Reflexology Evidence
There is a vast range of anecdotal data for the benefits of reflexology. However, in this section I have tried to include research evidence for variety of health concerns (that have not already been covered in other areas of the website). For further research/other conditions that are not included here, feel free to contact me as I am happy to research these for you. Alternatively, you can contact the UK Association for Reflexologists for information or search the NCBI.gov database.
Included below - Arthritis, Asthma, Anxiety/Pain/Stress, Back pain, Bladder problems, Breathlessness, Cancer patients, Constipation, Dementia, Diabetes, Fibromyalgia, Headaches/Migraines, Hypertension, Menopause, MS, Oedema, Pre-Menstrual Syndrome, Sleep
Arthritis
The effects of reflexology on pain and sleep deprivation in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: A randomized controlled trial, Bakir Ercan; Baglama Sevgin Samancioglu; Gursoy Savas, Complement Ther Clin Pract 2018 315-319 31
CONCLUSION: Foot reflexology is a non-pharmacological nursing intervention that may reduce the pain and sleep deprivation symptoms of RA patients.
Asthma
Effect of Foot Reflexology and Olive Oil Foot Massage on Asthma Control. Dashti Seemin; Shahmari Mehraban; Mirzaaghazadeh Ahmad; Mirzaaghazadeh Mohammad, Global Journal of Health Science 2016 53 8.
CONCLUSION: The results showed that foot reflexology and olive oil foot massage could improve the asthma control. Further study is needed on the interaction of these two interventions, to compare them with the use of specific drug treatments, and to investigate the effect of olive oil absorption on asthma.
Anxiety/Pain/Stress
The Effects of Foot Reflexology on Vital Signs: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Jing Yunyan; Liu Shanxin; Pan Chunqi; Jian Ying; Wang Mingwei; Ni Bin, Evid Based Complement Alternat Med 2022
CONCLUSION: Short-term follow up results showed that foot reflexology exerted positive effects on vital signs, reduced BP, HR, and RR and increased SpO2.
The impact of hand reflexology on pain, anxiety and satisfaction during minimally invasive surgery under local anaesthetic: a randomised controlled trial. Hudson B F.; Davidson Jade; Whiteley Mark S. Int J Nurs Stud 2015 1789-1797 12 52
CONCLUSION: Intra-operative hand reflexology is a useful adjunct to local anaesthetic varicose vein surgery, with participants in the reflexology group reporting significantly lower intra-operative anxiety and shorter pain duration than participants receiving treatment as usual.
Effects of Combined Foot Massage and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy on the Stress Response in Middle-older Women
Lee Mi; Yeun Ran, J Altern Complement Med 2017 445-450 6 23
CONCLUSION: Combined self-administered foot massage and CBT led to reductions in depression, stress, SBP, and BG levels. Therefore, the intervention could be an effective means of reducing the stress response in middle-older women.
Reflexology: A randomised controlled trial investigating the effects on beta-endorphin, cortisol and pregnancy related stress, McCullough Julie E. M.; Liddle Sarah Dianne; Close Ciara; Sinclair Marlene; Hughes Ciara M. Complement Ther Clin Pract 2018 76-84 31
CONCLUSION: A clinically important reduction of 1.63 cm occurred for Visual Analogue Scale pain frequency following reflexology. Reflexology during pregnancy may help reduce Low back and/or pelvic girdle pain and associated stress. However, antenatal reflexology is under researched and requires further investigation.
Effect of Foot Reflexology and Aromatherapy on Anxiety and Pain During Brachytherapy for Cervical Cancer Blackburn Lisa; Hill Catherine; Lindsey Amy et al. Oncol Nurs Forum 2021 3 48 265-276
CONCLUSION: The average pain and anxiety scores were equal or lower at each key time point for the intervention group. Statistically significant differences were found for the intervention group for anxiety for the post-reflexology.
Exploratory study on the efficacy of reflexology for pain threshold and tolerance using an ice-pain experiment and sham TENS control, Carol A. Samuel, Ivor S. Ebenezer, Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice Volume 19, Issue 2, May 2013
CONCLUSION: These findings demonstrate that reflexology produces antinociceptive effects in a controlled experiment and suggest the possibility that reflexology may be useful on its own or as an adjunct to medication in the treatment of pain conditions in man.
Effect of foot reflexology on chest pain and anxiety in patients with acute myocardial infarction: A double blind randomized clinical trial, Sayari Saeedeh; Nobahar Monir; Ghorbani Raheb, Complement Ther Clin Pract 2021 42 101296
CONCLUSION: Foot reflexology was effective in attenuating chest pain, had the most effect in 20 min after intervention.
