The effect of foot reflexology massage on the stress and neuropathic pain caused by chemotherapy in women with breast cancer and genitalia

Chemotherapy is a common method of cancer treatment and includes a complication. Since each organ of the body has a corresponding reflection region on the metatarsus and massage these points using unique techniques increases the blood flow of the organs associated with each point in the metatarsus, Foot massage is important to reduce the pain and stress of these patients. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of foot reflexology massage therapy on the stress and neuropathic pain induced by chemotherapy in women with breast cancer and the genital was done. This clinical trial study was performed on 60 women with breast or genital cancer in Iranmehr Hospital of Birjand in 2018 that were selected by gradual and available sampling method. They were divided into two groups: reflexology (30 patients) and control group (30 persons). Massage therapy was performed twice a day for 2 weeks (5 minutes in the morning and 5 minutes in the evening) each day. Cohen and colleagues (1983) perceived stress questionnaire and the evaluation of signs and symptoms of Leeds neuropathic pain before and after the intervention were completed. Data were analyzed by SPSS 22 using t-test, paired t-test and covariance analysis. The mean score of stress after intervention in the experimental group (19.16 ± 0.64) was significantly lower than control group (29.14± 0.64)  (p <0.001). The mean of neuropathic pain score after intervention in the experimental group (8.21 ± 0.81) was Compared to control (16.36 ± 0.81) was significantly lower (p<0.001). Foot reflexology massage as an effective intervention in safe and effective nursing can reduce the pain and stress of cancer patients. Due to its simplicity and low cost, it can be used as a complement to other nurses' usual treatments and care.