The Effects of Foot Reflexology on Pain and Quality of Sleep in Patients with Terminal Cancer

말기 암 환자에게 적용한 발 반사 마사지의 통증경감 및 수면증진 효과

Purpose: This study was performed to determine the effects of foot reflexology on pain and quality of sleep in patients with terminal cancer. Method: Quai-experimental research design was used. The subjects of this study were consisted of 19 for experimental group and 18 for control group. Visualue Scale(VAS) was used as the measurement tool of pain in this study, Verra & Snyder-Halpern Sleep Scale(VSH) and Visual Analogue Scale(VAS) were used as the measurement tool of perceived quality of sleep. Data were analyzed using statistical methods such as frequency, percent, $x^2$-test, t-test using SPSS WIN 12.0 program. Results: The hypothesis 1 that the experimental group with reflexology has less degree of pain than the control group without reflexology was supported (t=5.41, p<.001). The hypothesis 2 that the experimental group with reflexology has higher degree of VSH Scale than the control group without reflexology was supported(t=2.37, p=.02). The hypothesis 3 that the experimental group with reflexology has the difference among the mean of sleep VAS Scale during the 12 measurement periods was not supported(F=1.63, p=.08), and no significant interactions between group and time. Conclusion: It is considered that reflexology is effective for reducing cancer pain and improving quality of sleep in patients with terminal cancer.