Journal of Anesthesiology and Pain

Aims and Background: One of the problems that patients with coronary artery bypass surgery encounter is pain that can have undesirable consequences. This research aims to investigate the effects of foot reflexology massage on pain in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery. Materials and methods: This clinical trial was performed on 52 patients after coronary artery bypass surgery. Data collection instruments included a demographic questionnaire, and numeric rating scale for pain score. The patients were randomly assigned into two groups of experimental and control groups. Foot reflexology was performed for 30 min in the experimental group. Pain levels were measured before and after intervention. The control group did not receive any intervention and pain was measured twice within 30 minutes. Findings: The mean pain score was not statistically different between the groups before intervention (P=0.228). However the difference in pain scores between the two groups after intervention was statistically significant (P=0.004).Patients in the intervention group had significantly decreased pain after the foot reflexology massage (P=0.000). Conclusions: This study showed that foot reflexology massage can be used as an effective, safe and cost-effective nursing intervention in reducing pain in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery Keyword: coronary artery bypass, pain, foot reflexology massage Corresponding Author: Fatemeh Rigi, Master of science in Nursing, Faculty member of Nursing & Midwifery College of Iranshar University Of Medical Science, Iranshahr. Email: f.rigi2011@ gmail .com Rigi F, Feizi A, Amirian Z, Nasdri M, Salehi S. [Effect of foot reflexology massage on pain in patients undergoing coronary bypass surgery (Persian)]. JAP 20155(4):42-49. Effect of foot reflexology massage on pain in patients undergoing coronary bypass surgery Please cite