Reflexology Treatment Research Articles

Additional comments on foot reflexology treatment for sensorineural hearing loss in infant.

Currently, treatment options for infant sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) are limited. This article describes a novel case of SNHL in an infant successfully treated with foot reflexology, along with observed brain activity changes before and after treatment, as indicated by functional magnetic resonance imaging. Hence, this commentary discusses the case and our viewpoints regarding foot reflexology for treating SNHL.

Reflexology specific guidance for using the template for the intervention description and replication (TIDieR): A delphi study

IntroductionReflexology is a holistic, complementary therapy, carried out on the feet, hands, ears, or face. There is no single accepted definition of reflexology, as it encompasses various practices, making it important that research studies articulate exactly what the reflexology intervention entailed.This study sought to produce reflexology-specific guidance for researchers and practitioners, for use with the Template for the Intervention Description and Replication (TIDieR) checklist, to improve the quality of the documentation of reflexology interventions within the research literature. MethodThis study used the TIDieR checklist as a framework for a three-round Delphi process to gain agreement on what information authors should consider including in their study report to support replication of their intervention. Following the Delphi process two online consolidation meetings were held to agree the wording and examples for the guidance document. ResultsGuidance based on the unique considerations of reflexology interventions was developed for use with the TIDieR checklist.A diverse group of 43 experts from Europe, North America, Asia, and Australasia, including 40 reflexologists, 9 of whom were also study authors, and 2 methodological specialists contributed to the guidance.Each Delphi round was completed by 39 to 42 (91 % to 98 %) of the 43 panel members, and 16 (37 %) participated in the consolidation meetings. Consensus was reached on 46 items via the Delphi rounds (36 to be included in the guidance and 10 to be excluded); 38 items failed to reach consensus. The consolidation meetings informed the final wording of the guidance document, covering all the 12 TIDieR domains. ConclusionThe reflexology-specific guidance strongly advocates for the utilisation of the TIDieR checklist, with elaboration tailored for reflexology as used in various contexts internationally. By serving as a reporting guide for reflexology intervention studies, this tool has the capacity to improve the reporting of reflexology intervention studies, thereby facilitating replicability and promoting greater transparency within the field of reflexology.

A benchmark for the quality of reflexology intervention reporting using the template for intervention description and replication (TIDieR) checklist: A systematic review

IntroductionReflexology is a complementary therapy based on the theory that different points on the feet, hands, face, and ears correspond with areas of the body, each being represented as a reflex. Different reflexology practises exist, and there is not one ‘standard’ approach. Not all reflexology studies are documented to a sufficiently high standard to allow research studies to be replicated and their data combined within meta-analysis, which would support a move to evidence-based practice for this complementary therapy. To identify specific shortfalls within reflexology intervention reporting, and to provide a benchmark which could be used to measure any future changes in the detail included in reflexology intervention reporting, the Template for Intervention Description and Replication (TIDieR) checklist has been used to assess the current situation. MethodsA systematic review was carried out on studies published in 2021 and each study scored using the 12 TIDieR elements for compliance. ResultsA total of 420 references were identified, resulting in 41 eligible studies. Amongst the 12 TIDieR elements assessed, four elements (2: Why, 6: How, 7: Where, and 8: When and how much) were consistently addressed satisfactorily by the majority of the studies. Two elements (9: Tailoring and 12: How well actual) exhibited moderate levels of compliance, four TIDieR elements (1: Brief name, 3: What materials, 4: What procedures, and 5: Who) were predominantly addressed inadequately across the studies and two elements (10: Modifications and 11: How well planned) were rarely included in the studies analysed. ConclusionMany studies did not adequately report the reflexology intervention, which inhibits implementation (and discontinuation), replication, and research synthesis. This systematic review has identified the specific areas of the intervention which are not being documented with sufficient detail in order to highlight areas requiring improvement and produce a benchmark against which the quality of the intervention reporting can be measured in future studies. Data collected as part of this review have been used as input into a follow-up study which has produced reflexology specific guidance to be used with the TIDieR checklist. FundingNo funding was received for this project.

