The Effect of Hand Reflexology Massage on Pain and Anxiety After Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery: A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial

Background: Pain and anxiety are common postoperative problems that impair recovery and quality of life in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. Reflexology is a nonpharmacologic method used to control pain and anxiety.

Objective: The aim of this study was to examine the effects of reflexology hand massage and stroking massage on pain and anxiety in patients in the immediate postoperative period after CABG.

Methods: In this double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study, we compared the effects of a 20-minute hand-reflexology massage to placebo stroking massage on pain and anxiety in newly extubated patients in the intensive care unit who had undergone CABG surgery. Pain was measured by visual analog scale and anxiety by the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory before and at 5, 30, and 60 minutes post intervention.

Results: A total of 48 patients were enrolled: 24 in the intervention group and 24 in the placebo. Mean pain scores were significantly reduced in the group who received reflexology compared with the placebo group ( F = 36.569, P = .000). Mean anxiety scores were significantly reduced at 60 minutes for the reflexology group compared with the control group ( P = .000).

Conclusions: We found that hand reflexology massage was effective in reducing pain and anxiety in patients during the immediate postoperative period after CABG.