Abstract

Purpose: This study was to examine the effects of foot reflexology on pain and depression of middle-aged women with Osteoarthritis Method: The subjects were 41 osteoarthritis patients resided in the Jinju city from March to May, 2005. The foot reflexology was applied to the experimental group 3 times a week for 4 weeks, 30 minutes eachs. For the data analysis, $X^2$-test was conducted to verify the homogeneity of general characteristics, and t-test was done to verify the homogeneity of pain and depression. To examine the relative efficacy of the intervention, t-test, paired t-test and repeated measures ANOVA were conducted. Results: After foot reflexology, the subjects in experimental group showed significant improvement in pain (F=155.77, p=.000) and depression ((F=20.00, p=.000). Conclusion: The results suggest that the foot reflexology is effective in relieving of pain and depression. Therefore, it is necessary to develop foot reflexology as an independent nursing intervention.

Keywords

• Foot;
• Reflexology;
• Osteoarthritis;
• Pain;
• Depression

• 발반사마사지;
• 골관절염;
• 통증;
• 우울;