Foot reflexology and cold packs before chest tube removal after bypass surgery
Determining the Effects of Reflexology and Cold Application Before Chest Tube Removal on Pain, Anxiety, and Physiological Parameters in Patients Undergoing Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting: A Randomized Controlled Study
It will test whether foot reflexology plus a cold pack before chest tube removal reduces pain and anxiety in adults after coronary artery bypass surgery.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 108 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Ankara University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Ankara) |
| Trial ID | NCT07528482 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This is a randomized, controlled trial at a single cardiac surgery center enrolling about 108 CABG patients who need chest tube removal and have moderate pain. Participants are randomized in blocks into three groups (combined reflexology + cold application, cryotherapy alone, and standard care) with the combined intervention consisting of 40 minutes of foot reflexology and a -20°C to -30°C cold pack applied for 20 minutes before tube removal. Pain (VAS), anxiety (STAI), and vital signs (blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, oxygen saturation) are measured at baseline, after intervention/before removal, and 30 minutes after removal. Statistical comparisons will test whether the interventions reduce pain, anxiety, or physiologic stress versus control.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults (≥18) undergoing chest tube removal after CABG who can consent, are not on inotropic drugs, have a VAS pain score ≥3, have no foot wounds, and have not received analgesics in the prior 4 hours.
Not a fit: Patients under 18, those using inotropic drugs, with chronic pain, psychiatric illness, recent substance use, foot skin lesions preventing massage, or who received analgesics within 4 hours may not benefit or be eligible for the interventions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If effective, the combined technique could reduce pain and anxiety during chest tube removal and improve patient comfort and recovery after CABG.
How similar studies have performed: Small studies of reflexology or cold application separately have reported modest short-term reductions in procedural pain or anxiety, but combining them specifically before chest tube removal is relatively untested.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Being 18 years of age or older * Not having undergone previous open heart surgery * Not having received analgesics within 4 hours prior to the procedure * Having a VAS pain score of 3 or higher * Voluntary participation in the study Exclusion Criteria: * Being under 18 years of age * Using inotropic drugs * Having a history of chronic pain * Having a history of alcohol or drug use * Having a psychiatric illness * Having skin lesions, burns, or wounds on the feet that would prevent massage application
Where this trial is running
Ankara
- Gulhane Training and Research Hospital — Ankara, Turkey (Türkiye) (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: neriman yükseltürk şimşek, assistant prof — ankara u
- Study coordinator: neriman yükseltürk şimşek, assistant prof.
- Email: nerimansimsek@ankara.edu.tr
- Phone: 0312 3042242
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.