Effects of foot massage applied in two different methods on symptom control in colorectal cancer patients: Randomised control trial.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to determine the effect of two foot massage methods (classical massage and reflexology) on symptom control in colorectal cancer patients undergoing chemoradiotherapy.
Results Summary
Classical foot massage reduced pain and distension incidence, while reflexology reduced pain, fatigue, distension, urinary frequency, and improved quality of life. Both interventions showed positive effects compared to standard care.
Population
60 participants with colorectal cancer receiving chemoradiotherapy.
Effective Dosage
Twice a week for both classical massage and reflexology.
Duration
5 weeks.
Interactions
None mentioned.
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
classical foot massage | decrease | pain level | people with colorectal cancer who received chemoradiotherapy | - | effective in reducing | #1 |
classical foot massage | decrease | distension incidence | people with colorectal cancer who received chemoradiotherapy | - | effective in reducing | #2 |
foot reflexology | decrease | pain level | people with colorectal cancer who received chemoradiotherapy | - | effective in reducing | #3 |
foot reflexology | decrease | fatigue level | people with colorectal cancer who received chemoradiotherapy | - | effective in reducing | #4 |
foot reflexology | decrease | distension | people with colorectal cancer who received chemoradiotherapy | - | effective in lowering incidence of | #5 |
foot reflexology | decrease | urinary frequency | people with colorectal cancer who received chemoradiotherapy | - | effective in lowering incidence of | #6 |
foot reflexology | increase | life quality | people with colorectal cancer who received chemoradiotherapy | - | effective in improving | #7 |
This randomized controlled clinical study aimed to determine the effect of 2 foot massage methods on symptom control in people with colorectal cancer who received chemoradiotherapy. Data were collected between June 16, 2015, and February 10, 2016, in the Department of Radiation Oncology of an oncology training and research hospital. The sample comprised 60 participants. Data were collected using an introductory information form, common terminology criteria for adverse events and European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaires C30 and CR29. Participants were randomly allocated to 3 groups: classical foot massage, reflexology, and standard care control. The classical massage group received foot massage using classical massage techniques, and the reflexology group received foot reflexology focusing on symptom-oriented reflexes twice a week during a 5-week chemoradiotherapy treatment schedule. The control group received neither classical massage nor reflexology. All patients were provided with the same clinic routine care. The classical massage was effective in reducing pain level and distension incidence while foot reflexology was effective in reducing pain and fatigue level, lowering incidence of distension and urinary frequency and improving life quality.