Effect of Foot Reflexology Intervention on Depression, Anxiety, and Sleep Quality in s: A Meta-Analysis and Metaregression of Randomized Controlled Trials, Wang Wei-Li; Hung Hao-Yuan; Chen Ying-Ren; Chen Kuang-Huei; Yang Szu-Nian; Chu Chi-Ming; Chan Yuan-Yu, Evid Based Complement Alternat Med 2020 2020 2654353
CONCLUSION: Foot reflexology may provide additional non-pharmacotherapy intervention for s suffering from depression, anxiety, or sleep disturbance.
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, Vural Doğru Birgül; ŞenuzunAykar Fisun; Yıldırım Yasemin; Yavuzgil Oğuz; Sözmen Eser; Memmedov Hikmet, J Cardiovasc Nurs 2020
CONCLUSION: After the reflexology, anxiety and stress scores were significantly lower in the experimental group compared with the control group (P < .001). Whereas there was a significant difference (P < .001) in the within-group cortisol values of both reflexology groups, no significant difference was found in the control groups (P > .05).
Effects of Foot-Reflexology Massage on Fatigue, Stress and Postpartum Depression in Postpartum Women, Choi Mi Son; Lee Eun Ja, J Korean Acad Nurs 2015 587-594 4 45
CONCLUSION: The results show that the foot reflexology massage is an effective nursing intervention to relieve fatigue, stress, and depression for postpartum women.
Increased Parasympathetic Activity by Foot Reflexology Massage after Repeated Sprint Test in Collegiate Football Players: A Randomised Controlled Trial, Chen Yung-Sheng; Lu Wan-An; Clemente Filipe Manuel; Bezerra José Pedro; Kuo Cheng-Deng, Sports (Basel) 2019 11 7
CONCLUSION: Foot reflexology massage (FRM) has positive effects on cardiovascular and haemodynamic functions. The FRM intervention resulted in beneficial effects on the cardiac parasympathetic reactivity and the sympatho-vagal balance after RSA performance.
The effect of foot reflexology massage on burn-specific pain anxiety and sleep quality and quantity of patients hospitalized in the burn intensive care unit (ICU), Alinia-Najjar Reza; Bagheri-Nesami Masoumeh; Shorofi Seyed Afshin; Mousavinasab Seyed Nouraddin; Saatchi Kiarash. Burns 2020 8 46 1942-1951
CONCLUSION: Based on the results, foot reflexology massage can effectively reduce pain anxiety levels and improve sleep quality and quantity of patients with burn injuries; therefore, this non- pharmacological therapeutic method is recommended to be used in the burn ICUs.
Back Pain
The Effect of Reflexology on Low Back Pain in Operating Room Nurses, Kandemir Didem; Abdullayev Ayşegül; Seyhan Ak Ezgi; Altun Uğraş Gülay; Kanan Nevin, Holist Nurs Pract 2020
CONCLUSION: Reflexology significantly reduced the pain of nurses who had low back pain.
Bladder problems
Effect of Reflexology to Depressive Symptoms in Women With Overactive Bladder, Aydin Yasemin; Aslan Ergul; Yalcin Onay
Holist Nurs Pract 2016 294-300 5 30
CONCLUSION: The study showed foot reflexology as a part of over active bladder treatment relieved urinary and depressive symptoms and had a positive effect on quality of life.
Breathlessness
Nonpharmacological Interventions for Managing Breathlessness in Patients With Advanced Cancer: A Systematic Review
Gupta Arjun; Sedhom Ramy; Sharma Ritu; Zhang Allen; Waldfogel Julie M.; Feliciano Josephine L.; Day Jeff; Gersten Rebecca A.; Davidson Patricia M.; Bass Eric B.; Dy Sydney M. JAMA Oncol 2021 2 7 290-298
CONCLUSION: nonpharmacological interventions associated with improved breathlessness were acupressure and reflexology
Cancer patients
Reflexology in the management of chemotherapy induced peripheral neuropathy: A pilot randomized controlled trial
Kurt Seda; Can Gulbeyaz, Eur J Oncol Nurs 2018 43800 32
CONCLUSION: reflexology is effective method in the management of patients' sensory functions related CIPN.
The Effect of Foot Reflexology on Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting in Patients With Digestive or Lung Cancer: Randomized Controlled Trial, Murat-Ringot Audrey; Souquet Pierre Jean; Subtil Fabien; Boutitie Florent; Preau Marie; Piriou Vincent, JMIR Cancer 2021 4 7 e25648
CONCLUSION: This study’s results indicate that foot reflexology provides significantly better management of acute nausea severity and decreased consumption of antiemetic drugs in patients with lung or digestive cancer. Foot reflexology did not result in adverse effects.
Symptom response analysis of a randomized controlled trial of reflexology for symptom management among women with advanced breast cancer Sikorskii Alla; Niyogi Pratim Guha; Victorson David; Tamkus Deimante; Wyatt Gwen Support Care Cancer 2020 3 28 1395-1404
CONCLUSION: Home-based caregiver-delivered reflexology was helpful in decreasing patient-reported pain.
