Effect of effleurage massage versus water immersion with exercise on physiological foot edema among primigravidae

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 lecturer of Obstetrics and Gynecologic Nursing Faculty of Nursing, Alexandria University.

2 Assistant professor of Obstetrics and Gynecologic Nursing Faculty of Nursing, Damanhour University

3 Assistant professor of Obstetrics and Gynecologic Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Alexandria University. Egypt.

Abstract

Introduction: Leg edema is a prevalent problem during pregnancy causing activity limitations for
pregnant women. The study aimed to compare the effect of effleurage foot massage versus water
immersion with exercise on physiological foot edema among primigravidae. Study design: A quasi
experimental, comparative study was utilized. Setting: study was conducted at the outpatient clinic
of antenatal unit at El Shatby Maternity Hospital. Subjects: The subjects of the study included 90
primigravida women who attended to antenatal unit. Tools: Three tools were used to collect the
data: Tool 1: Pregnant women basic data structured interview schedule, Tool 2: Assessment Chart
for Pitting Edema and Tool 3: Anon-elastic tape measure. Results: there was statistically
significant decreased in mean circumferences of left and right (Ankle, Instep and MP joint) foot
among the massage and immersion groups, compared to the control group immediately and After 5
days of intervention. Additionally +3 & +4 degrees of edema didn't observe among the massage and
immersion groups, while they were observed among 56.7% and 23.3% respectively of the control
group. There was statistically significant improvement in the degree of edema among both massage
and immersion groups in favor of the massage group compared to the control group immediately
after intervention (p=0.003), and after 5 days of intervention (P <0.001).Conclusion: the effleurage
foot massage and water immersion exercise was significantly improved foot edema, when compared
to control group. However, the effleurage foot massage was more effective than water immersion
exercise in this respect. Recommendations: Effleurage massage and water immersion with exercise
should be recommended in hospital protocols for management of physiological foot edema.

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