Abstract
Aim. This study compares the effect of foot reflexology and stroke massage on depression in people with acute myocardial infarction.
Background. Depression is a common complication of myocardial infarction and could increase the likelihood of further attacks. Medication as a common therapy for treating depression has many side effects. So interventions performed with minimal risk is of great importance when managing depression in these people.
Method. In this randomized clinical trial (IRCT2016060817756N2), 60 people with myocardial infarction, admitted to CCU in Valiasr hospital in Birjand, were selected using convenience sampling and randomly allocated into three groups; intervention with reflexology (n=20), intervention with stroke massage (n=20),  and control group (n=20). Massage therapy was implemented for 5 weeks (three days a week) . Data collection tool was Beck Depression Inventory. Beck Depression Inventory was completed before and after intervention by participants in all three groups. Data were analyzed in SPSS 16 software using Chi-square test, t-test, ANOVA and Tukey.
Findings. Before intervention, there was no statistically significant difference between the groups in the mean score of depression (p=0.453), but a statistically significant difference was found after intervention (p <0.001). Tukey's post hoc test showed that after intervention, the mean scores of depression significantly decreased in foot reflexology group (23.65±3.50) compared with that of stroke massage   group (27.55±3.42) (p=0.006) and  control group (30.05±4.50) (p<0.001), but not statistically significant difference seen between stroke massage and control groups in terms of mean score of depression. Changes in mean depression scores before and after intervention was significantly higher in the foot reflexology massage group compared with stroke massage and control groups, and also, these changes was significantly higher in the stroke massage group compared with control group.
Conclusion. Both types of massage were effective in reducing depression, and the effect of the foot reflexology was greater. So, it is recommended to apply these interventions in routine nursing care for people with myocardial infarction experiencing depression.