Effects of Foot Bath Therapy on Premenstrual Syndrome Symptoms, Quality of Life, and Pain

Study Design and Participants This study was designed as a prospective randomized controlled trial including pretest, posttest, and follow-up measurements. The study population consisted of midwifery students studying at the Faculty of Health Sciences at X University who reported symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). The sample size was calculated using the G\*Power 3.1.9.7 software. Based on a medium effect size (f = 0.25), repeated measures ANOVA with two groups and three measurements, a significance level of 5% (α = 0.05), a correlation coefficient between repeated measurements of 0.50, and 80% statistical power (1-β = 0.80), the minimum required sample size was determined as 86 participants. The study was completed with 92 participants (Experimental group: 46, Control group: 46). The study was conducted over three consecutive menstrual cycles, and data were collected at three different time points: before the intervention, at the end of the third menstrual cycle, and four weeks after completion of the intervention. Intervention (Foot Bath Application) Participants in the experimental group received standardized education regarding the foot bath application, and the necessary materials were provided. Participants were instructed to soak their feet in water at a temperature of 38-42 °C for 20 minutes daily during the luteal phase (7-10 days before menstruation) for three consecutive menstrual cycles. Compliance with the intervention was monitored using a daily follow-up chart, and participants received reminder messages each evening. The foot bath procedure included cleaning the feet, preparing water at the appropriate temperature, verifying the temperature using a thermometer, immersing the feet in water for the specified duration, and drying the feet after the procedure. Outcome measurements were repeated at the end of each menstrual cycle and four weeks after completion of the intervention. Control Group No intervention was applied to the control group, and participants were only followed throughout their menstrual cycles. Data were collected from the control group at the same time points as the experimental group (pretest, end of the third cycle, and four weeks after the intervention). After completion of the study, control group participants who requested the foot bath intervention were provided with the necessary materials in accordance with ethical principles.