Foot Reflexology Massage Effect on Preterm Neonates` Physiological Response: A Quasi-Experimental Study

Abstract

Objective(s): This study aims to determine the effects of foot reflexology on stabilizing physiological parameters (heart rate, respiratory rate and saturation of oxygen) in pre-term infants hospitalized in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.

Methods: A quasi-experimental study was performed in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of Bint Al-Huda Teaching Hospital, Al-Nasiriyah city, Iraq from May 3^rd to September 15^th, 2025. A purposive sample of 90 preterm infants aged 30-37 weeks were allocated to group of intervention (n=45) who received foot reflexology massage, for 20 minutes per session twice daily for three days consciously, and the control group (n=45) who receive routine care only. Physiological parameters of preterm were measured before and after the intervention by a constructed format. Data were collected by direct observation, and it processed using SPSS version 26 where descriptive statistics and Mann-Whitney u test were used in the comparison of groups.

Results: Demographic baseline data were similar between groups before intervention. Comparison post intervention showed significant enhancement in SpO2 (p=0.001), respiratory rate (p=0.001) of study group as compared to controls. Heart rate showed a declining trend but did not reach statistical significance (p=0.286). Progressive improvements in all measured parameters were observed across the three-day intervention period.

Conclusion: Foot reflexology demonstrated significant beneficial effects on oxygen saturation and respiratory rate in preterm neonates, supporting its potential as a safe, non-invasive complementary intervention in neonatal intensive care settings.

Recommendations: Using foot-reflexology as a complementary approach, especially for those experiencing respiratory oxygen desaturation. Development of parent education programs to teach safe and effective foot reflexology practice.