Research & Links

Interesting Research and Links on the study of Reflexology

Effect of Foot Reflexology Protocol on Premenstrual Syndrome Symptoms in Nursing Students: a Pre-Post Pilot Study
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34900066/
Foot reflexology has shown promising results in reducing premenstrual syndrome symptoms.

Effects of self-foot reflexology on stress, fatigue and blood circulation in premenopausal middle-aged women
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19901496/
Self-foot reflexology may be an effective nursing intervention in reducing perceived stress and fatigue and in improving blood circulation.

The effect of foot reflexology applied to women aged between 40 and 60 on vasomotor (Hot Flushes) complaints and quality of life

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27502805/

Results showed that reflexology might be effective in decreasing vasomotor problems and increasing quality of life in women in the menopausal period.

A Prospective Cohort Study on the Impact of Reflexology in Patients With Breast Cancer Using the MYCaW Scale
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30691931/
Our findings show that reflexology has significantly improved patient-reported outcomes using the MYCaW scale. These findings are encouraging and reflect that increased attention to strategies focusing on improving psychological well-being can help patients in managing their symptoms.

The influence of foot and back massage on blood pressure and sleep quality in females with essential hypertension: a randomized controlled study

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32678299/

Foot and back massage was found to be effective in reducing blood pressure and improving sleep quality.

Effects of Reflexology and Progressive Muscle Relaxation on Pain, Fatigue, and Quality of Life during Chemotherapy in Gynecologic Cancer Patients

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29776873/

Reflexology and PMR exercises given to gynecologic cancer patients during chemotherapy were found to decrease pain and fatigue and increase QoL.

The effects of reflexology on anxiety and pain in patients after abdominal hysterectomy: A randomised controlled trial

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0965229917305010

Foot reflexology may serve as an effective nursing intervention to increase the well-being and decrease the pain of female patients after abdominal hysterectomy, and nurses should be aware of the benefits of reflexology.

Effect of Reflexology to Depressive Symptoms in Women With Overactive Bladder

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/306045561_Effect_of_Reflexology_to_Depressive_Symptoms_in_Women_With_Overactive_Bladder

The study showed foot reflexology as a part of overactive bladder treatment relieved urinary and depressive symptoms and had a positive effect on quality of life.

The Effect of Foot Reflexology Applied Before Coronary Angiography and Percutaneous Transluminal Coronary Angioplasty on Anxiety, Stress, and Cortisol Levels of Individuals: A Randomized Controlled Trial

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32530869/

The application of reflexology before coronary angiography and percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty reduces the levels of anxiety, stress, and cortisol without any side effects.

Reflexology for Migraine Headaches - A Case Study

https://academyofancientreflexology.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/Reflexology-for-Migraine-Headaches-.pdf

Weekly reflexology sessions were successful in reducing pain levels for this migraine sufferer. The case study subject went from missing 1+ days of work per month to missing zero days of work. The subject also reported increased duration and quality of sleep, an improved outlook (decreased irritability), and decreased severity in menstrual symptoms. The positive outcomes noted in this case study support further research into the use of reflexology to help migraine sufferers reduce symptoms, cope with symptoms, reduce time lost at work, and improve quality of life.

A comparison the effects of reflexology and relaxation on the psychological symptoms in women with multiple sclerosis

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5433640/

The results showed that reflexology and relaxation in relieving anxiety, stress and depression are effective in women with MS. Hence, these two methods, as effective techniques, can be recommended.

Evaluation of efficacy and feasibility of foot reflexology in children experiencing chronic or persistent pain

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31358289/

In 192 pediatric patients, FR significantly reduce pain and anxiety in children suffering from persistent or chronic pain. This CAM could have a place in pain management in children but needs to be evaluated in larger cohorts.

A pragmatic case series of clients living with medically diagnosed migraines self-referred to reflexology

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1744388120311051

90% of the participants of this data collection had MYMOP profile changes of 1 or more points over six treatments of reflexology. This change is recognised as being of clinical significance to the individual. A fully funded randomised controlled trial is needed to confirm that the results we have seen in our small data collection are repeatable and generalizable. However, from the results of this case series, it is suggested that a series of six reflexology treatments could be a beneficial

Effect of applying reflexology massage on nitroglycerin-induced migraine-type headache: A placebo-controlled clinical trial

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30028477/

Reflexology massage can reduce the intensity of NTG-induced headache.

Reflexology for Migraine Headaches - A Case Study

https://academyofancientreflexology.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/Reflexology-for-Migraine-Headaches-.pdf

Effects of Foot-Reflexology Massage on Fatigue, Stress and Postpartum Depression in Postpartum Women
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26364533/
The results show that the foot reflexology massage is an effective nursing intervention to relieve fatigue, stress, and depression for postpartum women.

