REFLEXOLOGY RESEARCH – MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS

2023

MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS, PAIN, FATIGUE, QUALITY OF LIFE

Systematic review and meta-analysis of reflexology for people with multiple sclerosis: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. By Xiaohong MaZhaoyu YuanBaicheng QianYunxiang GuanBaoliang Wang. Pub. by Medicine (Baltimore). 2023 Feb 3;102(5):e32661. PMID: 36749275 PMCID: PMC9902001 DOI: 10.1097/MD.0000000000032661

Reflexology therapy can be used as an effective intervention for the pain and fatigue of MS patients while improving the quality of life.

2022

NEURODEGENERATIVE DISORDERS, MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS

The effectiveness of aromatherapy and reflexology in neurodegenerative disorders: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Pub. by Raj Rawal, Megan Armstrong, Joy Read, Elizabeth Chesterman, Kate Walters, Anette Schrag, Gareth Ambler. Pub. by Neurodegener Dis Manag. 2022 Jun 30. PMID: 35770590 DOI: 10.2217/nmt-2021-0056.

A meta-analysis was conducted including data from six studies, which demonstrated no significant benefit of aromatherapy/reflexology; however, the sample sizes were small and of low quality. This systematic review confirmed that it is not possible to draw conclusions regarding the effectiveness of reflexology and aromatherapy in multiple sclerosis. Larger high-quality studies are required to test these widely used therapies.

PAIN, ANXIETY, DEPRESSION, MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS

Massage therapy as a complementary and alternative approach for people with multiple sclerosis: a systematic review. By Zakieh Heidari, Shahnaz Shahrbanian & Chungyi Chiu (2022) Pub. by Disability and Rehabilitation, 44:20, 5758-5769, DOI: 10.1080/09638288.2021.1949051

Fatigue was improved by different massage styles, such as reflexology, nonspecific therapeutic massage, and Swedish massage. Pain, anxiety, and depression were effectively improved by reflexology techniques. Spasticity was reduced by Swedish massage and reflexology techniques.

2021

PAIN, FATIGUE, QUALITY OF LIFE, MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS

Effects of Reflexology on Pain, Fatigue, and Quality of Life in Multiple Sclerosis Patients: A Clinical Study. By Hatice Dilek DoğanMehtap Tan. Altern Ther Health Med.  2021 Sep;27(5):14-22.  PMID: 33789252

 In the intervention group, there were significant decreases in the pain scores from the seventh week and in the fatigue scores from the fifth week (P < .001). In the assessment of quality of life, the combined physical health and combined mental health scores were higher in the intervention group than in the control group (P < .001). 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 multiple sclerosis patients.

PAIN, ANXIETY, DEPRESSION, SPACTICITY, MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS

Massage therapy as a complementary and alternative approach for people with multiple sclerosis: a systematic review. By Zakieh Heidari, Shahnaz Shahrbanian & Chungyi Chiu (2022). Pub. by Disability and Rehabilitation. 44:20, 5758-5769, DOI: 10.1080/09638288.2021.1949051

A total of 12 studies met the inclusion criteria. We rated 5 studies as fair and 7 studies as good. Fatigue was improved by different massage styles, such as reflexology, nonspecific therapeutic massage, and Swedish massage. Pain, anxiety, and depression were effectively improved by reflexology techniques. Spasticity was reduced by Swedish massage and reflexology techniques.

2020

MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS, CONSTIPATION, QUALITY OF LIFE

The effect of foot reflexology on constipation and quality of life in patients with multiple sclerosis. A randomized controlled trial. By Mahbobeh SajadiFahimeh DavodabadyVahid Naseri-SalahshourMehdi HaroraniMohsen Ebrahimi-Monfared. Pub. by Complement Ther Med 2020 Jan;48:102270. PMID: 31987235 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctim.2019.102270

The results of the study showed that severity of constipation and Quality of Life (QOL) score were not significant between the two groups before intervention (p > 0.05), but; after intervention, severity of constipation significantly decreased in the reflexology group (p < 0.05). Nevertheless, after intervention, the QOL was improved in the reflexology group compared to the control group but was not significant (p > 0.05).

MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS, SPASTICITY, PAIN

EFFECTIVENESS OF PHYSICAL THERAPY IN MYOFASCIAL SYNDROME IN PATIENTS WITH MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS. By Оstаpyak, Zinovyi & Mytckan, Bogdan & Bejga, Przemyslaw & Gerich, Roman & Popel, Serg. (2020). Pub. by Wiadomosci lekarskie (Warsaw, Poland : 1960). 73. 1950-1956.

The use of reflexology in conjunction with stretching leads to a reduction in muscle spasticity and pain, as evidenced by electrophysiological indicators that substantiate their feasibility in the practice of physical therapy to improve the functional status of patients with MPS in MS.

2018

MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS, FATIGUE, ANXIETY

The Effects of Reflexology on Fatigue and Anxiety in Patients With Multiple Sclerosis. By Afitap OzdelikaraSeval Agcadiken Alkan. Altern Ther Health Med.  2018 Jul;24(4):8-13. PMID: 29332021

The study indicates that reflexology can be an effective method for reducing fatigue severity and anxiety in patients with multiple sclerosis.

 

2017

ANXIETY, STRESS, DEPRESSION, MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS, WOMEN

A comparison the effects of reflexology and relaxation on the psychological symptoms in women with multiple sclerosis. By Mozhgan SoheiliFatemeh NazariVahid Shaygannejad, and Mahboobeh Valiani. J Educ Health Promot. 2017; 6: 11. PMCID: PMC5433640    PMID: 28546976

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, are recommended.

