Effectiveness of Foot Reflexology on Maternal Post C-Section Fatigue: A Non-Randomized Clinical Trial

Abstract

Background: Fatigue is associated with postpartum period, predicting postpartum depression and reduced self-efficacy. However, few experimental studies were conducted on postpartum fatigue and the necessary actions to reduce it. Aim: This study aims to investigate the effectiveness of foot reflexology on maternal post C-section fatigue. Methods: In this non-randomized clinical trial, 99 mothers having cesarean section, reffering to Valiasr.and Gynecologic Hospitals of Tehran were divided into three groups of 33 in 2012 Foot reflexology and leg massage were performed on patients in the intervention (40 minutes) and placebo groups, respectively. The patients in the control group received the common post C-section care. Visual analogue scale to evaluate fatigue severity was filled out before and three days after the intervention. The data were analyzed performing one-way ANOVA, Chi-Square, Repeated Measures ANOVA and Bonferroni tests, using SPSS version 14. Results: The three groups did not demonstrate any significant differences regarding demographic information and the mean scores of fatigue severity. However, after the interventions, the mean scores of fatigue severity in the experimental and placebo groups were significantly lower than the control group (P<0/001). The comparative analysis of mean fatigue scores, between the experimental (23/2±23/4) and placebo groups (11/7±13/1), indicated that the reflexology intervention was more effective in reducing fatigue. Conclusion: Sincereduced fatigue was observed in the placebo group, further studies on foot reflexology are required.