Rhythmic Foot Embrocation Administered to Adults with Disabilities Living in Residential Facilities: A Survey Among Users

Rhythmic embrocation (also called rub or, as originally in German, “Einreibung”) was developed by Dr. Ita Wegman and Dr. Margarete Hauschka in the 1920s as a care measure to stimulate recovery processes. It is based on contact with the client’s/patient’s skin, in which an oil, emulsion or ointment is applied by the therapist in rhythmic movements, and can be used, for example, as a partial embrocation on the feet. To date, no reports on its application to adults with intellectual, cognitive and/or physical disabilities exist. The aim of this survey is to provide a hands-on practical proof of concept of foot embrocation for adults with such disabilities, and who live in residential units. The data were collected by means of an anonymous retrospective survey among residential facility staff who had undergone training in therapeutic foot embrocation. Their training consisted of two learning units of four lessons each and a practice period. The residential staff were then able to gain further experience in applying foot embrocation over a period of up to three months, after which they were invited to participate in the survey. The survey was based on a questionnaire consisting of 36 questions mostly focused on their disabled clients, whom the trained staff could observe while carrying out their professional duties. Of the 53 questionnaires handed out to users, 37 were completed and returned by post. Almost all users found the eight lessons sufficient as training for foot embrocation. Half the clients were female, half male, and their most common disabilities were autism, trisomy 21, and epilepsy. They used a variety of verbal and non-verbal communication types. In most cases, the residential staff perceived the clients as being relaxed before the embrocation and appreciating it. Improvements in depth of breathing and circulation, activity and sleep were noticed by some users. Considering the short training period, the implementation of this therapy in residential facilities for people with disabilities seems promising. Adults with various disabilities living in residential facilities responded well to rhythmic foot embrocation performed by the facility’s trained staff.