Effect of Foot Reflexology Technique on Diabetic Neuropathy Patients' Health Outcomes

Authors

1 M.Sc. (2019) of Medical Surgical Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Ain shams University, Egypt

2 Medical Surgical, Faculty of Nursing, Benha University, Egypt

Abstract

Background: Self-foot reflexology is effective in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus
(T2DM) by reducing symptoms of peripheral neuropathy, as numbness and pain, tingling and
stimulate the circulation of blood to the feet directly which help in reducing the loss of sensation to
the foot.
Aim of study: Was to evaluate effect of foot reflexology technique on diabetic neuropathy
patients' health outcomes.
Design: A quasi-experimental design will be utilized to achieve the aim
of this study.
Setting: The study was conducted at inpatient and outpatient internal medicine
department at Benha University Hospital.
Subjects: A Purposive sample of 95 patients in the
previous mentioned setting.
Tools of data collection: I: Structured questionnaire assessment which
composed of demographic data of patients, medical health history and neuropathy specific quality
of life.
II: Clinical base data assessment which composed of modified neuropathy sensory disability
scale, blood glucose level and peripheral circulation test.
Results: All (100%) of studied patients
aged between 45-≤60 years old, all items of neuropathy-specific quality of life, modified
neuropathy sensory disability, peripheral circulation and blood glucose level were improved post
reflexology intervention for 90%, 87%, 72% & 60% of studied patients, respectively compared with
pre-reflexology intervention with significant difference p≤0.01.
Conclusion: Reflexology
intervention is endorsed in improving QOL, diabetic peripheral neuropathy sensory, lowering blood
glucose level and improve peripheral circulation of the diabetic neuropathic studied patients.
Recommendations: Increase public awareness about efficacy & tolerability of foot reflexology in
improving health outcomes as quality of life, sensation, blood glucose level and peripheral circulation of
diabetic neuropathic patients.


Keywords

Main Subjects