Effective treatment of reflexology: A Synthesis of Findings from 19 Studies

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Original Abstract of the Article

Major Research Findings

Reflexology is a complementary therapy that has gained attention as a potential benefit for various symptoms and conditions. Studies suggest that reflexology may have a positive impact on anxiety, depression, and quality of life in gynecological cancer patients 8 , symptoms during pregnancy 1 , fatigue 2 , pain 18 , depression during menopause 15 , smoking cessation 5 , pain intensity after electroconvulsive therapy 7 , back pain after coronary angiography 16 , pain and physiological indicators in children with leukemia 6 , agitation and extubation time in male patients following coronary artery bypass surgery 11 , chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting 12 , symptoms and side effects of breast cancer treatment 14 , pain, fatigue, and quality of life in multiple sclerosis patients 9 , premenstrual syndrome 17 , blood pressure and heart rate in stage-2 hypertensive patients 10 , peripheral neuropathy, peripheral skin temperature, anxiety, and depression in gynecological cancer patients 19 , symptoms of discomfort in palliative care 3 , and child health 13 .

Benefits and Risks

Benefits Summary

Research suggests that reflexology can be beneficial in alleviating various symptoms and conditions. For example, it has the potential to improve anxiety, depression, pain, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, blood pressure, heart rate, and quality of life.

Risks Summary

Reflexology is generally considered safe, but side effects can occur in rare cases. For instance, localized reactions such as pain, swelling, and redness have been reported. Additionally, reflexology may not be safe during pregnancy or for individuals with certain medical conditions. It's crucial to consult with a doctor or other healthcare professional before starting reflexology.

Comparison Across Studies

Similarities Across Studies

Many studies suggest that reflexology can have a positive effect on a range of symptoms and conditions. These studies also indicate that reflexology is generally safe with a low risk of serious side effects.

Differences Across Studies

There are differences across studies in terms of methodology, target symptoms or conditions, and findings. For example, some studies show the effectiveness of reflexology for specific symptoms, while others do not demonstrate clear effects. Additionally, some studies evaluate reflexology in comparison to other therapies, while others assess the effects of reflexology alone. Furthermore, the specific procedures and duration of reflexology sessions may vary across studies.

Consistency and Inconsistencies in Results

While some consistency exists in research findings, there are also inconsistencies. For instance, some studies indicate that reflexology is effective for anxiety and depression, while others do not show such effects. These variations could be attributed to differences in methodology, target populations, or other factors. More research is needed to further clarify the effects of reflexology.

Considerations for Real-Life Application

Reflexology might help alleviate specific symptoms and conditions, but it is not a medical treatment. It should not be used as a substitute for therapies prescribed by doctors or other healthcare professionals. It's essential to consult with a physician before starting reflexology and ensure its suitability for your individual circumstances.

Limitations of Current Research

Research on reflexology is still limited. Many studies are conducted with small sample sizes, making it difficult to generalize the results. Some studies also have methodological limitations. Moreover, research comparing the effects of reflexology to other therapies is lacking. More research is required to further clarify the efficacy of reflexology.

Future Research Directions

To further elucidate the effects of reflexology, larger-scale studies are needed. Additionally, research comparing reflexology to other therapies is crucial. Research aimed at understanding the mechanisms behind reflexology is also essential.

Conclusion

Reflexology is a complementary therapy that may have a positive impact on various symptoms and conditions. However, more research is necessary to definitively establish its effectiveness. It's important to consult with a doctor before starting reflexology to ensure its appropriateness for your situation. If you are considering reflexology, be sure to talk to your doctor to ensure it is right for you.

Literature analysis of 19 papers
Positive Content
19
Neutral Content
0
Negative Content
0
Article Type
8
0
2
1
19
1.

The effects of reflexology on symptoms in pregnancy: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials.

Author: LiangXiaoyu, WuShangping, LiKe, ZhangHaolin, YangFujing, WangXinhui, YangGuangyi

Anxiety reduction
Labor pain relief

Reflexology is probably effective and safe for labor pain, duration of labor, and anxiety in pregnancy. However, there is insufficient evidence for its efficacy in treating low back/pelvic pain, fatigue, sleep quality, constipation symptoms, and ankle and foot edema during pregnancy.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
ReviewAn article that critically examines existing research on a particular topic and summarizes the current state of knowledge in the field.

Language : English

2.

Comparing the Effects of Warm Footbath and Foot Reflexology on the Fatigue of Patients Undergoing Radiotherapy: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Author: MazloumSeyed Reza, RajabzadehMahla, MohajerSamira, Bahrami-TaghanakiHamidreza, NamaziniaMohammad

Reduce fatigue

This study compared the effects of warm footbath and foot reflexology on fatigue in patients undergoing radiotherapy.

Randomized Controlled TrialA clinical trial that randomly assigns participants to treatment and control groups to evaluate the effects of an intervention.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.

Language : English

3.

The effects of foot reflexology on symptoms of discomfort in palliative care: a feasibility study.

