The effects of foot reflexology on agitation and extubation time in male patients following coronary artery bypass surgery: A randomized controlled clinical trial

Background and purpose: This study examined the effects of foot reflexology on agitation and extubation time of male patients following coronary artery bypass graft surgery.

Materials and methods: In this randomized three-arm controlled clinical trial, participants (n = 120) were randomly assigned to the intervention, placebo, or control groups. The intervention group received foot reflexology massage for 15 min. Agitation was assessed using the Richmond Agitation- Sedation Scale before the intervention (Time 1) and immediately (Time 2) and 10 min after the intervention (Time 3). Extubation time was measured as the time from gaining full consciousness to endotracheal extubation.

Results: Agitation reduced in all groups from Time 1 to Time 3 (p < 0.05); however, the intervention group showed a significantly higher reduction at Time 2 (p < 0.001) and Time 3 (p < 0.001). Also, extubation time was significantly shorter in the intervention group (p < 0.01).

Conclusion: Foot reflexology may be introduced as a nursing intervention to facilitate the weaning process in the cardiac ICUs.