Comparing palm Reflexology and Slow-stroke Massage on Fatigue in Hemodialysis Patients

Objective: Fatigue is one of the most disturbing and the most common symptoms reported by patients dialyzed. The aim of this study is comparing Reflexology and stroke massage on fatigue in hemodialysis patients.

Methods: This study is quasi-experimental intervention. The subjects included 52 hemodialysis patients who were divided into two groups randomly. The first group received hand reflexology massage and the second group received light stroke back. The before and after of each intervention fatigue were assessed through questionnaires. Data were analyzed with independent t test, chi square test, Fisher's exact test, two-way ANOVA with repeated measures and Bonferroni test.

Results: Before the intervention, there was no statistically significant differences between the two groups [p=0.878] but after the intervention fatigue in the group receiving Stroke massage was reduced significantly compared to Reflexology group (P<0.0001).

Conclusion: This study showed that the use of Stroke as a nursing intervention to reduce fatigue in dialysis patients is safe, effective and affordable use.