Effects of Reflexology on Anorexia and Sleep Quality in Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Cancer and associated treatment methods present numerous complications, including anorexia and disturbances in sleep patterns. Consequently, the purpose of this study is to examine the impact of reflexology on the symptoms of anorexia and sleep quality among individuals afflicted with cancer. In this double-blinded randomized clinical trial, a total of 60 patients undergoing chemotherapy at Khansari Hospital, Arak, Iran, were selected using convenience sampling and then assigned to two groups of control and experimental using blocked randomization (30 patients in each group). The sample intervention group received reflexology in an exceedingly 4-week amount (two sessions a week), By contrast, the control group was administered a placebo treatment without exerting any pressure on the reflex points during the same time frame. Sleep quality and anorexia in patients were measured using a Pittsburgh questionnaire and visual analog scale before and right after the intervention. Eventually, the data were analyzed, and we used the tests of central tendency, dispersion, independent- and paired-samples t-tests, and Chi-square. The findings of the study revealed a significant improvement in sleep quality and reduction in anorexia symptoms among patients who received reflexology treatment scores (p < 0.001). Conversely, there was no significant difference in the control group before and after the intervention (without pressure effect on the foot points) (p > 0.05). According to the positive effects on sleep quality and the reduction of anorexia symptoms, it is recommended to incorporate this therapeutic modality along with conventional medication for the treatment of individuals with cancer.

The Effects of Foot Reflexology Treatment on Work Stress and Anxiety Levels of Nursing Managers

The Effects of Foot Reflexology Treatment on Work Stress and Anxiety Levels of Nursing Managers

Effect of Foot Reflexology on Patients With Multiple Sclerosis: A Systematic Review of Current Evidence.

Individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS) commonly experience fatigue, discomfort, sleep problems, anxiety, and reduced quality of life. Studies have shown that foot reflexology can help relieve these symptoms. The objective of this current study is to systematically review the effects of foot reflexology on patients with MS. We conducted a systematic review of published literature in many databases, including PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library, from January 1, 2000, to January 27, 2022. With language restrictions, we included randomized controlled trials of foot reflexology interventions for MS that had any clinical or psychological symptom measurements as outcomes. The Cochrane risk-of-bias tool was used to assess evidence quality. Two authors independently screened titles and abstracts. Potential eligible articles were retrieved for full-text review. A third author checked for excluded records. All discrepancies were resolved through a discussion among the 4 reviewing authors. A total of 154 studies were identified; 9 studies with 545 MS patients were included in this review. The most frequently reported findings of foot reflexology intervention in individuals with MS were reductions in fatigue, pain, muscle spasms, stiffness, and psychological symptoms and improvement in bowel and bladder functions and quality of life. The findings suggest that foot reflexology could be a safe and effective modality to reduce the physical and psychological symptoms and also improve the quality of life for individuals with MS; however, well-designed, large-scale trials are required to confirm the effect.

Comparing the Efficacy of Acupressure and Foot Reflexology on Sleep Quality in Patients With Leukemia: A Comparative Clinical Trial.

Among leukemia patients, sleep disruptions are prevalent and can profoundly affect their overall quality of life. Acupressure and foot reflexology, modalities rooted in traditional Chinese medicine, have garnered attention for their potential to address sleep disturbances and mitigate associated symptoms. This research utilized a randomized controlled trial with a pretest-posttest design involving 102 leukemia patients admitted to Imam Khomeini Hospital in Urmia. Participants were randomly allocated to 3 groups: acupressure (n = 34), reflexology (n = 34), or control (n = 34). Prior to the intervention, patients completed a demographic survey and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) for baseline assessments. Acupressure involved stimulation of the SP6 point twice daily for 10 minutes over 4 weeks, while reflexology entailed daily 10-minute sessions with sweet almond oil on the soles for the same duration. The control group received standard care without additional interventions. Following the 4-week intervention period, post-intervention evaluations were conducted using identical measurement tools. The findings underscored the efficacy of both acupressure and foot reflexology in significantly improving sleep quality within the intervention groups (P < .001). Initially, there were no notable differences in sleep quality among the 3 groups (P > .05). Subsequently, pairwise comparisons adjusted with Bonferroni corrections revealed significant disparities in sleep quality between the acupressure and reflexology groups compared to the control group (P < .001). However, post-intervention analysis indicated no statistically significant variance in enhancing sleep quality between the acupressure and foot reflexology groups (P < .05). This study demonstrates that acupressure and foot reflexology interventions can enhance sleep quality in individuals with leukemia. These findings support the effectiveness of these complementary modalities, offering targeted relief and relaxation. While these non-invasive therapies show promise in improving well-being, further research is needed to confirm and expand upon these results due to study limitations.

