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

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.