Doss, J.J.K. (2014). Effectiveness of foot massage on level of pain among patients with cancer. Asian Journal of Nursing Education and Research, 4, 228–231.
To evaluate the effectiveness of foot massage on pain in patients with cancer
This research was a nonrandomized, two-group, quasi-experimental time series design conducted among 60 patients with cancer. The experimental group received a 30-minute foot massage over a three-day period. Pain was assessed using the Numeric Rating Scale for pain, which used a 0–10 range. Pain was assessed prior to the intervention and after the intervention for three days.
Nonrandomized, two-group, quasi-experimental, time series trail
On day 1, all patients in both groups reported severe pain. On day 2, most of the patients reported moderate pain with no measurable differences between the two groups. On day 3, the experimental group reported mild to no pain, and there was no change in the control group from day 2. The intervention group experienced a significant reduction in pain (p < 0.001).
This study shows the need to understand the purpose of foot massage techniques on pain levels in patients with cancer. The researcher assumed that with a decrease in pain, there would be an increase in patients' quality of life including stability in physiologic, psychological, sexual, vocational, and lifestyle aspects. These areas were not measured, and additional research is needed.
Foot massage is an easy and cost-effective nursing intervention that could be used to help ease patient pain. This research article identified the need to continue research in this area. The patient parameters need to be more specific in future research designs.