Effect of Nursing Intervention Using Reflexology Massage on Muscle Cramps and Fatigue among Adolescents Undergoing Hemodialysis

Sabry Attia Hassan, Asmaa; Gad Soliman Ebrahem, Gawhara; Mustafa Abu Samra, Omayma; Atef Abed El-Magid Lawend, Josephin

doi:10.21608/ejhc.2020.281259

Effect of Nursing Intervention Using Reflexology Massage on Muscle Cramps and Fatigue among Adolescents Undergoing Hemodialysis

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

¹ Demonstrator in Pediatric Nursing Department, Faculty of Nursing, Mansoura University

² Assistant Professor of Pediatric Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Mansoura University

³ Lecturer of Pediatric Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Mansoura University

10.21608/ejhc.2020.281259

Abstract

The most popular form of treatment for end-stage renal illness is hemodialysis. Hemodialysis frequently causes muscle cramps and exhaustion, which negatively impact adolescents' activities, relationships, and treatment tolerance. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of nursing intervention using reflexology massage on muscle cramps and fatigue among adolescents undergoing hemodialysis. It employed a quasi-experimental design. The study was conducted at Mansoura University Children's Hospital and New General Mansoura Hospital on a purposive sample of 48 adolescents on maintenance hemodialysis. A structured questionnaire sheet, cramps questionnaire and visual analog scale and pediatric quality of life inventory-multidimensional fatigue scale were used to collect data. Significant differences were found in muscle cramps and fatigue levels between pretest and post-test (p=0.000 for each). The use of reflexology massage for adolescents undergoing hemodialysis had a positive effect on muscle cramps and fatigue levels. There is a need for courses that give nurses the opportunity to become certified in reflexology, and reflexology massage should be used as the evidence-base for nursing practice with children receiving hemodialysis.

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