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Effect of Hand Reflexology Massage on Fatigue and Anxiety Among Patients Undergoing Hemodialysis
Sponsor: Kufa University
Summary
The goal of this clinical trial is to learn if hand reflexology massage can help reduce fatigue and anxiety in adult patients undergoing hemodialysis treatment. The main questions it aims to answer are: * What are the levels of fatigue and anxiety in hemodialysis patients? * Is hand reflexology massage more effective than usual care in reducing fatigue and anxiety after eight sessions? * Do these improvements last over time? * Does a patient's age, gender, education level, how long they've been on dialysis, or their financial status affect how much they benefit from the massage? Researchers will compare patients who receive hand reflexology massage plus standard care to those who receive only standard care to see if the massage leads to greater reductions in fatigue and anxiety. Participants will: * Be randomly assigned to one group that receives hand reflexology massage or another group that continues with routine care only * Attend 8 short sessions (about 27 minutes each) of hand reflexology massage over four weeks, given during their regular dialysis visits * Complete brief questionnaires about their fatigue and anxiety levels before the study starts, after the 4th session, and after the 8th session * Continue their normal medical treatments throughout the study This study focuses on a safe, non-drug therapy that nurses can easily provide. Hand reflexology involves gentle pressure on specific points of the hands linked to stress relief and relaxation. It is chosen because it is practical during dialysis, avoids touching swollen or sensitive feet, and respects cultural preferences. The results could help improve the comfort and well-being of hemodialysis patients in Iraq and similar healthcare settings.
Official title: Effect of Hand Reflexology Massage on Fatigue and Anxiety Level Among Patients Undergoing Hemodialysis: a Randomized Control Trial.
Key Details
Gender
All
Age Range
18 Years - Any
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
104
Start Date
2026-01-01
Completion Date
2026-11-15
Last Updated
2025-11-28
Healthy Volunteers
No
Interventions
Hand Reflexology Massage
The intervention is a standardized Hand Reflexology Massage (HRM) for adults on maintenance hemodialysis, applied twice weekly for four weeks during dialysis. Each 27-minute session follows a structured three-phase protocol: 7 minutes of preparatory relaxation, 18 minutes of targeted stimulation of key reflex points (Solar Plexus, Diaphragm, Adrenal/Kidney, Pituitary, and Heart on the left hand), and 2 minutes of concluding relaxation. Pressure is applied systematically using thumb or index finger. Male patients are treated by the principal investigator, females by a trained female co-researcher. This evidence-based, non-invasive therapy differs from general hand massage by focusing on validated reflex points, reducing fatigue and anxiety, and integrating safely into dialysis care.
Standard
The control group receives standard care, which consists of routine hemodialysis treatment and standard nursing care as per the established protocols at Fatima Al-Zahraa and Al-Hayat Hemodialysis Centers. This includes monitoring vital signs, managing dialysis parameters, administering prescribed medications, providing general health education, and offering emotional support during the treatment sessions.