Effectiveness of breathing exercises, foot reflexology and back massage (BRM) on labour pain, anxiety, duration, satisfaction, stress hormones and newborn outcomes among primigravidae during the first stage of labour in Saudi Arabia: a study protocol for a randomised controlled trial

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32540887/

The labor unit management could consider adopting breathing exercises, foot reflexology, and massage (BRM) as one of the non-pharmacological analgesia for healthy women in labor.

A randomized clinical trial on the effect of foot reflexology performed in the fourth stage of labor on uterine afterpain

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35062899/

The results revealed that foot reflexology in the fourth stage of labor has positive effects on relief from uterine afterpain. Reflexology is therefore recommended as a measure to reduce postpartum uterine afterpains.

Reflexology in Childbirth Pain Management

https://acta.tums.ac.ir/index.php/acta/article/view/8433

Results of all articles showed that if true reflexology is performed on the right location of the body and at the appropriate time, the pain of delivery can be significantly decreased. Reflexology is appropriate pain relief and prophylaxis for any kind of pain, especially delivery and post-delivery pain. It is a safe remedy with no adverse effects reported so far.

The effect of reflexology on labor pain, anxiety, labor duration, and birth satisfaction in primiparous pregnant women: a randomized controlled trial

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32877317/

Reflexology was effective in decreasing pain and anxiety and increasing the birth satisfaction during the first stage of labor.

The Effect of Reflexology on Lactation in Women Who Had Cesarean Section: A Randomized Controlled Pilot Study

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33477165/

In the study, it was determined that LATCH scores and signs of the onset of breastfeeding increased in the mothers who received reflexology after CS.

Effect of pre-cesarean foot reflexology massage on anxiety of primiparous women

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32284448/

The results of this study revealed the positive effect of reflexology massage on pre-cesarean anxiety. Because reflexology massage is an inexpensive, simple, and easy approach, the use of this non-pharmaceutical method is recommended to reduce pre-cesarean anxiety.

Comparing the Effect of Foot Massage with Grape Seed Oil and Sweet Almond Oil on Physiological Leg Edema in Primigravidae: A Randomized Clinical Trial

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32419817/

The findings of this study confirmed the effectiveness of foot massage using grape seed and sweet almond oils to reduce pregnancy physiological edema.

A pilot randomised controlled trial exploring the effects of antenatal reflexology on labour outcomes

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29024881/

his trial antenatal reflexology reduced labour duration for primiparous women who had experienced low back and/ or pelvic girdle pain during their pregnancy, compared with usual care and footbaths.

A pilot study of the effectiveness of reflexology in treating idiopathic constipation in women
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20129409/
This study shows that in this sample reflexology has potential benefit for treating idiopathic constipation in women. Further randomised trials are required.

Effect of Reflexology on the Constipation Status of Elderly People
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32494217/
Foot reflexology massage was found to be effective in relieving the constipation of elderly people. Therefore, reflexology is recommended as part of nursing care to reduce the constipation status of elderly people.

Influence of reflex zone therapy of the feet on intestinal blood flow measured by color Doppler sonography
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11340315/
The reduction in the resistive index observed in the treatment group supports the assumption that FRZM improves blood flow in the organs considered to be associated with the specific foot zones, at least during the therapy process.

IBS, Indigestion - Gastrointestinal Disorders
http://www.reflexologyresearch.net/ReflexologyStomachResearch4.shtml
Therapeutic results after two courses of treatment showed a 95% effective rate overall. This research showed that foot reflexotherapy, with its remarkable therapeutic effect in treating functional gastrointestinal diseases, being economical, safe, and easy to manipulate, has very good prospect for development.

The Effect of Reflexology on Low Back Pain in Operating Room Nurses

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33306494/

In this study, reflexology significantly reduced the pain of nurses who had low back pain. Therefore, reflexology might be useful in controlling low back pain of operating room nurses.

Effect of Complementary and Integrative Treatments on Fatigue Symptoms in Hemodialysis Patients: A Systematic Review

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34783697/

In the literature, acupressure, aromatherapy, reflexology, massage, and yoga practice were found to be applied to hemodialysis patients and be effective in reducing pain and anxiety as well as improving sleep quality. It is recommended that these methods be included in the routine clinical care of patients receiving hemodialysis.

Effects of foot massage on relieving pain, anxiety and improving quality of life of patients undergone a cervical spine surgery

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33468148/

This study found that foot massage was effective in alleviating pain and anxiety, while improving quality of life in patients undergone ACDF, indicating that this intervention should be considered in the clinical management of these patients.

Effect of auricular point pressing therapy on postoperative pain of fracture: A protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33371113/

This study could provide high-quality evidence to evaluate the effect of auricular point pressing therapy on postoperative pain of fracture.

