Effects of aroma foot massage on sleep and foot coldness among elderly women with cold feet

초록

This study is aimed at investigating the effects of aroma foot massage on cold feet and sleep quality among elderly women. Subjects were recruited from 3 community centers in Korea. The inclusion criteria were having no history of foot trauma, metabolic disease and peripheral nerve disease. The aroma oil group consisted of 17 elders, and 20 elders were allocated to the carrier oil group. Oils of grape fruit, lavender and ginger were blended with jojoba oil. The carrier oil group received foot massage using the jojoba oil only. Foot massage was provided 3 times a week for two weeks. Data was collected before the intervention and after the 2-week intervention. Foot temperature was measured using an infrared skin thermometer. Perceived foot coldness and sleep quality were measured using a questionnaire administered by interviewers. Data was analyzed using nonparametric statistics. Homogeneity between the two groups was established. Foot temperature was not significantly different between the two points in time in both groups. Foot coldness in general and foot coldness at bedtime significantly improved after the intervention in both groups. Overall sleep quality improved in both groups. Difficulty in falling asleep improved after the intervention in both groups. However, group difference was not significant in all of the variables between the two measurement points. Foot massage improved perceived foot coldness in general and foot coldness at bedtime. However, no difference was observed between foot massage with aroma oil and with carrier oil. Objective foot temperature needs further study.