A Randomized Clinical Trial of Caregiver-Delivered Reflexology for Symptom Management During Breast Cancer Treatment, Wyatt Gwen; Sikorskii Alla; Tesnjak Irena; Frambes Dawn; Holmstrom Amanda; Luo Zhehui; Victorson David; Tamkus Deimante, J Pain Symptom Manage 2017 670-679 5 54
CONCLUSION: Significant reductions in average symptom severity (P = 0.02) and interference (P < 0.01) over 11 weeks were found in the reflexology group compared with control
Foot Reflexology: An Intervention for Pain and Nausea Among Inpatients With Cancer, Anderson Kristen D.; Downey Marty
Clin J Oncol Nurs 2021 5 25 539-545
CONCLUSION: A research study adding in reflexology to traditional care for inpatients with cancer showed that pain was significantly reduced in the reflexology group. The experience of nausea was also reduced, not to a statistically significant level but to a clinically relevant level.
Constipation
The effect of foot reflexology on constipation and quality of life in patients with multiple sclerosis. A randomized controlled trial, Sajadi Mahbobeh; Davodabady Fahimeh; Naseri-Salahshour Vahid; Harorani Mehdi; Ebrahimi-Monfared Mohsen, Complement Ther Med 2020 48 102270
CONCLUSION: The results of this study showed that foot reflexology, as an effective intervention can be useful in management of constipation in patients with MS.
Effect of Reflexology on the Constipation Status of Elderly People, Inkaya Bahar; Tuzer Hilal
Yonago Acta Med 2020 2 63 115-121
CONCLUSION: 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.
Dementia
Comparative efficacy of interventions for reducing symptoms of depression in people with dementia: systematic review and network meta-analysis, Watt Jennifer A.; Goodarzi Zahra; Veroniki Areti Angeliki; Nincic Vera; Khan Paul A.; Ghassemi Marco; Lai Yonda; Treister Victoria; Thompson Yuan; Schneider Raphael; Tricco Andrea C.; Straus Sharon E.
BMJ 2021 372 n532
CONCLUSIONS: In this systematic review, non-drug interventions (including massage touch therapies) were found to be more efficacious than drug interventions for reducing symptoms of depression in people with dementia without a major depressive disorder.
Diabetes
Foot reflexology in feet impairment of people with type 2 diabetes mellitus: randomized trial, da Silva Natália Chantal Magalhães; Chaves Érika de Cássia Lopes; de Carvalho Emilia Campos; Carvalho Leonardo César; Iunes Denise Hollanda
Rev Lat Am Enfermagem 2015 603-610 4 23
CONCLUSION: participants who received the therapy showed better scores in some impairment indicators related to skin and hair (hair growth, elasticity/turgor, hydration, perspiration, texture and integrity of the skin/ skin peeling). The foot reflexology had a beneficial effect on feet impairment of people with type 2 diabetes.
Fibromyalgia
Effects of Reflexology on Pain in Patients With Fibromyalgia, Akin Korhan Esra; Uyar Meltem; Eyigör Can; Yönt Gülendam Hakverdioglu; Khorshid Leyla, 2016 351–359 6 30
CONCLUSION: The results of this study implied that the inclusion of reflexology in the routine care of patients with fibromyalgia could provide nurses with an effective practice for reducing pain intensity in these patients.
Headaches/Migraines
Effects of feet reflexology versus segmental massage in reducing pain and its intensity, frequency and duration of the attacks in those with migraine: a pilot study, Wojciech Kobza; Pawel Lizis; Halina Romualda Zięba, J Tradit Chin Med 2017 214-219 2 37
CONCLUSION: All variables using the visual analog scale (VAS), and headache features such as intensity (IA), frequency (FA) and duration (DA) statistically significantly reduced. Feet reflexology and segmental massage provide a safe alternative for the pharmacological treatment of migraine. The patients with migraine obtain significant health benefits with feet reflexology.
At three months post-intervention, on the application of the Friedman test, the results indicated that reflexology was more likely to reduce both the frequency and intensity of headaches and migraines.
Effect of applying reflexology massage on nitroglycerin-induced migraine-type headache: a placebo controlled clinical trial, N. Imani, S.A. Shams, M. Radfar, H. Ghavami, H.R. Khalkhali, Agri 30 (2018) 116–122.
CONCLUSION: The results indicate a highly statistical difference of p < 0.5 for pain in the reflexology group compared to the control group.
A pragmatic case series of clients living with medically diagnosed migraines self-referred to reflexology. Smith TA, Thurgood SL. Complement Ther Clin Pract. 2020 Nov;41:101230.
