Journal of Education and Health Promotion

A comparison the effects of reflexology and relaxation on the psychological symptoms in women with multiple sclerosis

Authors

. Mozhgan Soheili
. Fatemeh Nazari 1
. Vahid Shaygannejad 2
. Mahboobeh Valiani 3

1 Isfahan Neurosciences Research Centre, Department of Adult Health Nursing, School of Nursing and Midwifery

2 Isfahan Neurosciences Research Centre, Department of Neurology, School of Medicine

3 Department of Midwifery and Reproductive Health, Isfahan Neurosciences Research Centre, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran

Abstract
Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) occurs with a variety of physical and psychological
symptoms, yet there is not a conclusive cure for this disease. Complementary medicine is a
current treatment which seems is effective in relieving symptoms of patients with MS. Therefore,
this study is aimed to determine and compare the effects of reflexology and relaxation on anxiety,
stress, and depression in women with MS. Subjects and Methods: This study is a randomized
clinical trial that is done on 75 women with MS referred to MS Clinic of Kashani Hospital. After
simple non random sampling, participants were randomly assigned by minimization method to
three groups: reflexology, relaxation and control (25 patients in each group). In the experimental
groups were performed reflexology and relaxation interventions within 4 weeks, twice a week for
40 min and the control group were received only routine treatment as directed by a doctor. Data
were collected through depression anxiety and stress scale questionnaire, before, immediately
after and 2 months after interventions in all three groups. Chi‑square, Kruskal–Wallis, repeated
measures analysis of variance and one‑way analysis of variance and least significant difference
post hoc test via SPSS version 18 were used to analyze the data (P < 0.05) was considered as
significant level. Results: The results showed a significant reduction in the severity of anxiety,
stress and depression during the different times in the reflexology and relaxation groups as
compared with the control group (P < 0.05). Conclusion: The results showed that reflexology
and relaxation in relieving anxiety, stress and depression are effective in women with MS. Hence,
these two methods, as effective techniques, can be recommended.

Keywords

Anxiety
multiple sclerosis
reflexology
relaxation
stress and depression
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Journal of Education and Health Promotion
Volume 7, Issue 1
March and April 2017
Pages 1-6

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