CompComparing the effects of reflexology and foot bath on sleep quality

Sleep disturbances are common mental problems reported among elders. It seems some non-pharmacological interventions, can improve their sleep quality. The aim of this study is to compare the effectiveness of two interventions, reflexology and foot bath, on sleep quality in elderly people. This is a clinical trial without control group, conducted on 46 elderly men in two groups of reflexology and foot bath. Written informed consent was completed by subjects. Reflexology was done in the morning once a week for ten minutes on each foot. Subjects in the foot bath group were asked to soak their feet in 41 to 42°C water one hour before sleeping for 6 weeks. Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) was completed before and after intervention. Data was analyzed using Wilcoxon, Mann-Whitney and Chi square tests. Result showed that the mean PSQI score after intervention in foot bath group was 4.13±3.57 and in reflexology group 4.04±3.91, which was decreased in both groups comparing before intervention (P=0.01 and P= 0.001). Comparing changes in quality of sleep score before and after intervention in foot massage group showed that there was no significant difference in overall and each part scores. Findings indicate that both reflexology and footbath can improve sleep quality in elderly people.