CONCLUSION: 75% (n = 15) of clients had an improvement of two or more points in the overall MYMOP profile. 90% (n = 18) of participants achieved the minimal clinically important difference of 1.0 for the MYMOP change score. These results indicate the potential for reflexology to relieve the symptoms of migraine.
Hypertension
The effects of foot reflexology on blood pressure and heart rate: A randomized clinical trial in stage-2 hypertensive patients Kotruchin Praew; Imoun Supap; Mitsungnern Thapanawong; Aountrai Patcharin; Domthaisong Maneenuch; Kario Kazuomi, J Clin Hypertens (Greenwich) 2021 3 23 680-686
CONCLUSION: We conclude that foot reflexology was effective in reducing HR in stage-2 HT patients and partially effective in reducing BP.
Menopause
The effects of foot reflexology on depression during menopause: A randomized controlled clinical trial, Mahdavipour Fatemeh; Rahemi Zahra; Sadat Zohreh; Ajorpaz Neda Mirbagher, Complement Ther Med 2019 102195 47
CONCLUSION: The findings indicated that the foot reflexology technique can be effective for reducing women’s depression during menopause. However, considering the study’s limitations, including a small sample size and no intervention in the control group, more studies are needed to verify the findings.
Multiple Sclerosis
Effects of Reflexology on Pain, Fatigue, and Quality of Life in Multiple Sclerosis Patients: A Clinical Study
Dilek Doğan Hatice; Tan Mehtap, Altern Ther Health Med 2021 AT6133
CONCLUSION: The study indicates that reflexology can be used as a complementary and alternative therapy to reduce pain
and fatigue and enhance quality of life in MS patients.
Oedema
Interventions for varicose veins and leg oedema in pregnancy, Smyth Rebecca M. D.; Aflaifel Nasreen; Bamigboye Anthony A. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2015 CD001066 10
CONCLUSION: Reflexology significantly reduced the symptoms associated with oedema (reduction in symptoms: RR 9.09, 95% CI 1.41 to 58.54).
Premenstrual Syndrome
Effect of Foot Reflexology Protocol on Premenstrual Syndrome Symptoms in Nursing Students: a Pre-Post Pilot Study
Vieira Amanda K. S.; Nagumo Marisa T.; Kuba Gisele; Kurebayashi Leonice F. S.; Turrini Ruth N. T. Int J Ther Massage Bodywork 2021 4 14 44866,
CONCLUSION: Foot reflexology has shown promising results in reducing premenstrual syndrome symptoms, includin difficulty concentrating, insomnia, hypersomnia, feeling overwhelmed, muscle/ joint pain, bloating, weight gain; and between 3.5 to 5.2 to anger/irritability, anxiety/ tension, tearful, depressed mood, decreased interest in daily activities, fatigue, overeating, and breast tenderness. There was a significant decrease regarding the functional impact of premenstrual symptoms.
Effects of reflexology on premenstrual syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis, Hasanpour Marzieh; Mohammadi Mohammad Mehdi; Shareinia Habib, Biopsychosoc Med 2019 13 25
CONCLUSION: In general, results of the present study indicated that the reflexology could relieve PMS symptoms, so that overall scores, somatic and psychological symptoms of PMS decreased by applying the reflexology intervention. Furthermore, an increase in the length of reflexology time in each session increased its efficiency. Reflexology can be used as an effective intervention in a patient care program by nurses and its efficiency can be enhanced by increasing intervention time in each reflexology treatment session.
Sleep
The effect of foot reflexology on fatigue, pain, and sleep quality in lymphoma patients: A clinical trial
Rambod Masoume; Pasyar Nilofar; Shamsadini Mohammad, Eur J Oncol Nurs 2019 43 101678
CONCLUSION: The results showed that reflexology could reduce fatigue and pain and improve the quality of sleep in patients with lymphoma. Considering the effectiveness of reflexology in lymphoma patients, healthcare workers including nurses are recommended to use this complementary therapy to reduce fatigue and pain and improve sleep quality in lymphoma patients.
Sleep Quality in Patients With Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, Sarısoy Pınar; Ovayolu Ozlem, Holist Nurs Pract 2020 6 34
CONCLUSION: It has been shown that foot massage intervention (not specifically reflexology) reduces the patients’ pain levels and has a positive effect on their sleep quality.
Effect of Foot Reflexology on Pain, Fatigue, and Quality of Sleep after Kidney Transplantation Surgery: A Parallel Randomized Controlled Trial Samarehfekri Atena; Dehghan Mahlagha; Arab Mansoor; Ebadzadeh Mohammad Reza
Evid Based Complement Alternat Med 2020 2020 5095071
CONCLUSION: Foot reflexology may reduce pain and fatigue and improve sleep quality of patients after kidney transplantation.
