Investigation of the effects of foot reflexology on vital signs, beta endorphin, and pain levels of patients undergoing bariatric surgery

ABSTRACT Investigation of the Effects of Foot Reflexology on Vital Signs, Beta Endorphin, and Pain Levels of Patients Undergoing Bariatric Surgery Objective: This quasi-experimental study evaluated the effects of foot reflexology on vital signs, beta-endorphin levels, and pain intensity in patients undergoing bariatric surgery. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted between March 2024 and July 2026 at the General Surgery Clinic of Fırat University Hospital. Data were collected from September 2024 to June 2025. The sample included 84 patients who underwent sleeve gastrectomy and were assigned to an intervention group (n = 42) or a control group (n = 42). Data were collected using the Patient Identification Form, Numeric Pain Rating Scale, Vital Signs Monitoring Form, and serum beta-endorphin measurements. The experimental group received foot reflexology after surgery. Data were analyzed using independent and paired t-tests, the chi-square test, Two-Way Mixed Model ANOVA, the Bonferroni test, and ANCOVA. Results: Reflexology significantly reduced systolic blood pressure and pain intensity in the intervention group (p<0,05). No significant changes were observed in diastolic blood pressure, respiratory rate, or pulse rate (p>0.05). A significant time-by-group interaction was found for body temperature (p<0,05). Beta-endorphin levels remained stable in the intervention group but significantly decreased in the control group. After adjustment for baseline beta-endorphin levels, post-intervention beta-endorphin levels differed significantly between groups (F(1, 81)=10.145, p = 0,002). Conclusion: Foot reflexology applied after bariatric surgery has been found to reduce pain levels, contribute to the maintenance of beta-endorphin levels, and have positive effects on systolic blood pressure and body temperature. Keywords: Bariatric surgeries, reflexology, pain, vital signs, beta endorphin.