Reflexology and hand massage after cesarean section
Official title: The Effect of Reflexology Hand Massage on Anxiety, Satisfaction, and Hemodynamic Parameters in the Early Postoperative Period After Cesarean Section: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Run by Dokuz Eylul University · NCT07880587 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study tests whether reflexology hand massage or stroking hand massage can reduce anxiety and increase satisfaction, and how they affect heart/blood pressure after cesarean delivery.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 20 Years to 35 Years |
| Sex | Women only |
| Enrollment | 40 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Dokuz Eylul University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Izmir) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | June 26, 2026 |
| Main results expected | January 30, 2027 |
| Study ends | January 30, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | October 19, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07880587 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Women aged 20–35 who recently had an elective cesarean delivery, with a healthy newborn and no hand contraindications.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with severe postoperative complications or ICU-level needs may not experience benefit from this intervention.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This randomized, single-blind, placebo-controlled trial will enroll women who recently had an elective cesarean delivery at Dokuz Eylul University. Participants will be assigned to reflexology hand massage, stroking hand massage, or a placebo/sham condition to compare effects on anxiety, satisfaction, and hemodynamic parameters in the early postoperative period. The study aims to determine if hand massage approaches can improve psychological well-being and physiological stability after cesarean delivery. Eligible participants are adults aged 20–35 without psychiatric disorders or hand contraindications, and with healthy newborns. Outcomes will be measured in the immediate postoperative hours and will inform potential nursing interventions for postoperative care."
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, hand massage could become a simple, nonpharmacologic option to reduce anxiety and improve satisfaction after cesarean delivery.
How similar studies have gone: Previous massage-based approaches have shown promise in reducing anxiety and improving comfort in postoperative settings, but evidence specific to reflexology versus stroking after cesarean delivery is limited.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Women aged between 20 and 35 years. * Underwent an elective term cesarean delivery. * Having a healthy newborn with a 1-minute Apgar score \> 7. * Being at the 4th postoperative hour. * No diagnosed psychological disorders (such as depression or anxiety disorder). * Not using any anxiolytic medications. * Having no contraindications for hand massage (i.e., absence of skin lesions, burns, or musculoskeletal pathologies on the hands). Exclusion Criteria: * Development of severe postoperative complications (e.g., excessive bleeding, infection). * Conditions requiring admission to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). * Presence of postnatal complications. * Having chronic or ongoing systemic diseases. * Having any skin lesions, burns, open wounds, or musculoskeletal pathologies on the hands. * Inability to speak and understand Turkish.
Where it's running
-
Dokuz Eylul University Research and Application Hospital
Izmir, Turkey (Türkiye) Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Buse Güler, PhD
- Email: busebahitli@gmail.com
- Phone: +90 232 412 69 70
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.