The implementation of foot reflection massage therapy of nursing care on the quality of sleep patterns in pulmonary tb patients

Aims: Evaluating the effectiveness of foot reflexology massage therapy on sleep patterns in Pulmonary Tuberculosis patients at Royal Prima Hospital. Study design: The design used was a quasi experiment with a case study. The sample in this study was 1 patient. Criteria: Patients are treated for no more than 2 days in the inpatient room. Data collection methods included interviews, observation, and documentation. Place and Duration of Study: Royal Prima Hospital and 1 month Methodology: Quantitative Results: the foot reflexology intervention and the results criteria that have been previously prepared, the nursing problem in diagnosing sleep pattern disorders related to lack of sleep control can be resolved Conclusion: sleep pattern disorders related to the lack of sleep control can be resolved.

Development of Video Tutorial-Based Learning Media on Reflexiology Treatment Courses

In the reflexology course, there are certain stages of treatment, so that students do not understand reflexology treatment if the explanation is only through writing, pictures and practice times, resulting in a lack of understanding of students about the stages of reflexology treatment as a whole. The learning media designed is using video tutorial-based learning media. Video tutorial is one of the media that uses a presentation display in the form of a video that shows the steps of work. The development of learning media based on video tutorials is carried out with 4-D development, namely the development of a model consisting of four stages, including: define, design, development and dissemination. The purpose of developing this learning media is to produce a Reflexology Treatment video tutorial that has valid, practical and effective criteria. From the results of the recapitulation of student learning outcomes with an average gain score of 0.809, that is in the high category. So seen from the cognitive learning outcomes of students who take courses using video tutorials, it shows that the video tutorial-based learning media developed by researchers is effective in improving student learning outcomes.

Effect of Foot Reflexology on Clinical Outcomes of Neonates with Hyperbilirubinemia

Background and objectives: Neonatal hyperbilirubinemia is the most common reason for admission to Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) that can progress to critical levels. So, foot reflexology is one of the most widely used treatments and it is effective not only in the treatment of illnesses but also in maintaining health. Objectives: This study aimed to determine the effect of foot reflexology on the clinical outcomes of neonates with hyperbilirubinemia.Methods: A quasi-experimental research design was utilized in this study. The study subjects were 60 neonates with hyperbilirubinemia, recruited from NICU in Assiut University Children's Hospital. They were selected randomly and divided into two groups: the study group received foot reflexology interventions and the control group received routine care. Two tools were used to collect the necessary data, which included a personal structure questionnaire and neonataloutcomes assessment sheet.Results: On the fifth day, the mean of total serum bilirubin over the study group was 7.89±1.12 mg/dl, and over the control group was 10.55±0.55 mg/dl. According to the mean of the duration of phototherapy and hospital stay, the study group was 3.86±0.86- 6.80±0.88 respectively, but over the control group was 5.33±0.75- 10.40±1.22 respectively.Conclusions: A statistically significant positive correlation between applying foot reflexology interventions and improving clinical outcomes of neonates with hyperbilirubinemia. We recommended that in-service training and education programs for neonatal nurses should be conducted on a regular basis to teach them non-pharmacological strategies such as foot reflexology techniques.

Foot Reflexology and 4-7-8 Breathing Exercise as Supporting Therapy to Reduce Anxiety and Maintain Vital Signs of ICU Patients

