Effect of foot reflexology on physiologic index of neonates

Abstract

<em>Introduction</em>: The traditional view that neonates are not capable of perceiving pain has been refuted and there is now no doubt those neonates feel pain. Although babies cannot express their pain as older children, but capable to show in response the pain a set of measures as observable behavioral responses. The aim of this study was to determine Effect of foot reflexology on physiologic index of neonates. <br/><em>Methods</em>: This investigation was a quasi-experimental study on 30 neonates admitted to NICU. The questionnaires were composed of socio-demographic status and NIPS scale test. Measurements of HR and SaO2 were taken twice, before and then again after completion of the intervention, and foot reflexology was codified to measure and evaluate them. P<em>Results</em>: The study showed that there was significant difference between before and after the intervention on physiologic index(O2 saturation, heart rate) in neonates (P=0.003). Nonetheless, we suggest doing more studies in related subjects. <br/><em>Conclusion</em>: Our investigation shows that foot reflexology can improve the physiologic index and decrease O2 saturation, heart rate (toward normal range), and can inspirited relaxation in neonates. Nonetheless, we suggest to doing more studies to this subjects.