Quattrin, R., Zanini, A., Buchini, S., Turello, D., Annunziata, M.A., Vidotti, C., . . . Brusaferro, S. (2006). Use of reflexology foot massage to reduce anxiety in hospitalized cancer patients in chemotherapy treatment: Methodology and outcomes. Journal of Nursing Management, 14, 96–105.

To reduce anxiety caused by chemotherapy (not the diagnosis)

The intervention was reflexology foot massage in hospitalized patients undergoing their second or third cycle of chemotherapy (30-minute foot massage on both feet by an RN student). The Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory was administered before and after reflexology and 24 hours post-reflexology.

The study reported on a sample of 30 patients: 15 in the control group and 15 in the reflexology foot massage group.

Italian research hospital

Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory

There was an average decrease of 7.9 points on the state-anxiety scale in the treatment group (p < 0.0001) after the short time frame (immediate decrease in anxiety).

• The study had a small sample size.
• The sample was not randomized, and patients were not categorized by cancer diagnosis, stage, or presence of metastasis.
• The study used a specially trained reflexology practitioner.