Foot Reflexology for the Intervention of Sensations after Breast Cancer Surgery: A Single-blind Repeated Measured Pilot Study with Comparison Group of Lavender Foot Bath

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to compare the improvement and maintenance effects of foot reflexology (FR) on sensations after breast cancer surgery with those of lavender foot bath (LFB). Methods: Using a single-blind design, both 18 women to receive 20-min FR by trained experts and 14 women to soak feet in 40℃ foot tub water with 5 drop lavender essential oil, 15-min were intervened every two days. Repeated measures were taken pre 1st-(baseline-4th op. day), pre 3rd-(2nd data), and pre 5th-intervention (3rd data) with following up at 1-week after 5th intervention (4th data). The reliable translated Korean version of Baron’s Breast Sensation Assessment Scale was used to assess sensations after breast cancer surgery (SABCS) characterized by prevalence, frequency, severity, and distress. Results: A significant difference between baseline and the 3rd, and a decrease tendency from baseline to the 3rd were observed for the severity and distress in FR and for the prevalence and severity in LFB. A significant or important decrease tendency between the 3rd and the 4th were observed for the severity and distress in FR and for the severity in LFB. Conclusion: Iterative FR has the improvement and maintenance effects on the severity and distress while LFB has only those on the severity.