Effectiveness of Foot Exercise and Epsom Salt Water on Reduction of Foot Oedema among Antenatal Mothers

Abstract

Introduction: Pregnancy is a very special time for both woman and her partner. Physiological lower leg oedema is one of the cutaneous manifestations of pregnancy. The weight increase during pregnancy and effect of gravity, slows down the blood circulation at lower limbs, thus leading to accumulation of fluids in that region. It is envisioned that about 75% of women suffer this excessive accumulation of fluid around the legs and ankles during pregnancy. Aim: This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of foot exercise and Epsom salt water on reduction of foot oedema among the antenatal mothers at selected hospitals of Kheda district. Materials and Methods: This was a Quasi experimental study, conducted from January 17, 2020 to March 18, 2020 at Dr ND Desai Hospital and Medical College, Nadiad, Gujarat, on forty antenatal mothers having foot oedema, selected from selected hospitals of Kheda district by purposive non probability sampling techniques. The total sample of 40 mothers was randomly allocated to group 1 (n=20 of foot exercise) and group 2 (n=20 of Epsom salt water). Foot oedema level assessment was done using tools of data collection for both groups which include performa of demographic variables and Modified Standardised Erin oedema scale. Results: Amongst the total study subjects, maximum 11 (55%) of those in group 2 were from 18-24 years of age while those in group 1. Oedema score analysis pre-interventionally, showed moderate score in 18 (90%) of subjects in group 1 and 9 (45%) of subjects in group 2. Severe score presented by 2 (10%) subjects in group 1 and 11 (55%) subjects in group 2. Post interventionally, none of the subjects in Group 1 and Group 2 showed moderate and severe oedema. All gave the score of 0, trace or mild oedema.There was statistically significant difference found in level of foot oedema in group 1 and group 2 which shows that mean difference of group 1 was 2.2 and Standard Deviation 0.51 and for control group mean difference was 2.95 and Standard Deviation 0.68. The calculated value of Mann-Whitney test was group 1 (3) and group 2 (1.49). Among them the level of foot oedema reduced 55% in group 1 (foot exercise) whereas in group 2 (Epsom salt water) it reduced 73.75%. Conclusion: Epsom salt water is more effective then foot exerciseon reduction of foot oedema among the antenatalmothers.