Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study was to devise a safe and effective foot care method and to determine the psychological and physiological impact of this method on pregnant women.
Method
Eleven healthy pregnant women at 32-37 weeks of gestation participated in this study. Each participant received foot care for 25 minutes involving fomentation of the sub-knee region followed by a gentle foot massage from the peripheral to central direction. Pulse rate, blood pressure, circumference of their calves, skin temperature, skin blood flow, and brain waves were measured before and after performing foot care. Subjective symptoms associated with their feet were assessed by a questionnaire survey performed immediately before and after, as well as the day after foot care was performed. Uterine contraction and fetal health were monitored during the intervention. Physiological and psychological measurements taken before and after foot care were compared using statistical analyses.
Results
1) Many women reported improvements in the condition of their feet, which continued through the following day. Circumference of their calves also decreased after receiving foot care. 2) Women felt refreshed after receiving foot care, which continued through the following day. Foot care also had a relaxation effect, as evidenced by decreased pulse rates. 3) Blood circulation improved during fomentation, as evidenced by an increase in skin temperature and skin blood flow. However, we were unable to detect whether this effect persisted. 4) Consistent with the predominance of α3 waves in the brain wave patterns, women became sleepy during and after foot care. 5) Foot care had no adverse effects on uterine contractions or the fetus.
Conclusion
The foot care method used in this study was designed to be safe for healthy pregnant women. Foot care helped pregnant women relax and feel refreshed, and improved the conditions of their feet. Our findings suggest that foot care is both physiologically and psychologically beneficial for pregnant women.
