Effects of Acupressure and Foot Massage on Pain During Heel Lancing in Neonates

Adiyaman University

Aim: The study was aimed to identifying the effects of foot massage and acupressure on pain during heel lancing in neonates.

Methods: A single-blinded randomized controlled trial was performed in a university hospital in Turkey between April-December 2018. Neonates were randomized into three groups as acupressure, massage and control groups. Data were obtained by using Information form, Neonatal Infant Pain Scale (NIPS), pulse oximeter device and chronometer. Acupressure was applied to the neonates in the acupressure group and massage was given to the neonates in the massage group for 2 minutes before heel lancing procedure. Pain levels of the neonates in the groups were evaluated during and 1 minute after heel lancing procedure. Furthermore, the oxygen saturation and heart rate values of the neonates in the groups were measured by pulse oximeter device before, during and after heel lancing procedure. Duration of crying and heel lancing procedure were recorded by chronometer.

Massage is a systematic and scientific procedure applied by using hands or special tools. As for acupressure, it is a method applied by stimulating the acupuncture points using hands and fingers by applying pressure on the meridians in body.Both methods are reliable, economic and easy to learn and apply. Review of the related literature indicates studies on the effectiveness of acupressure and foot massage on reducing pain in neonates.

Inclusion Criteria:

• having 2500-4000 gr body weight and being term neonates,
• having APGAR score of over 7 five minutes after birth,
• having no health problems detected in the newborn examination after birth,
• having received no painful interventions apart from Hepatitis B and Kvit after birth,
• being with the mother and being fed orally,
• having had breast milk within 30 minutes before heel lancing
• having a clean diaper.