Effects of Foot Bath on Leg Edema and Fatigue among College Students

Abstract

Purpose: This study was conducted to examine the effect of foot-bath on lower extremities edema and fatigue among college students in Korea. Methods: This study used an quasi-experimental design with 56 participants (30 for experiments and 26 for controls). The experimental group performed 20-minute foot bath before sleep three times for one week. All subjects were directed to use their smart-phones to fill out a questionnaire about fatigue. Leg circumference was measured 10 minutes after foot bath. The test was performed from April 30th to May 22th in 2016. Data was analyzed using t-test and x 2 test. Results: We found no difference in general characteristics between the experimental group and the control group. Left leg edema of the experimental group decreased by 16.63±14.57 mm (p<.001). The experimental group's right leg-edema decreased by 13.10±13.97 mm (p<.001).There was no statistically significant difference in their fatigue level when comparing before and after the foot baths. Conclusion:We found that doing foot baths for two weeks could have positive effects in reducing leg-edema among college students. Foot bath may be applied as an effective nursing intervention to decrease leg edema among young people. The results are based on a limited number of study samples and a short-term intervention. Further research can be performed with extended population and a prolonged study period.

Compression Stocking Length Effects on Oedema, Pain, and Satisfaction in Nursing Students: A Pilot Randomized Trial

“…In a previous study conducted to reduce oedema and pain in the legs of students, a convenience sampling method was employed. Studies that incorporate the use of compression stockings in female nursing college students who practice clinically have found reductions in oedema and pain [ 6 ] and that foot baths additionally reduce oedema and pain [ 23 ]. These studies involving nursing students were limited in generalizability because of the use of convenience sampling.…”

The effect of foot baths on foot pain and leg edema of nursing students during clinical training

“…In the studies of Seo et al, they were reported that footbath performed for 20 minutes 3 times a week before going to bed was effective in reducing edema in both legs in nursing students (p<0.001). 6,11 Lee et al reported that footbath applied for 20 minutes reduced tibia edema in operating room nurses who stood for long periods of time (p<0.05). 13 Oh and Yoon also found that leg massage applied by the nurses for 10 minutes reduced leg edema.…”

“…Hot foot baths can increase peripheral temperature and peripheral blood flow without increasing body temperature and can be effective in relieving fatigue by reducing tension in the brain and muscles. 11 In foot massage, mental and psychological relaxation is provided by manipulation of soft tissues and muscles, thus increasing healing and relaxation. 12 In a study conducted by Lee et al in previous years, it reported that edema, physical stress and fatigue in the lower extremities significantly reduced by immersing the feet in hot water at 40 degrees for 20 minutes 12 times a day in operating room nurses who stood for long period.…”