The effects of foot reflexology applied to infantile colic infants on colic symptoms

Objective: This research was conducted to determine the effects of foot reflexology applied to infantile colic infants on colic symptoms. Method: The experimentally study in a randomized controlled trial insingle-blind form was conducted in the department of pediatrics clinic of a gynecology hospital in Isparta. The research sample included 20 control and 20 experimental, who correspond to research criteria and had infantile colic diagnosis according to Wessel Criteria. The data were collected after taking relevant approvals from Ethics Committee, and the hospital. Foot reflexology which provides stimulation of digestive system, has been implemented to the infants in the experimental group. And, non-effective touch applications has been made to feet of the control group infants. All of the infants were included in four sessions in total as twice in a week during the two weeks period. Each intervention was applied for 20 minutes by the researcher. Results: It is clear based on the results that foot reflexology decreased pain sense, daily crying time and crying violence, on the other hand; increased daily sleep times. Based on the FLACC Scale and Infantile Colic Scale scores, a statistically significant difference has been established between the groups following the second follow-up (p<0,001). The findings show that 60% of infants in experimental have not practiced colicky cry within a month following the end of practice. Conclusion: Foot reflexology was effective in relieving the infantile colic symptoms. Keywords: infantile colic, foot reflexology, nurse, complementary therapies