Study on foot massage and aromatherapy for anxiety and pain

Lisa Blackburn et al.

May 2021

Cancer rehabilitation

Medical wellness

The aim of this study, led by Lisa Blackburn, was to investigate whether the addition of aromatherapy and foot reflexology to standard care reduces pain and anxiety in patients with cervical cancer receiving brachytherapy.

The study included 41 women with locally advanced cervical cancer who were receiving intracavitary brachytherapy as part of their treatment.

Participants were randomly assigned to either the control group (standard care during brachytherapy) or the intervention group (standard care plus aromatherapy and foot reflexology). Pain was assessed using a numerical rating scale, anxiety was assessed using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) and a numerical scale at five different time points.

The average pain and anxiety scores were the same or lower in the intervention group at all measurement times. Statistically significant differences were found for the anxiety scores of the intervention group on the numerical scale and the STAI - but only after reflexology.

Nurses and other healthcare providers can be trained in the treatment of reflexology to support patients during painful and anxiety-provoking procedures, increase their tolerance and improve their quality of life.

The most important information on the study at a glance

Indications: Cervical carcinoma
Institution: Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute, Columbus, Ohio, USA
Title: Study on foot reflexology and aromatherapy for anxiety and pain
Brief description: The study shows that aromatherapy and foot reflexology can help alleviate pain and anxiety in cervical cancer.
Original title: Effect of Foot Reflexology and Aromatherapy on Anxiety and Pain During Brachytherapy for Cervical Cancer
Link to the study: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33855996/