The Application Of Foot Reflexology Therapy On Blood Pressure Reduction In Hypertension Patients

Abstract

Background:Hypertension is a condition in which a person experiences an increase in blood pressure above normal levels, which can cause pain and even lead to death. This condition is defined as an increase in systolic blood pressure >140 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure >90 mmHg. Based on data from the Tanjungrejo Public Health Center, during the period of January to December 2024, there were 17,511 cases of hypertension recorded in its working area. Foot reflexology therapy (foot massage) is one of the non-pharmacological treatments currently used for hypertension. Foot massage can serve as a safe and easy non-pharmacological therapy that helps improve circulation, enhance joint mobility, reduce pain, relax muscles, and provide comfort in the joints. Objective:To describe the implementation of foot reflexology therapy in reducing blood pressure in hypertensive patients in Tanjungrejo Village.Method:The case study in this scientific paper used a pre-experimental design in the form of a one-group pre-test and post-test design. The number of samples was 15 respondents selected using purposive sampling technique.Research Results:The average pre-test blood pressure of the 15 respondents was 164 mmHg systolic and 95 mmHg diastolic. The average post-test blood pressure was 154 mmHg systolic and 87 mmHg diastolic. The difference in the average values between the pre-test and post-test was 10 mmHg for systolic and 8 mmHg for diastolic pressure. These results indicate a decrease in blood pressure among hypertensive patients in Tanjungrejo Village after undergoing foot reflexology therapy. Conclusion:Foot reflexology therapy can reduce blood pressure in patients with hypertension.