The Effect of Foot Massage on Peripheral Neuropathy-Related Pain and Sleep Quality in Patients With Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33060497/

It has been shown that foot massage intervention reduces the patients' pain levels and has a positive effect on their sleep quality. Accordingly, foot massage can be recommended to patients with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma to reduce their peripheral neuropathy-related pain and improve their sleep quality.

Efficacy of Hand and Foot Massage in Anxiety and Pain Management Following Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy: A Controlled Randomized Study

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31855924/

A significant reduction was determined in the need for analgesics for the patients in the foot massage group and hand massage group compared with the control group (P<0.05). A significant positive relationship was found between pain intensity and state anxiety levels in patients of the foot massage group and hand massage group. Foot and hand massage are influential in decreasing pain and anxiety levels after surgeries for patients who undergo laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Evaluation of efficacy and feasibility of foot reflexology in children experiencing chronic or persistent pain

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31358289/

Comparing the Effect of Foot and Hand Reflexology on Pain Severity after Appendectomy: A Randomized Clinical Trial

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31772920/

The results of this study showed that foot reflexology was more effective than hand reflexology in pain alleviation.

The effects of reflexology on pain and sleep deprivation in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: A randomized controlled trial

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29705475/

Foot reflexology is a non-pharmacological nursing intervention that may reduce the pain and sleep deprivation symptoms of RA patients.

The Effects of Aromatherapy Massage and Reflexology on Pain and Fatigue in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Randomized Controlled Trial

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27091583/

Pain and fatigue scores significantly decreased in the aromatherapy massage and reflexology groups compared with the control group (p < .05). The reflexology intervention started to decrease mean pain and fatigue scores earlier than aromatherapy massage (week 1 vs week 2 for pain, week 1 vs week 4 for fatigue) (p < .05). Aromatherapy massage and reflexology are simple and effective nonpharmacologic nursing interventions that can be used to help manage pain and fatigue in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

Study of the Therapeutic Effects of Reflexology on Rheumatoid Arthritis

http://www.reflexologyresearch.net/ReflexologyArthritisResearch4.shtml

Nine cases were markedly effective, 13 cases were effective, and one was ineffective. Joint pain and tenderness obviously improved, as well as joint swelling. No obvious change in joint deformity. Functional disturbance was remarkably improved. It is clear that reflexology combined with natural therapies can bring about satisfactory therapeutic effects on Rheumatoid arthritis.

A pilot study of parents’ experiences of reflexology treatment for infants with colic
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdfdirect/10.1111/scs.12790
This study concludes that reflexology treatments seem to be a safe and effective way to treat infants with infant colic when conducted by health care professionals with the training and experience of reflexology treatment. Parents reported that the reflexology treatment was a pleasant experience for them and their infants. Infants’ colic symptoms either disappeared or were reduced. The parental stress was also reduced during the intervention

A case study: Effects of foot reflexotherapy on ADHD symptoms and enuresis nocturia in a child with ADHD and enuresis nocturia

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30396612/

Foot reflexotherapy was effective in improving inattention, hyperactivity in the child with ADHD. The results of this novel study suggest that foot reflexotherapy can be effective in treating ADHD child with enuresis nocturia.

Evaluation of efficacy and feasibility of foot reflexology in children experiencing chronic or persistent pain

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31358289/

The Effect of Educational Program for New Mothers about Infant Abdominal Massage and Foot Reflexology for Decreasing Colic at Najran City

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32213142/

It was possible to conclude that educational programmes for new mothers can augment their knowledge, refine their practices and improve their attitudes in respect of abdominal massage and foot reflexology as a means of treating colic in infants. Thus, the authors recommend that educational programmes constitute a significant means by which abdominal massage and foot reflexology can be promoted as a therapy for the treatment of colic.

A pilot study of parents' experiences of reflexology treatment for infants with colic in Finland

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31747081/

The series of the treatments helped reduce the suffering of all the babies with infant colic. The colic symptoms disappeared on 43% of infants and decreased on the remaining 57%. The parents reported having pleasant experiences with the treatment, regardless whether the colic symptoms disappeared or continued. Parents stated that the treatment reduced the most typical colic symptoms; infants' body tension, colic crying and restless movements, poor sleep quality and irregular bowel movements.

Analysis of the Effect of Reflexotherapy on Preserving Children’s Health
http://www.reflexologyresearch.net/ReflexologyInfantsResearch4.shtml
The results showed that reflexology health-care improved appetite and sleep to the children markedly. Growth of the children was accelerated both in terms of height and weight. Incidence of Upper Respiratory tract infection was lower in the Reflexology Group and the duration of the illness was shorter. The result also showed that the incidence of digestive problems was lower in the Reflexology Group compared to the Control Group and the duration of the illness was shorter.

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