Background: physiological instability and pain are among the most common problems of patients
post open heart surgery. Many studies reported that non-pharmacological and complementary
interventions improve physiological instability reduce post-operative pain; therefor current study
aimed to study the effect of foot reflexology massage versus Benson relaxation technique on
physiological parameters and pain after open heart surgery, Study design: A randomized controlled
trial was used . Methods: the study was carried at Cardio-Thoracic intensive care unit (CTCU) at
Assuit Heart University Hospital. Subject: the study performed on 90 patients, they were divided
into three groups (foot reflexology, Benson relaxation and control group). Two tools were used:
patient's assessment sheet and Assessment of Chest pain intensity. Results: a statistically significant
difference between the groups was reported in terms of all physiological variables (P=0.001) after
applying foot reflexology and Benson relaxation and the improvement were more significant in
reflexology group than Benson group. Also a statistically significant difference between the groups
was reported in relation to pain intensity. Conclusion Foot reflexology and Benson relaxation
significantly improved the physiological status and pain of patients after open heart surgery. So, it
recommended applying a training program for critical care nurses on open heart surgery units on
foot reflexology technique and Benson's relaxation technique to be able to use them as a part of
routine nursing care for patients