Author: MarcolinMarie Lavarelo, TarotAndréa, LombardoVéronique, PereiraBruno, LanderAxelle Van, GuastellaVirginie

Reduced discomfort

This study investigates the feasibility of using foot reflexology (FR) in a palliative care unit (PCU). The study aims to determine if FR is a safe and practical intervention for palliative care patients. Additionally, the research explores the potential impact of FR sessions on symptoms such as anxiety, pain, sleep disturbance, and psychological distress.

Randomized Controlled TrialA clinical trial that randomly assigns participants to treatment and control groups to evaluate the effects of an intervention.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.

Language : English

5.

The Effects of Foot Reflexology for Smoking Cessation on Brain Activities with Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI): A Pilot Study.

Author: WattanaruangkowitPisit, MuengtaweepongsaSombat, KengganpanichMondha, KengganpanichTharadol

Smoking cessation

Foot reflexology is hypothesized to be helpful for smoking cessation. This study aims to use functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to compare brain activity during foot reflexology in smoking versus nonsmoking individuals.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.

Language : English

8.

The effects of reflexology on anxiety, depression and quality of life in patients with gynecological cancers with reference to Watson's theory of human caring.

Author: Göral TürkcüSinem, ÖzkanSevgi

Improved quality of life
Reduced anxiety
Reduced depression
Increased nausea
vomiting
diarrhea and constipation

Reflexology based on Watson's theory of human caring reduced anxiety and depression levels and improved quality of life in gynecological cancer patients during chemotherapy.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Randomized Controlled TrialA clinical trial that randomly assigns participants to treatment and control groups to evaluate the effects of an intervention.

Language : English

10.

The effects of foot reflexology on blood pressure and heart rate: A randomized clinical trial in stage-2 hypertensive patients.

Author: KotruchinPraew, ImounSupap, MitsungnernThapanawong, AountraiPatcharin, DomthaisongManeenuch, KarioKazuomi

HT treatment

Foot reflexology was found to be effective in reducing heart rate in patients with stage-2 hypertension and partially effective in reducing blood pressure. These findings suggest that foot reflexology may be a useful complementary therapy for managing hypertension.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Randomized Controlled TrialA clinical trial that randomly assigns participants to treatment and control groups to evaluate the effects of an intervention.

Language : English

11.

The effects of foot reflexology on agitation and extubation time in male patients following coronary artery bypass surgery: A randomized controlled clinical trial.

Author: AllahbakhhsianAtefeh, GholizadehLeila, AllahbakhshianMaryam, SarbakhshParvin, AbbaszadehYasser

Reduced agitation
Shorter extubation time

This randomized three-arm controlled clinical trial examined the effects of foot reflexology on agitation and extubation time in male patients following coronary artery bypass graft surgery. 120 patients were randomized to foot reflexology, placebo, or control. The reflexology group showed significantly greater reduction in agitation and shorter extubation time compared to the other groups.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Randomized Controlled TrialA clinical trial that randomly assigns participants to treatment and control groups to evaluate the effects of an intervention.

Language : English

13.

Effects of reflexology on child health: A systematic review.

Author: KaratasNimet, DalgicAysegul Isler

Well-being Increase

Reflexology, a complementary health-care approach, is increasingly sought by parents of children needing healthcare. This study highlights the need for research that explores both the positive and negative effects of reflexology in children to inform clinical practice and future studies.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Systematic ReviewA review that systematically collects, evaluates, and integrates relevant research to answer a specific research question.

Language : English

14.

A systematic review association of reflexology in managing symptoms and side effects of breast cancer treatment.

Author: WanchaiAusanee, ArmerJane M

Reduced fatigue
Reduced nausea/vomiting
Reflexology for quality of life

There is not enough high-level evidence to confirm the effectiveness of reflexology on breast cancer symptom management.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Systematic ReviewA review that systematically collects, evaluates, and integrates relevant research to answer a specific research question.

Language : English

15.

The effects of foot reflexology on depression during menopause: A randomized controlled clinical trial.

Author: MahdavipourFatemeh, RahemiZahra, SadatZohreh, AjorpazNeda Mirbagher

Depression

Foot reflexology can be effective in reducing depression in menopausal women. In a randomized controlled clinical trial, women who received foot reflexology twice a week for six weeks showed significant reductions in depression scores compared to a control group.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Randomized Controlled TrialA clinical trial that randomly assigns participants to treatment and control groups to evaluate the effects of an intervention.

Language : English

16.

The effects of foot reflexology on back pain after coronary angiography: A randomized controlled trial.

Author: KardanMojgan, ZareiBahare, BahramiTaghanakiHamidreza, VagharseyyedinSeyyed Abolfazl, AzdakiNahid

Back pain reduction
Foot reflexology
Back pain
Coronary angiography

Foot reflexology was effective in significantly reducing back pain after coronary angiography (CA).

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Randomized Controlled TrialA clinical trial that randomly assigns participants to treatment and control groups to evaluate the effects of an intervention.

Language : English

17.

Effects of reflexology on premenstrual syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Author: HasanpourMarzieh, MohammadiMohammad Mehdi, ShareiniaHabib

PMS treatment
PMS

This systematic review and meta-analysis investigated the effects of reflexology on premenstrual syndrome (PMS). The study aimed to determine the effectiveness of reflexology as a treatment for PMS symptoms.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.

Language : English

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