Randomized Controlled Trial. The effects of sleep hygiene education and reflexology on sleep quality and fatigue in patients receiving chemotherapy, Leyla Zengin, Rukuye Aylaz , Eur J Cancer Care (Engl). 2019 May;28(3)
CONCLUSION: The patients receiving chemotherapy had increased sleep quality and decreased fatigue after sleep hygiene education and reflexology.
The effects of reflexology on pain and sleep deprivation in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: A randomized controlled trial, Bakir Ercan; Baglama Sevgin Samancioglu; Gursoy Savas, Complement Ther Clin Pract 2018 315-319 31
CONCLUSION: Foot reflexology is a non-pharmacological nursing intervention that may reduce the pain and sleep deprivation symptoms of RA patients.
Asthma
Effect of Foot Reflexology and Olive Oil Foot Massage on Asthma Control. Dashti Seemin; Shahmari Mehraban; Mirzaaghazadeh Ahmad; Mirzaaghazadeh Mohammad, Global Journal of Health Science 2016 53 8.
CONCLUSION: The results showed that foot reflexology and olive oil foot massage could improve the asthma control. Further study is needed on the interaction of these two interventions, to compare them with the use of specific drug treatments, and to investigate the effect of olive oil absorption on asthma.
Anxiety/Pain/Stress
The Effects of Foot Reflexology on Vital Signs: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Jing Yunyan; Liu Shanxin; Pan Chunqi; Jian Ying; Wang Mingwei; Ni Bin, Evid Based Complement Alternat Med 2022
CONCLUSION: Short-term follow up results showed that foot reflexology exerted positive effects on vital signs, reduced BP, HR, and RR and increased SpO2.
The impact of hand reflexology on pain, anxiety and satisfaction during minimally invasive surgery under local anaesthetic: a randomised controlled trial. Hudson B F.; Davidson Jade; Whiteley Mark S. Int J Nurs Stud 2015 1789-1797 12 52
CONCLUSION: Intra-operative hand reflexology is a useful adjunct to local anaesthetic varicose vein surgery, with participants in the reflexology group reporting significantly lower intra-operative anxiety and shorter pain duration than participants receiving treatment as usual.
Effects of Combined Foot Massage and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy on the Stress Response in Middle-older Women
Lee Mi; Yeun Ran, J Altern Complement Med 2017 445-450 6 23
CONCLUSION: Combined self-administered foot massage and CBT led to reductions in depression, stress, SBP, and BG levels. Therefore, the intervention could be an effective means of reducing the stress response in middle-older women.
Reflexology: A randomised controlled trial investigating the effects on beta-endorphin, cortisol and pregnancy related stress, McCullough Julie E. M.; Liddle Sarah Dianne; Close Ciara; Sinclair Marlene; Hughes Ciara M. Complement Ther Clin Pract 2018 76-84 31
CONCLUSION: A clinically important reduction of 1.63 cm occurred for Visual Analogue Scale pain frequency following reflexology. Reflexology during pregnancy may help reduce Low back and/or pelvic girdle pain and associated stress. However, antenatal reflexology is under researched and requires further investigation.
Effect of Foot Reflexology and Aromatherapy on Anxiety and Pain During Brachytherapy for Cervical Cancer Blackburn Lisa; Hill Catherine; Lindsey Amy et al. Oncol Nurs Forum 2021 3 48 265-276
CONCLUSION: The average pain and anxiety scores were equal or lower at each key time point for the intervention group. Statistically significant differences were found for the intervention group for anxiety for the post-reflexology.
Exploratory study on the efficacy of reflexology for pain threshold and tolerance using an ice-pain experiment and sham TENS control, Carol A. Samuel, Ivor S. Ebenezer, Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice Volume 19, Issue 2, May 2013
CONCLUSION: These findings demonstrate that reflexology produces antinociceptive effects in a controlled experiment and suggest the possibility that reflexology may be useful on its own or as an adjunct to medication in the treatment of pain conditions in man.
Effect of foot reflexology on chest pain and anxiety in patients with acute myocardial infarction: A double blind randomized clinical trial, Sayari Saeedeh; Nobahar Monir; Ghorbani Raheb, Complement Ther Clin Pract 2021 42 101296
CONCLUSION: Foot reflexology was effective in attenuating chest pain, had the most effect in 20 min after intervention.
Effect of Foot Reflexology Intervention on Depression, Anxiety, and Sleep Quality in s: A Meta-Analysis and Metaregression of Randomized Controlled Trials, Wang Wei-Li; Hung Hao-Yuan; Chen Ying-Ren; Chen Kuang-Huei; Yang Szu-Nian; Chu Chi-Ming; Chan Yuan-Yu, Evid Based Complement Alternat Med 2020 2020 2654353
CONCLUSION: Foot reflexology may provide additional non-pharmacotherapy intervention for s suffering from depression, anxiety, or sleep disturbance.
