The effect of foot reflexive massage on anxiety in patients undergoing coronary angiography

Anxiety is considered as a serious problem before many of diagnostic procedures such as coronary angiography. In recent years, many researches have been done on non-pharmacological methods to control anxiety. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of foot reflexive massage on the anxiety of candidate patients for angiography.
This clinical trial study was done on 162 candidate patients for coronary angiography. Samples were selected through random sampling and after obtaining written consent allocated to intervention and control groups. Each patient in the intervention group received foot reflexive massage for 20 minutes and the patients in the control group received no similar intervention. The extent to which patients felt anxiety in the two groups before, immediately after, and half an hour after the intervention was measured. Data was collected using the clinical personal information record form and anxiety part of the hospital anxiety and depression scale, and performing physiological parameters sheet. Data was analyzed by Chi-square test, Fisher's exact test, Paired and independent t-test.
There was not a significant difference in anxiety scores between the two groups before the intervention. The mean score of anxiety was significantly different in two groups, immediately (Intervention group = 9/2±2/79, control =10/27±2/98), and 30 minutes after the intervention (Intervention group =8/67±26, control =10/27±2/99)(P=0/001).
Using this method as a safe, effective, applicable and affordable nursing interventions is recommended to reduce the level of anxiety before angiography.