Research

Effect of Reflexology on Pain and Quality of Life in a Patient with Rheumatoid Arthritis

Patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) face considerable physical, social and emotional disabilities. In this chronic disease, for which a cure is not yet available, improving patients’ health, quality of life and reduce pain is of the utmost concern. The purpose of this work was to measure the effect reflexology has on pain and quality of life (QOL) in a patient with rheumatoid arthritis. U

Reflexology in the management of low back pain: a pilot randomised controlled trial
Reflexology appears to offer promise as a treatment in the management of LBP; however, an adequately powered trial is required before any more definitive pronouncements are possible.

Case study of Bell's palsy applying complementary treatment within an occupational therapy model

For 7% of people with Bell's palsy, facial impairment is permanent. The case study patient was a 48-year-old female who had no recovery from paralysis 12 weeks after onset. Goals were to restore facial sensory-motor functions, functional abilities and reduce depression. Facial paralysis was assessed by clinical observations, the Facial Disability Index and Beck Depression Index. Complementary interventions of aromatherapy, reflexology and electro-acupuncture were used with common physical agent modalities in an intensive home activity and exercise programme. The patient had 100% return of function and resolution of depression after 10 days of intervention.

Change in renal blood flow due to organ-associated reflex zone therapy on the foot measured with colour-coded Doppler sonography

Using colour Doppler sonography blood flow changes of the right kidney during foot reflexology were determined in a placebo-controlled, double-blind, randomised study. 32 healthy young adults (17 women, 15 men) were randomly assigned to the verum or placebo group. The verum group received foot reflexology at zones corresponding to the right kidney, the placebo group was treated on other foot zones. Before, during and after foot reflexology the blood flow of three vessels of the right kidney was measured using colour Doppler sonography.

Effect of reflexological stimulation on heart rate variability

Analysis of heart rate variation (HRV) has become a popular non-invasive tool for assessing the activities of the autonomic nervous system (ANS). HRV analysis is based on the concept that fast fluctuations may specifically reflect changes of sympathetic and vagal activity. It shows that the structure generating the signal is not simply linear, but also involves non-linear contributions. 

Reflexology for symptom relief in patients with cancer
Complementary therapies are increasingly being used in hospices and hospitals alongside orthodox treatments in an attempt to improve patients' emotional, spiritual, psychological, and physical well-being. An average of 31% of UK patients with cancer use some form of complementary therapy.

Evaluation of a hospice based reflexology service: a qualitative audit of patient perceptions
Complementary therapies are being increasingly used in palliative care in the drive to improve patients' emotional, psychological and spiritual health, and enhance the quality of their lives. The importance of seeking the 'user' perspective when evaluating such services is becoming increasingly acknowledged. However, it is also extremely important that we elicit such perspectives in an ethically sensitive manner.

Does reflexology impact on cancer patients' quality of life?
This study showed that reflexology does have an impact on the quality of life of patients in the palliative stage of cancer.

A randomised-controlled trail examining the effects of reflexology of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
It is known that many patients with obstructive pulmonary diseases use a number of complementary and alternative medicines (CAM). There has been a great deal of interest into the CAM recently, with the House of Lords select committee for science and technology's report suggesting randomised-controlled trials are the best means of researching the area. 

Reflexology in the management of encopresis and chronic constipation
Encopresis or faecal incontinence in children is an extremely distressing condition that is usually secondary to chronic constipation/stool withholding. Traditional management with enemas may add to the child's distress. This study investigated the efficacy of treating patients with encopresis and chronic constipation with reflexology.

The clinical efficacy of reflexology in nursing home residents with dementia
This study provides preliminary support for the efficacy of reflexology as a treatment of stress in nursing home residents with mild-to-moderate stage dementia.

Effects of reflexology on fibromyalgia symptoms: a multiple case study
Reflexology may be helpful to decrease fibromyalgia symptoms. Qualitative research methods and individually tailored interventions are important when researching complementary and alternative therapies.

Randomised controlled trial of reflexology for menopausal symptoms
Clinical experience suggests that reflexology may have beneficial effects on the symptoms occurring in menopausal women, particularly psychological symptoms. This study aims to examine that effect rigorously.

Reflexology for the treatment of pain in people with multiple sclerosis: a double-blind randomised sham-controlled clinical trial

Multiple sclerosis (MS) results in pain and other symptoms which may be modified by conventional treatment, however, MS is still not curable. Several studies have reported positive effects of reflexology in the treatment of pain, however, no randomised controlled clinical trials for the treatment of pain have been conducted within this population. The objective of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of reflexology on pain in and MS population. 

Complementary therapy use by persons with multiple sclerosis: benefits and research priorities
People with multiple sclerosis (MS) are commonly actively involved in self-care, with many accessing complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) to help in symptom management. To provide increased insight into benefits from CAM use and service user ideas over research priorities, a two-part study, involving a questionnaire and interactive workshop, was undertaken with attendees at a national Congress of the MS Trust in the UK. 

Reflexology treatment relieves symptoms of multiple sclerosis: a randomized controlled study
Specific reflexology treatment was of benefit in alleviating motor; sensory and urinary symptoms in MS patients.

Reflexology treatment for patients with lower limb amputations and phantom limb pain--an exploratory pilot study

The project indicated that reflexology treatment, teaching and self-treatment were effective in eradicating or reducing the intensity and duration of phantom limb pain, in this group of clients. The follow-up questionnaire revealed that there was a maintained improvement in the intensity of phantom limb pain the patients experienced and that the majority still self-treated.

Randomized controlled study of premenstrual symptoms treated with ear, hand, and foot reflexology
These clinical findings support the use of ear, hand, and foot reflexology for the treatment of PMS.

Effects of self-foot reflexology on stress, fatigue and blood circulation in premenopausal middle-aged women

Self-foot reflexology may be an effective nursing intervention in reducing perceived stress and fatigue and in improving blood circulation.