The noise of the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) equipment, the high mortality rate, the instability of other patients' conditions, and limited information increase ICU patient anxiety. Anxiety has an impact on declining health. Anxiety makes it difficult for patients to sleep, increases blood pressure values, and slows down the healing process. Management of patient anxiety is to avoid anxiety factors, use non-pharmacological and pharmacological therapies. In addition, combined pharmacological and non-pharmacological therapy is more effective in increasing patient recovery. For this reason, this study aims to evaluate the additional non-pharmacological implementation therapy of foot reflexology and 4-7-8 breathing training in patients in the ICU. The method used is a nursing practice based on evidence-based nursing implementation. The evidence-based references used are 3 international journals indexed by Scopus. The patient selection technique used purposive sampling with inclusion and exclusion criteria. Furthermore, a combination of foot reflexology intervention and 4-7-8 breathing training was given for 2 days to 3 patients. The results of the evaluation showed that there was a decrease in anxiety rates and an improvement in physiological values after being given non-pharmacological and pharmacological interventions. Improved physiological values are, blood pressure and respiratory rate. Additional non-pharmacological interventions foot reflexology and 4-7-8 breathing training reduce anxiety levels and improve the patient's physiological values.

The Effect of Reflexology on the Anxiety of Pregnant Women During Labor: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background: Reflexology is a non-invasive, inexpensive, and simple technique that can be employed for pregnant women. Objective: This study aimed to determine the effects of reflexology on anxiety during labor (primary outcome) and its side effects (secondary outcome). Methods: In this systematic review, the Cochrane Library, PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, Web of Science, SID, Science Direct, and ProQuest databases were searched systematically and without time constraints until 20 April 2021. The quality of the selected articles was assessed using Cochrane Handbook and the meta-analysis was performed utilizing RevMan 5.3. Heterogeneity was evaluated by the I2 statistic and, as there was heterogeneity between the studies, subgroup analysis was carried out based on the control group. Since the anxiety assessment tools in the included studies were identical, the mean difference (MD) was reported. The quality of the evidence was assessed using the GRADE approach. Results: Six studies that included 643 pregnant women were investigated in this systematic review. The results of the meta-analysis using five of the studies revealed that reflexology significantly lowered the mean scores for maternal anxiety compared to routine care or simple massage (MD: -11.34; 95% CI: -16.28 to -6.40). None of the studies reported any specific side effects after reflexology treatment. Conclusion: Reflexology can decrease maternal anxiety during labor. However, given the small number of studies and the high or unclear bias risk in most of them, no definitive conclusions can be drawn and it is recommended that further research with stronger methodologies be conducted on this subject.

PEMBERIAN REFLEKSI PIJAT KAKI PADA PENDERITA HIPERTENSI DI DESA DAWUHAN PURBALINGGA

Hypertension is a disease whose prevalence increases every year and is the cause of universal increases in morbidity and mortality. Families can reduce hypertension through non-pharmaceutical management. A non-pharmacological approach that can reduce hypertension is foot reflexology massage. Reflexology is the practice of manipulating specific receptors of the hands and feet. The health benefits of reflexology massage are no longer in question. Its ability to relieve bodily discomfort is one of its most popular qualities. Another benefit is the prevention of various diseases. Nugroho updated the findings of this study, which showed that foot reflexology massage was more effective than hypnotherapy in lowering blood pressure. This research uses a case study of nursing process, stages of assessment to evaluation and implementation of foot reflexology massage for 30 minutes, and blood pressure measurements using an analogue blood pressure monitor at the beginning and end of implementation. The implementation tool was administered once and respondents' consent was obtained first as an ethical guideline. A comparison of blood pressure readings before and after foot reflexology treatment was performed. Foot reflexology therapy reduces blood pressure in hypertensive patients by 20 points, from 170/110 mmHg to 150/90 mmHg. This shows that reflexology reduces blood pressure in hypertensive patients. Based on the findings of a case study conducted from 1 - 4 November 2022 on Mr. M with hypertension nursing problems, the application of reflexology massage therapy was found to be effective in controlling and lowering the patient's blood pressure.&#x0D;

