The Effect of Foot Reflexology on anxiety of Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): Randomized Controlled Trial

Introduction: Anxiety effects on function in all organ’s specially on respiratory system. in patient with COPD because of chronic nature of disease, cause more negative effects such as fear of death. Therefore this study due to the high rate of patient with COPD and need of safe and non-invasive way in nursing care is done to reduce anxiety in patient. Method: This randomized controlled trial study was done on 40 patients with COPD in two groups of foot reflexology and one control group. In intervention group the foot massage was done for 30 minutes once a week for 6 sessions. General form of the Spilberger’s anxiety score is filled once before starting and once after the last session of the intervention by all patient. Data were analyzed by using SPSS13. Result: In intervention participant group, anxiety levels in comparison before and after intervention were significantly reduced (P=0/000), but in control group there was no significantly difference. Discussion: According to the results of this study, it can be concluded that foot reflexology can be used easily and safe method as nursing intervention to reduce anxiety in patient with COPD.