The effectiveness of foot tactile stimulation on level of consciousness and physiological parameters in comatose patients admitted to the intensive care unit

Hospitalization in intensive care units results tactile deprivation, which may cause level of consciousness and physiologic imbalance. Foot tactile stimulation can influence the level of consciousness in comatose patients. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of foot tactile stimulation on level of consciousness and physiological parameters in comatose patients admitted to the intensive care unit. 

This randomized clinical trial was conducted on 60 patients with coma who were hospitalized in the intensive care units of Shohadaye Tajrish Hospital in Tehran in 2019. The subjects were assigned in two groups of experimental and control, by using randomize blocked allocation. In experimental group, feet, ankles and soles of patients were touched for 10 minutes twice a day for three days (morning and evening). The level of consciousness was recorded using Glasgow Coma Scale. The level of consciousness and physiological parameters (blood pressure, respiratory rate, and pulse rate) were recorded from the 1st to 3th day of admission (before, immediately, 30 min after intervention). Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics and analyzed using SPSS- v 20.

According to the results, foot tactile stimulation significantly decreased physiological parameters in the experimental group each therapeutic session (P < 0.05). Moreover, Multivariate analysis revealed a significant difference between experimental and control groups in level of consciousness at all-time points (P<0.05).

The foot tactile stimulation could increase the level of consciousness and stability of physiological parameters in comatose patients. it should be recommended for increasing level of consciousness in comatose patients., if it is administered frequently for long term