Comparing the Effect of Geranium Aromatherapy and Foot Reflexology on Fatigue and Daily Activities of Patients Undergoing Hemodialysis: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background: Fatigue is the most common symptom described by patients undergoing hemodialysis. Foot reflexology and then aromatherapy, among the types of complementary medicine, are the most frequently used intervention to control fatigue in patients undergoing hemodialysis. Objectives: The purpose of the present study is to compare the effect of aromatherapy with geranium essential oil and foot reflexology on Fatigue and daily activities of patients undergoing hemodialysis referred to the Hemodialysis Centers of Dezful University of Medical Sciences in 2019. Methods: This randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted on 90 patients (30 patients in the geranium essential oil aromatherapy intervention group, 30 patients in the foot reflexology intervention group, and 30 patients in the control group). After the consent form was completed by the patient, Visual Analogue Fatigue Scale (VAFS), Piper Fatigue Scale (PFS) and Nottingham Extended Activities of Daily Living (NEADL) scale were completed for patients before the intervention and then four weeks after the intervention. Data analysis was carried out using descriptive statistics (prevalence, mean and standard deviation) and inferential statistics (one-way analysis of variance and least significant difference (LSD) post hoc test, t test) in SPSS version 16. Results: There was a statistically significant difference between the pre-test and post-test PFS and NEADL scores in the foot reflexology group. After foot reflexology, the mean fatigue scores decreased significantly (P &lt; 0.001) and the mean activities of daily living (ADL) scores increased significantly (P &lt; 0.001). There were no changes in fatigue and ADL scores in the geranium essential oil aromatherapy and the control groups after the intervention (P &gt; 0.05). Conclusions: Foot reflexology can be used as an effective nursing intervention to reduce fatigue and increase ADLs of patients with chronic kidney failure and undergoing hemodialysis treatment.

The Effect of Feet Reflection Massage on Blood Pressure in Hypertension Patients at Community Health Centers II Petang

Complications of hypertension cause various health problems such as kidney damage, heart attack, stroke, glaucoma, erectile dysfunction, dementia and alzheimer's. One of the non-pharmacological treatments to avoid the long-term effects of hypertension is foot reflexology therapy. Foot reflexology therapy is a therapy that suppresses the zones and nerve points on the right and left soles of the feet. This study aims to determine the effect of foot reflexology on blood pressure in patients with hypertension. This type of research is a Quasi Experiment with a Non-Equivalent Control Group Design. The population in this study were all 102 people with hypertension in Pelaga village. The sample selection used was purposive sampling with a total of 36 people. Foot reflexology intervention is given 3 times a week for 20 minutes. The average difference in blood pressure before and after the foot reflexology intervention in the treatment group was 10.39 mmHg and the average difference in the control group was 0.94 mmHg. The results of the analysis used was Mann-Whitney analysis that is p-value of 0.000 (p &lt;0.05), so it can be concluded that there is an effect of foot reflexology on blood pressure in hypertension sufferers in Community Health Center II Petang. Foot reflexology can be used as an alternative to non-pharmacological treatment programs for patients to prevent further complications from uncontrolled hypertension.

The effect of foot reflexology before suctioning on pain and SPO2 in neonates under nasal CPAP hospitalized in the NICU

IntroductionSuctioning procedures in neonates under nasal CPAP and the use of reflexology as a non-invasive method are inevitable. Accordingly, this study aims to determine the effect of foot reflexology before suctioning on pain and SPO2 in neonates under nasal CPAP, who were admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). MethodsThis quasi-experimental crossover study was conducted among 40 neonates under nasal CPAP, who were admitted to the NICU of Ali Ibn Abitaleb Hospital in Rafsanjan, Southeastern Iran. The neonates were divided into one of two groups (A and B), according to the inclusion criteria. Neonates in group A received foot reflexology for 3 min during the first suctioning. The second round of suctioning was performed without the reflexology intervention in this group. In group B, the order of applying reflexology was opposite to that in the group A. Before and after suctioning, SPO2 was recorded as shown by the monitor. During the suctioning procedure, pain was assessed using the NIPS tool. In addition, data were analyzed using SPSS Software. ResultsBased on the results, the mean score of pain was lower in the two groups after suctioning with reflexology (the paired t-test, p < 0.05). Although suctioning improved SPO2, reflexology had no effect on this indicator (p > 0.05). ConclusionReflexology before suctioning is effective in reducing pain in neonates. Additional studies are recommended on changing the time and duration of reflexology and examining the effects.

