The aim of the study was to investigate the possible usefulness of foot ref
lexology on the recovery after a surgical intervention. 130 patients partic
ipated in the study. They underwent abdominal surgery under full anesthesia
for different, but exclusively gynecological reasons. Foot reflexology inv
estigated in this study was applied only for a few days for each patient. T
he following parameters were recorded: the subjective, self-assessed, gener
al condition, pain intensity, movement of the bowels, micturition and sleep
, beginning on the day before operation until day 10. Two other treatments
served as controls, a simple massage of the foot or a personal conversation
. The simple massage turned out to be a relaxing, positive experience, wher
eas foot reflexology had various effects, some of them were even negative.
The conclusion was that foot reflexology is not recommended for acute, abdo
minal post-surgical situations in gynecology because it can occasionally tr
igger abdominal pain. This project is one of the few studies planned, condu
cted and performed by the nursing staff.