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Research: GUNNARSDOTTIR and JONSDOTTIR,
Listed in Issue 150
Abstract
GUNNARSDOTTIR and JONSDOTTIR, School of Nursing, University of Minnesota, MN, USA, thoraj@hi.is, have studied reflexology for patients undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery.
Background
It has been assumed that reflexology lessens anxiety, but research is needed to substantiate such expectations. The aim of this study was to pilot test whether reflexology may reduce anxiety in patients undergoing Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery in Iceland.
Methodology
In this pilot study using randomized design with experimental and control groups, 9 patients were recruited and randomly assigned into groups, with five patients assigned into an experimental group receiving reflexology for 30 minutes and four patients into a control group which rested for 30 minutes. Anxiety and physiological variables were measured pre- and post-reflexology sessions once a day over five days.
Results
The anxiety scores were lower for patients in the control group on all measures. Systolic blood pressure lowered significantly more in the control group than in the treatment group. No significant changes were observed for other variables. Patients’ comments and responses overwhelmingly suggested increased well-being due to both experimental and control intervention.
Conclusion
This study showed little evidence to support reflexology as a means of reducing anxiety in coronary artery bypass surgery patients. Several methodological problems were identified that need to be considered further. Reflexology should be tailored to individual needs and research methods used that allow for capturing its holistic nature. Further scholarly work is warranted to explore several methodological issues in studying complementary therapies in a highly complex treatment situation.
References
Gunnarsdottir TJ, Jonsdottir H. Does the experimental design capture the effects of complementary therapy? A study using reflexology for patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery. Journal of Clinical Nursing 16 (4): 777-785, Apr 2007.
