Effect of effleurage massage versus water immersion with exercise on physiological foot edema among primigravidae

Abstract

Introduction: Leg edema is a prevalent problem during pregnancy causing activity limitations for pregnant women. The study aimed to compare the effect of effleurage foot massage versus water immersion with exercise on physiological foot edema among primigravidae. Study design: A quasi experimental, comparative study was utilized. Setting: study was conducted at the outpatient clinic of antenatal unit at El Shatby Maternity Hospital. Subjects: The subjects of the study included 90 primigravida women who attended to antenatal unit. Tools: Three tools were used to collect the data: Tool 1: Pregnant women basic data structured interview schedule, Tool 2: Assessment Chart for Pitting Edema and Tool 3: Anon-elastic tape measure. Results: there was statistically significant decreased in mean circumferences of left and right (Ankle, Instep and MP joint) foot among the massage and immersion groups, compared to the control group immediately and After 5 days of intervention. Additionally +3 & +4 degrees of edema didn't observe among the massage and immersion groups, while they were observed among 56.7% and 23.3% respectively of the control group. There was statistically significant improvement in the degree of edema among both massage and immersion groups in favor of the massage group compared to the control group immediately after intervention (p=0.003), and after 5 days of intervention (P <0.001).Conclusion: the effleurage foot massage and water immersion exercise was significantly improved foot edema, when compared to control group. However, the effleurage foot massage was more effective than water immersion exercise in this respect. Recommendations: Effleurage massage and water immersion with exercise should be recommended in hospital protocols for management of physiological foot edema.