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, Vural Doğru Birgül; ŞenuzunAykar Fisun; Yıldırım Yasemin; Yavuzgil Oğuz; Sözmen Eser; Memmedov Hikmet, J Cardiovasc Nurs 2020
CONCLUSION: After the reflexology, anxiety and stress scores were significantly lower in the experimental group compared with the control group (P < .001). Whereas there was a significant difference (P < .001) in the within-group cortisol values of both reflexology groups, no significant difference was found in the control groups (P > .05).
Effects of Foot-Reflexology Massage on Fatigue, Stress and Postpartum Depression in Postpartum Women, Choi Mi Son; Lee Eun Ja, J Korean Acad Nurs 2015 587-594 4 45
CONCLUSION: The results show that the foot reflexology massage is an effective nursing intervention to relieve fatigue, stress, and depression for postpartum women.
Increased Parasympathetic Activity by Foot Reflexology Massage after Repeated Sprint Test in Collegiate Football Players: A Randomised Controlled Trial, Chen Yung-Sheng; Lu Wan-An; Clemente Filipe Manuel; Bezerra José Pedro; Kuo Cheng-Deng, Sports (Basel) 2019 11 7
CONCLUSION: Foot reflexology massage (FRM) has positive effects on cardiovascular and haemodynamic functions. The FRM intervention resulted in beneficial effects on the cardiac parasympathetic reactivity and the sympatho-vagal balance after RSA performance.
The effect of foot reflexology massage on burn-specific pain anxiety and sleep quality and quantity of patients hospitalized in the burn intensive care unit (ICU), Alinia-Najjar Reza; Bagheri-Nesami Masoumeh; Shorofi Seyed Afshin; Mousavinasab Seyed Nouraddin; Saatchi Kiarash. Burns 2020 8 46 1942-1951
CONCLUSION: Based on the results, foot reflexology massage can effectively reduce pain anxiety levels and improve sleep quality and quantity of patients with burn injuries; therefore, this non- pharmacological therapeutic method is recommended to be used in the burn ICUs.
Back Pain
The Effect of Reflexology on Low Back Pain in Operating Room Nurses, Kandemir Didem; Abdullayev Ayşegül; Seyhan Ak Ezgi; Altun Uğraş Gülay; Kanan Nevin, Holist Nurs Pract 2020
CONCLUSION: Reflexology significantly reduced the pain of nurses who had low back pain.
Bladder problems
Effect of Reflexology to Depressive Symptoms in Women With Overactive Bladder, Aydin Yasemin; Aslan Ergul; Yalcin Onay
Holist Nurs Pract 2016 294-300 5 30
CONCLUSION: The study showed foot reflexology as a part of over active bladder treatment relieved urinary and depressive symptoms and had a positive effect on quality of life.
Breathlessness
Nonpharmacological Interventions for Managing Breathlessness in Patients With Advanced Cancer: A Systematic Review
Gupta Arjun; Sedhom Ramy; Sharma Ritu; Zhang Allen; Waldfogel Julie M.; Feliciano Josephine L.; Day Jeff; Gersten Rebecca A.; Davidson Patricia M.; Bass Eric B.; Dy Sydney M. JAMA Oncol 2021 2 7 290-298
CONCLUSION: nonpharmacological interventions associated with improved breathlessness were acupressure and reflexology
Cancer patients
Reflexology in the management of chemotherapy induced peripheral neuropathy: A pilot randomized controlled trial
Kurt Seda; Can Gulbeyaz, Eur J Oncol Nurs 2018 43800 32
CONCLUSION: reflexology is effective method in the management of patients' sensory functions related CIPN.
The Effect of Foot Reflexology on Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting in Patients With Digestive or Lung Cancer: Randomized Controlled Trial, Murat-Ringot Audrey; Souquet Pierre Jean; Subtil Fabien; Boutitie Florent; Preau Marie; Piriou Vincent, JMIR Cancer 2021 4 7 e25648
CONCLUSION: This study’s results indicate that foot reflexology provides significantly better management of acute nausea severity and decreased consumption of antiemetic drugs in patients with lung or digestive cancer. Foot reflexology did not result in adverse effects.
Symptom response analysis of a randomized controlled trial of reflexology for symptom management among women with advanced breast cancer Sikorskii Alla; Niyogi Pratim Guha; Victorson David; Tamkus Deimante; Wyatt Gwen Support Care Cancer 2020 3 28 1395-1404
CONCLUSION: Home-based caregiver-delivered reflexology was helpful in decreasing patient-reported pain.
