The Effect of Foot Reflexology on Physiological Parameters and Quality of Life in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: Controlled Clinical Trial.

Abstract

Abstract: Introduction: COPD or Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is the fourth leading cause of death in the world. About 80 million people worldwide are infected with the disease and 10 percent of people in Iran suffer from this disease. This study aimed to investigate effect of foot reflexology on quality of life and physiological parameters in patients with COPD was conducted. Method: This study is a randomized clinical trial in which 40 patients with COPD were randomly assigned to intervention and control groups. In the intervention group, foot reflexology for 30 minutes once a week during the six sessions were conducted. Quality of Life Questionnaire SGRQ C once before and once after the intervention was completed by all patients. Physiological parameters for both groups before and after the intervention were measured and recorded. Data was analyzed by using SPSS13. Result: Quality of life in the intervention group compared to control group participants significantly improved (p<0.001). Physiological parameters in heart rate and blood pressure showed significant difference. Conclusion: Based on the results of the study can conclude that Foot reflexology can be used as an easy and safe nursing interventions to improve quality of life and decreased blood pressure and heart rate in patients with COPD be effective.