Results of foot reflexotherapy in acute lower back pain of the nursing team: controlled randomized clinical test

Medeiros, Graciela Mendonça da Silva e; Sasso, Grace Teresinha Marcon Dal; Schlindwein, Aline Daiane

doi:10.5935/2595-0118.20180058

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ORIGINAL ARTICLES • BrJP 1 (4) • Oct-Dec 2018 • https://doi.org/10.5935/2595-0118.20180058 copy

Results of foot reflexotherapy in acute lower back pain of the nursing team: controlled randomized clinical test

Authorship SCIMAGO INSTITUTIONS RANKINGS

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:

Musculoskeletal disorder is characterized by changes in neuromuscular, tendinous and joint functions that impact the functionality of the affected areas, especially with pain. The intervention with reflexotherapy is a non-invasive alternative and allows instant control of acute occupational low back pain. The objective of this study was to describe the results of foot reflexology in the relief of acute low back pain related to the nursing staff job.

METHODS:

Double-blind controlled clinical trial. Thirty-six effective participants were randomly assigned to experimental and control group. Reflexotherapy was applied for low back pain in the sample groups in two sessions with a 72-hour interval. Data collection was performed with the visual analog scale to assess pain before and after the interventions, and a questionnaire for low back pain at the beginning and end of the study. The data were analyzed with the following tests: Shapiro Wilk, for sample normality; Chi-square or Fisher’s Exact, for the association between categorical variables and t-test.

RESULTS:

There was statistical significance with the foot reflexology in the relief of acute low back pain, with p=0.000 for the visual analog scale and the data of the questionnaire for low back pain p=0.0002.

CONCLUSION:

Reflexotherapy showed to be effective in reducing the intensity of acute pain among nursing professionals in this study. The Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials is RBR-5ndq22.

Keywords:
Acute pain; Cumulative trauma disorders; Low back pain; Nursing team; Occupational risks; Reflexotherapy

Reflexotherapy Protocol - Experimental Group	Reflexotherapy Protocol - Control Group
Cleansing the feet with ethyl alcohol and cotton wool	Cleansing the feet with ethyl alcohol and cotton wool
1. Spinal Area: The technique started with a firm movement (pressing and releasing with the thumb) throughout the reflex area of the spine. This maneuver started with the right foot. The movements were repeated eight times, in three repeated series.	1. Spinal Area: The technique started with a firm movement (pressing and releasing with the thumb) throughout the reflex area of the spine. This maneuver started with the right foot. The movements were repeated eight times, in three repeated series.
2. Hips and pelvic area: Handling with simultaneous pressure being exerted on the internal and the external part of the pelvic reflex region, with deep circular movements. At the same time, the thumbs massaged the plantar region around the heel bone. These movements were performed eight times, in three repeated series.	2. Hips and pelvic area: Handling with simultaneous pressure being exerted on the internal and the external part of the pelvic reflex region, with superficial circular movements. At the same time, the thumbs massaged the plantar region around the heel bone. These movements were performed eight times, in three repeated series.
3. Lumbar spine area: The whole lumbar reflex region was massaged (including the final part of the navicular - above the joint with the ankle bone, traveling all along the side of the body from the ankle bone through to the internal region of the heel bone). This was performed with deep circular movement and pressure on the whole reflex lumbar area (on the whole path of the lumbar spine), with firm top-down touches. These movements were repeated eight times, during three repeated series.	3. Lumbar spine area: The whole lumbar reflex region was massaged (including the final part of the navicular - above the joint with the ankle bone, traveling all along the side of the body from the ankle bone through to the internal region of the heel bone). This was performed with light circular movement and pressure on the whole reflex lumbar area (on the whole path of the lumbar spine), with soft top-down touches. These movements were repeated eight times, during three repeated series.
4. Back muscles area: A strong crushing movement was applied, but without generating any discomfort, using the palms of the hands, pressing the reflex region of the back muscles. In this movement, the participant's toes were positioned against the therapist's thumb (which was positioned in the midline of the sole of the foot). The movements were repeated eight times, in three repeated series.	4. Back muscles area: A light crushing movement was applied, with a superficial touch, using the palms of the hands, pressing the reflex region of the back muscles. In this movement, the participant's toes were positioned against the therapist's thumb (which was positioned in the midline of the sole of the foot). The movements were repeated eight times, in three repeated series.
5. Lumbar spine and sciatic nerve: firm pressure on the plantar region of the calcaneus (including the posterior region of the ankle bone and extending to the distal part of the tibia). These movements were performed eight times, in three repeated series.	5. Lumbar spine and sciatic nerve: light pressure on the plantar region of the calcaneum (including the posterior region of the ankle bone and extending to the distal part of the tibia). These movements were performed eight times, in three repeated series.
6. Finalizing the technique: a strong crushing movement with both hands, from the reflex region of the thorax down to the reflex region of the lumbar spine and pelvis, including the whole region around the calcaneus. These movements were performed eight times, during three repeated series.All the procedures were performed on both feet. First, on the right foot, and then on the left.	6. Finalizing the technique: a light crushing movement with both hands, from the reflex region of the thorax down to the reflex region of the lumbar spine and pelvis, including the whole region around the calcaneus. These movements were performed eight times, during three repeated series.All the procedures were performed on both feet. First, on the right foot, and then on the left.

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[1] Correspondence to: Programa de Pós-Graduação em Enfermagem Campus Reitor João David Ferreira Lima – Bairro Trindade 88040-900 Florianópolis, SC, Brasil. E-mail: gracielamendoncamedeiros@gmail.com