The Effectiveness of Reflexology Massage to The Reduction of Blood Sugar Level of Elderly with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Chronic hyperglycemia in clients with diabetes mellitus will cause long-term damage, namely dysfunction or failure of organs such as eyes, kidneys, nerves, heart and blood vessels. Therefore, reflexology on the soles of the feet is become one of the complementary therapies that has no side effects. The research design used pre-experimental approach with a one group pretest-posttest design. The data analysis was divided into two, namely univariate analysis by frequency distribution and bivariate analysis by paired sample t-test. The results showed that there was a difference in the points of before and after treatment as much as 36.15 points. There was an effect between reflexology treatment before and after as much as 0.0001 &lt; 0.05. Reflexology could respond the hypothalamus, activated the Hypothalamus-Pituitary-Adrenal AXIS, and produced corticotropin releasing factor (CRF) hormone which stimulated the pancreas to increase insulin synthesis. One of the receptors on target cells, namely the glucose transporter (GLUT 4) which functioned to bring glucose into cells and accelerated the use of glucose which resulted in lower blood glucose levels. Reflexology can be done by oneself and has no side effects.

Reflexology for acute rhinosinusitis – Results from a blinded, early-phase comparative trial

Background: Reflexology is commonly used as an adjunct to conventional treatment by patients with respiratory tract infections. The effect of reflexology needs to be tested in a full-scale randomized controlled study. Small early-phase trials can give an indication on whether full-size clinical trials are warranted. The objective of this study is to determine whether the study design is feasible in a full-scale study of reflexology as an add-on to usual care compared to usual care alone in acute rhinosinusitis, and further if there is a statistical indication of an effect of reflexology warranting a full-scale study. Methods: 20 patients with symptoms compatible with acute rhinosinusitis, and an illness duration of 28 days or less were randomized to additional reflexology treatment along with usual medical care, or usual care alone. The patients scored how much each of 16 sinus-related symptoms bothered them in the past few days on a six-point scale (zero = no problem to five = severe problem). To determine if there is a statistical indication of an effect of reflexology warranting a full-scale study, the separation test was used. Results: The methodology was considered feasible and could therefore be applied in a full-scale study of reflexology for acute rhinosinusitis. The mean reduction in symptom score from baseline to day two was 0.95 in the reflexology group and 0.78 in the control group. From baseline to day ten the mean reduction in symptom score was 2.12 in the reflexology group and 1.63 in the control group. A statistical indication of effect in a full-scale study in favor of reflexology was found from baseline to day ten but not from baseline to day two. Conclusions: The research methodology in this study could be used in a full-scale study of reflexology in acute sinusitis. The results from the separation test indicates an effect warranting a full-scale study of reflexology regarding effects in acute sinusitis ten days after treatment.

‘Reflexology: Exploring the mechanism of action’

Reflexology is a complementary therapy focusing mainly on the application of pressure on the feet, hands and ears. A small but growing evidence base suggests that positive outcomes can be gained in the management and improvement of symptoms across a range of conditions. Biological plausibility is a key concept in the determination of the usefulness of therapies. Research which tests for safety and efficacy alongside the underpinning mechanism of action are therefore important.This paper explores the potential mechanism of action for the outcomes associated with reflexology treatment as reflected in the current evidence. The influences of therapeutic touch, relaxation, placebo effects and the similarities with other therapeutic methods of structural manipulation are considered. The lack of clarity around the precise definition of reflexology and the challenges of researching the therapy as a treatment tailored to individual need are discussed.A deeper understanding of the mechanism of action for reflexology may help to further develop research into safety and efficacy. Such an understanding may lead to the integration of knowledge which may provide both symptomatic support and longer term preventative health benefits.

Penggunaan Pijat Refleksi untuk Mengurangi Nyeri pada Pasien Kanker Payudara

This study aims to review the effectiveness of reflexology on pain reduction in breast cancer patients. The research method used is writing a systematic review using search results of scientific publications published between 2016 and 2021 through international electronic databases such as PubMed, ProQuest, CINAHL, and Cochrane, which then follows PRISMA guidelines and research questions using PICO. The results showed that eight articles from the search contained six RCT articles and two cohort articles than in each piece provided the same intervention, namely reflexology intervention to reduce pain in breast cancer patients which later resulted in reduced pain felt by breast cancer patients. . In conclusion, all articles show the effectiveness of reflexology to reduce pain in breast cancer patients.&#x0D; &#x0D; Keywords: Breast Cancer, Pain, Reflexology