This study examined the effects of foot-reflexology massage on body weight, lower extremity edema, and serum lipids in postpartum women.

This study was a nonequivalent control-group pretest-posttest design. Postpartum women were assigned to the experimental group (n=16) or a control group (n=15). Foot reflexology massage was applied 5 times a week, for a total of 2 weeks to the experimental group. The tool for measuring lower extremity edema was the girth of the thigh, and the calf. The measuring tool for serum lipids was total cholesterol and TG in blood serum by clinical process. Data was analyzed by χ²-test, t-test, and paired t-test, ANOVA using SPSS/Win PC 14.0.

There was a statistically significant decrease in levels of TG in blood serum in the experimental group compared to the control group.

Foot reflexology massage is a useful nursing intervention that decreases serum lipids level in postpartum women. Therefore foot reflexology massage is recommended as a nursing intervention strategy for serum lipids reduction in postpartum women.