A Randomized Clinical Trial of Caregiver-Delivered Reflexology for Symptom Management During Breast Cancer Treatment, Wyatt Gwen; Sikorskii Alla; Tesnjak Irena; Frambes Dawn; Holmstrom Amanda; Luo Zhehui; Victorson David; Tamkus Deimante, J Pain Symptom Manage 2017 670-679 5 54
CONCLUSION: Significant reductions in average symptom severity (P = 0.02) and interference (P < 0.01) over 11 weeks were found in the reflexology group compared with control
Foot Reflexology: An Intervention for Pain and Nausea Among Inpatients With Cancer, Anderson Kristen D.; Downey Marty
Clin J Oncol Nurs 2021 5 25 539-545
CONCLUSION: A research study adding in reflexology to traditional care for inpatients with cancer showed that pain was significantly reduced in the reflexology group. The experience of nausea was also reduced, not to a statistically significant level but to a clinically relevant level.
Constipation
The effect of foot reflexology on constipation and quality of life in patients with multiple sclerosis. A randomized controlled trial, Sajadi Mahbobeh; Davodabady Fahimeh; Naseri-Salahshour Vahid; Harorani Mehdi; Ebrahimi-Monfared Mohsen, Complement Ther Med 2020 48 102270
CONCLUSION: The results of this study showed that foot reflexology, as an effective intervention can be useful in management of constipation in patients with MS.
Effect of Reflexology on the Constipation Status of Elderly People, Inkaya Bahar; Tuzer Hilal
Yonago Acta Med 2020 2 63 115-121
CONCLUSION: 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.
Dementia
Comparative efficacy of interventions for reducing symptoms of depression in people with dementia: systematic review and network meta-analysis, Watt Jennifer A.; Goodarzi Zahra; Veroniki Areti Angeliki; Nincic Vera; Khan Paul A.; Ghassemi Marco; Lai Yonda; Treister Victoria; Thompson Yuan; Schneider Raphael; Tricco Andrea C.; Straus Sharon E.
BMJ 2021 372 n532
CONCLUSIONS: In this systematic review, non-drug interventions (including massage touch therapies) were found to be more efficacious than drug interventions for reducing symptoms of depression in people with dementia without a major depressive disorder.
Diabetes
Foot reflexology in feet impairment of people with type 2 diabetes mellitus: randomized trial, da Silva Natália Chantal Magalhães; Chaves Érika de Cássia Lopes; de Carvalho Emilia Campos; Carvalho Leonardo César; Iunes Denise Hollanda
Rev Lat Am Enfermagem 2015 603-610 4 23
CONCLUSION: participants who received the therapy showed better scores in some impairment indicators related to skin and hair (hair growth, elasticity/turgor, hydration, perspiration, texture and integrity of the skin/ skin peeling). The foot reflexology had a beneficial effect on feet impairment of people with type 2 diabetes.
Fibromyalgia
Effects of Reflexology on Pain in Patients With Fibromyalgia, Akin Korhan Esra; Uyar Meltem; Eyigör Can; Yönt Gülendam Hakverdioglu; Khorshid Leyla, 2016 351–359 6 30
CONCLUSION: The results of this study implied that the inclusion of reflexology in the routine care of patients with fibromyalgia could provide nurses with an effective practice for reducing pain intensity in these patients.
Headaches/Migraines
Effects of feet reflexology versus segmental massage in reducing pain and its intensity, frequency and duration of the attacks in those with migraine: a pilot study, Wojciech Kobza; Pawel Lizis; Halina Romualda Zięba, J Tradit Chin Med 2017 214-219 2 37
CONCLUSION: All variables using the visual analog scale (VAS), and headache features such as intensity (IA), frequency (FA) and duration (DA) statistically significantly reduced. Feet reflexology and segmental massage provide a safe alternative for the pharmacological treatment of migraine. The patients with migraine obtain significant health benefits with feet reflexology.
At three months post-intervention, on the application of the Friedman test, the results indicated that reflexology was more likely to reduce both the frequency and intensity of headaches and migraines.
Effect of applying reflexology massage on nitroglycerin-induced migraine-type headache: a placebo controlled clinical trial, N. Imani, S.A. Shams, M. Radfar, H. Ghavami, H.R. Khalkhali, Agri 30 (2018) 116–122.
CONCLUSION: The results indicate a highly statistical difference of p < 0.5 for pain in the reflexology group compared to the control group.
A pragmatic case series of clients living with medically diagnosed migraines self-referred to reflexology. Smith TA, Thurgood SL. Complement Ther Clin Pract. 2020 Nov;41:101230.
CONCLUSION: 75% (n = 15) of clients had an improvement of two or more points in the overall MYMOP profile. 90% (n = 18) of participants achieved the minimal clinically important difference of 1.0 for the MYMOP change score. These results indicate the potential for reflexology to relieve the symptoms of migraine.
