cesarean Surgery

Abstract

Objective

To compare the efficacy of foot reflexology and Benson’s relaxation on anxiety and physiologic parameters after cesarean surgery.

Design

Randomized controlled trial with three parallel arms.

Setting

Gynecologic ward of the Persian Gulf Martyrs Hospital in Bushehr, Iran, in 2020.

Participants and interventions

Women undergoing cesarean surgery (n = 135) were selected by convenience sampling and divided via block randomization into three groups of foot reflexology, Benson’s relaxation interventions, and control group (n = 45 in each group). Interventions were performed 2 hours after cesarean surgery.

Measurements

Spielberger’s State–Trait Anxiety Inventory, mercury sphygmomanometer, and pulse oximeter were used to collect the data. Anxiety was measured before and 30 minutes after the intervention. Physiologic parameters were measured before the intervention and immediately, 30 minutes, and 60 minutes after the intervention. Data were analyzed using inferential statistics.

Results

The mean score of situational anxiety after the intervention was significantly lower than before the intervention in the reflexology (t = 6.171; 95% confidence interval [CI] [5.66, 11.14]) and Benson’s relaxation groups (t = 7.362; 95% CI [5.91, 9.85]). However, changes in the control group were not significant (t = 1.674; 95% CI [–0.24, 2.55]). Decreases in anxiety scores were similar in the two intervention groups. After intervention, in most measurement times, respiratory rate and pulse rate decreased in the two intervention groups compared to the control group, and arterial oxygen saturation and systolic blood pressure increased.

Conclusion

Considering the effect of both interventions on decreasing anxiety and improving most physiologic parameters, it seems that foot reflexology and Benson’s relaxation can be recommended after cesarean surgery.