The current study aimed to compare the effects of foot reflexology and warm foot-bath on improving sleep quality in older adults. Participants were randomized to the foot reflexology group (n… Click to show full abstract
The current study aimed to compare the effects of foot reflexology and warm foot-bath on improving sleep quality in older adults. Participants were randomized to the foot reflexology group (n = 50) or warm footbath group (n = 50). Data were collected using a Descriptive Information Form and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Foot reflexology was applied 30 minutes twice per week for 6 weeks. Warm foot-bath was applied 1 hour before bedtime every evening for 6 weeks. Comparison of mean total scores from the PSQI before and after reflexology indicated that mean postintervention total scores decreased significantly compared to preintervention scores (p < 0.05). Comparison of PSQI mean total scores before and after warm footbath indicated that mean postintervention total scores decreased significantly compared to preintervention scores (p < 0.05). Comparison of PSQI mean scores of the reflexology and warm footbath groups showed no significant difference between groups in terms of the variance in mean scores (p > 0.05). According to current findings, both interventions improved sleep quality in older adults. [Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 48(3), 17-22.].
               
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