Hypertension
The effects of foot reflexology on blood pressure and heart rate: A randomized clinical trial in stage-2 hypertensive patients Kotruchin Praew; Imoun Supap; Mitsungnern Thapanawong; Aountrai Patcharin; Domthaisong Maneenuch; Kario Kazuomi, J Clin Hypertens (Greenwich) 2021 3 23 680-686
CONCLUSION: We conclude that foot reflexology was effective in reducing HR in stage-2 HT patients and partially effective in reducing BP.
Menopause
The effects of foot reflexology on depression during menopause: A randomized controlled clinical trial, Mahdavipour Fatemeh; Rahemi Zahra; Sadat Zohreh; Ajorpaz Neda Mirbagher, Complement Ther Med 2019 102195 47
CONCLUSION: The findings indicated that the foot reflexology technique can be effective for reducing women’s depression during menopause. However, considering the study’s limitations, including a small sample size and no intervention in the control group, more studies are needed to verify the findings.
Multiple Sclerosis
Effects of Reflexology on Pain, Fatigue, and Quality of Life in Multiple Sclerosis Patients: A Clinical Study
Dilek Doğan Hatice; Tan Mehtap, Altern Ther Health Med 2021 AT6133
CONCLUSION: The study indicates that reflexology can be used as a complementary and alternative therapy to reduce pain
and fatigue and enhance quality of life in MS patients.
Oedema
Interventions for varicose veins and leg oedema in pregnancy, Smyth Rebecca M. D.; Aflaifel Nasreen; Bamigboye Anthony A. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2015 CD001066 10
CONCLUSION: Reflexology significantly reduced the symptoms associated with oedema (reduction in symptoms: RR 9.09, 95% CI 1.41 to 58.54).
Premenstrual Syndrome
Effect of Foot Reflexology Protocol on Premenstrual Syndrome Symptoms in Nursing Students: a Pre-Post Pilot Study
Vieira Amanda K. S.; Nagumo Marisa T.; Kuba Gisele; Kurebayashi Leonice F. S.; Turrini Ruth N. T. Int J Ther Massage Bodywork 2021 4 14 44866,
CONCLUSION: Foot reflexology has shown promising results in reducing premenstrual syndrome symptoms, includin difficulty concentrating, insomnia, hypersomnia, feeling overwhelmed, muscle/ joint pain, bloating, weight gain; and between 3.5 to 5.2 to anger/irritability, anxiety/ tension, tearful, depressed mood, decreased interest in daily activities, fatigue, overeating, and breast tenderness. There was a significant decrease regarding the functional impact of premenstrual symptoms.
Effects of reflexology on premenstrual syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis, Hasanpour Marzieh; Mohammadi Mohammad Mehdi; Shareinia Habib, Biopsychosoc Med 2019 13 25
CONCLUSION: In general, results of the present study indicated that the reflexology could relieve PMS symptoms, so that overall scores, somatic and psychological symptoms of PMS decreased by applying the reflexology intervention. Furthermore, an increase in the length of reflexology time in each session increased its efficiency. Reflexology can be used as an effective intervention in a patient care program by nurses and its efficiency can be enhanced by increasing intervention time in each reflexology treatment session.
Sleep
The effect of foot reflexology on fatigue, pain, and sleep quality in lymphoma patients: A clinical trial
Rambod Masoume; Pasyar Nilofar; Shamsadini Mohammad, Eur J Oncol Nurs 2019 43 101678
CONCLUSION: The results showed that reflexology could reduce fatigue and pain and improve the quality of sleep in patients with lymphoma. Considering the effectiveness of reflexology in lymphoma patients, healthcare workers including nurses are recommended to use this complementary therapy to reduce fatigue and pain and improve sleep quality in lymphoma patients.
Sleep Quality in Patients With Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, Sarısoy Pınar; Ovayolu Ozlem, Holist Nurs Pract 2020 6 34
CONCLUSION: It has been shown that foot massage intervention (not specifically reflexology) reduces the patients’ pain levels and has a positive effect on their sleep quality.
Effect of Foot Reflexology on Pain, Fatigue, and Quality of Sleep after Kidney Transplantation Surgery: A Parallel Randomized Controlled Trial Samarehfekri Atena; Dehghan Mahlagha; Arab Mansoor; Ebadzadeh Mohammad Reza
Evid Based Complement Alternat Med 2020 2020 5095071
CONCLUSION: Foot reflexology may reduce pain and fatigue and improve sleep quality of patients after kidney transplantation.
Randomized Controlled Trial. The effects of sleep hygiene education and reflexology on sleep quality and fatigue in patients receiving chemotherapy, Leyla Zengin, Rukuye Aylaz , Eur J Cancer Care (Engl). 2019 May;28(3)
CONCLUSION: The patients receiving chemotherapy had increased sleep quality and decreased fatigue after sleep hygiene education and reflexology.
