Faezeh Naghiha, Narges Sadeghi, Azam Alavi,
Volume 31, Issue 3 (9-2025)
Abstract
Background & Aim: Diabetic ketoacidosis is a serious and potentially life-threatening complication of diabetes mellitus. Exploring non-pharmacological interventions that may support standard care in children with this condition is crucial for improving clinical outcomes. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of foot reflexology massage on the respiratory patterns of children hospitalized with diabetic ketoacidosis.
Methods & Materials: This clinical trial included two groups with pre- and post-intervention assessments. The study was conducted on children admitted with diabetic ketoacidosis to Imam Hossein Specialized Hospital in Isfahan in 2023. Participants were selected using convenience sampling and randomly assigned to either an experimental or a control group. The intervention consisted of foot reflexology massage administered every two hours, with each session lasting ten to fifteen minutes per leg, from admission until recovery from diabetic ketoacidosis. Data were analyzed using analysis of covariance and two-way repeated measures analysis of variance, with a significance level of 0.05, using SPSS software version 26.
Results: After controlling for blood glucose, blood PH, and bicarbonate levels, the mean recovery time from diabetic ketoacidosis was significantly shorter in the experimental group compared to the control group (P<0.001). Following the intervention, both groups exhibited a significant increase in blood PH and bicarbonate levels (P<0.001). Moreover, the experimental group demonstrated a significantly higher mean bicarbonate level compared to the control group after the intervention (P=0.009).
Conclusion: Foot reflexology massage was associated with a shorter duration of diabetic ketoacidosis in children, independent of blood glucose, PH, and bicarbonate levels. These findings suggest that incorporating foot reflexology massage as an adjunct to standard care may enhance patient recovery and improve clinical outcomes in pediatric diabetic ketoacidosis.
Clinical trial registry: IRCT20130812014333N202