 

2016

PAIN, MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS,
A comparison of the effects of reflexology and relaxation on pain in women with multiple sclerosis. By Fatemeh NazariMozhgan SoheiliSayedMohsen HosseiniVahid Shaygannejad. J Complement Integr Med. 2016 Mar;13(1):65-71. PMID: 26581073   DOI: 10.1515/jcim-2015-0046

The results showed that both interventions are effective on relieving pain in women with MS; however, it appears that the effect of reflexology on pain reduction is greater than that of relaxation. Hence, these two methods can be recommended as effective techniques.

 

2015

FATIGUE, MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS, WOMEN

Comparing the effects of reflexology and relaxation on fatigue in women with multiple sclerosis. By Fatemeh NazariMozhgan Soheili ShahrezaVahid ShaygannejadMahboubeh Valiani. Iran J Nurs Midwifery Res.  Mar-Apr 2015;20(2):200-4. PMID: 25878696   PMCID: PMC4387643

It seems that both interventions were effective in reducing fatigue, but the effects of reflexology on reducing fatigue were more than those of relaxation. Hence, as these two methods are effective and affordable techniques, they can be recommended.

 

2013

QUALITY OF LIFE, MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS

Evaluation of the effects of reflexology on quality of life and symptomatic relief in multiple sclerosis patients with moderate to severe disability; a pilot study. By L MillerE McInteeP Mattison. Clin Rehabil. 2013 Jul; 27(7):591-8. 2013 Feb 12.  PMID: 23405024       DOI: 10.1177/0269215512469383

The results do not support the use of reflexology for symptom relief in a more disabled multiple sclerosis population and are strongly suggestive of a placebo response. This study demonstrates, however, that reflexology can be delivered and is well tolerated by people who are moderately to severely affected by multiple sclerosis.

MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS

Integrative therapies for multiple sclerosis. By GeetaMaker-ClarkMD, SmitaPatelDO, Pub. by Elsevier, Volume 59, Issue 8, Aug. 2013, p. 290-301. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.disamonth.2013.03.017

It may also mean receiving some complementary treatments, such as acupuncture, massage, and reflexology, which may be a very beneficial adjunct to the conventional treatment for MS.

2009

PAIN, FATIGUE, DEPRESSION, QUALITY OF LIFE, MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS


Reflexology for the treatment of pain in people with multiple sclerosis: a double-blind randomised sham-controlled clinical trial. By C M HughesS SmythA S Lowe-Strong. Mult Scler.  2009 Nov; 15(11):1329-38. PMID: 19825891 DOI: 10.1177/1352458509345916

Significant decreases were observed for fatigue, depression, disability, spasm and quality of life. In conclusion, precision reflexology was not superior to sham, however, both treatments offer clinically significant improvements for MS symptoms via a possible placebo effect or stimulation of reflex points in the feet using non-specific massage.


MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS

What do people talk about during reflexology? Analysis of worries and concerns expressed during sessions for patients with multiple sclerosis. By Peter A MackerethKatie BoothValerie F HillierAnn-Louise Caress. Complement Ther Clin Pract.  2009 May; 15(2):85-90. PMID: 19341986    DOI: 10.1016/j.ctcp.2008.12.001

Reflexology appears to have created a space for patients to talk about their worries and concerns, and to receive advice and support from the nurse therapists. This work contributes to the debate about the role of the therapeutic relationship within reflexology practice.

 

 

MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS

Reflexology and progressive muscle relaxation training for people with multiple sclerosis: a crossover trial. By Peter A MackerethKatie BoothValerie F HillierAnn-Louise Caress. Complement Ther Clin Pract. 2009 Feb; 15(1):14-21. PMID: 19161949    DOI: 10.1016/j.ctcp.2008.07.002.

Positive effects of both treatments following sessions and over the 6 weeks of treatment are reported, with limited evidence of difference between the two treatments, complicated by ordering effects.

 

2008

URINARY, MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS


The efficacy of reflexology: systematic review. By Mei-Yeh Wang,  Pei-Shan TsaiPi-Hsia LeeWen-Yin ChangChe-Ming Yang. J Adv Nurs.  2008 Jun; 62(5):512-20. PMID: 18489444    DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2648.2008.04606.x

There is no evidence for any specific effect of reflexology in any conditions, with the exception of urinary symptoms associated with multiple sclerosis. Routine provision of reflexology is therefore not recommended.

 

 

2003

PARESTHESIS (numbness), URINARY, SPASTICITY, MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS


Reflexology treatment relieves symptoms of multiple sclerosis: a randomized controlled study. By I Siev-NerD GamusL Lerner-GevaA Achiron. Mult Scler.  2003 Aug; 9(4):356-61. PMID: 12926840   DOI: 10.1191/1352458503ms925oa

Specific reflexology treatment was of benefit in alleviating motor; sensory and urinary symptoms in multiple sclerosis patients.

 

1997

MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS

Reflexology helps multiple sclerosis. By Joyce M, Richardson R., JACM July 1997 10-12 (www.internethealthlibrary) (MS Centre (Glasgow), Unit 16, Chapel Hill Industrial Estate, Maryhill, Glasgow G20 9BD, Tel: 0141 945 3344)

The results indicate that reflexology does offer some therapeutic benefit to MS patients especially in the first 6 weeks of treatment, although the treatment sessions need to be regular, and the benefits seem to diminish after twelve weeks.