REFLEXOLOGY RESEARCH – PSYCHOLOGICAL
2023
ANXIETY, DEPRESSION, CANCER
Integrative Oncology Care of Symptoms of Anxiety and Depression in Adults With Cancer: Society for Integrative Oncology–ASCO Guideline. By Linda E. Carlson, Nofisat Ismaila, Elizabeth L. Addington, Gary N. Asher, Chloe Atreya, Lynda G. Balneaves, Joke Bradt, Nina Fuller-Shavel, Joseph Goodman, Caroline J. Hoffman, Alissa Huston, Ashwin Mehta, Channing J. Paller, Kimberly Richardson, Dugald Seely, Chelsea J. Siwik, Jennifer S. Temel, and Julia H. Rowland. Pub by Journal of Clinical Oncology 202341:28,4562-4591
Reflexology is recommended for treating symptoms of anxiety and depression during active treatment; and, for treating anxiety and depression symptoms after cancer treatment. The quality of evidence is reported as “low” and the strength of the recommendations is “weak”.
INSOMNIA, DEPRESSION , PERIMENOPAUSAL, MENOPAUSAL, POST-MENOPAUSAL WOMEN
Effects of different physiotherapy modalities on insomnia and depression in perimenopausal, menopausal, and post-menopausal women: a systematic review. By Lialy, H.E., Mohamed, M.A., AbdAllatif, L.A. et al. Pub. by BMC Women's Health 23, 363 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12905-023-02515-9
Reflexology, yoga, walking and aromatherapy massage showed an overall significant impact on decreasing insomnia and depression in menopausal women.
2021
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.
PAIN, DEPRESSION, ELECTROCONVULSIVE THERAPY
Effects of Reflexology on the Pain Intensity among Patients with Depression after Receiving Electroconvulsive Therapy: A Randomized Clinical Trial. By Maryam Aliashraf Jodat, Leyla Alilu, Sohila Ahangarzadeh Rezayee, Rasool Gharaaghaji Asl. J Caring Sci. 2021 Mar 3; 10(3):129-136. PMID: 34849356 PMCID: PMC8609114 DOI: 10.34172/jcs.2021.007
The results of this study showed the positive effect of reflexology on reducing the intensity of pain in patients receiving electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). Thus, it is recommended that nurses, health care providers, and caregivers use reflexology to reduce pain in patients with depression receiving ECT.
DEPRESSION, DEMENTIA,
Comparative efficacy of interventions for reducing symptoms of depression in people with dementia: systematic review and network meta-analysis. By Watt JA, Goodarzi Z, Veroniki AA, Nincic V, Khan PA, Ghassemi M, Lai Y, Treister V, Thompson Y, Schneider R, Tricco AC, Straus SE. Pub. by BMJ. 2021 Mar 24;372:n532. doi: 10.1136/bmj.n532. PMID: 33762262; PMCID: PMC7988455.
In this systematic review, non-drug interventions were found to be more efficacious than drug interventions for reducing symptoms of depression in people with dementia without a major depressive disorder.
2020
DEPRESSION, ANXIETY, SLEEP,
Effect of Foot Reflexology Intervention on Depression, Anxiety, and Sleep Quality in Adults: A Meta-Analysis and Metaregression of Randomized Controlled Trials. By Wang WL, Hung HY, Chen YR, Chen KH, Yang SN, Chu CM, Chan YY. Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine: 15 Sep 2020, 2020:2654353
DOI: 10.1155/2020/2654353 PMID: 33014101 PMCID: PMC7512096.
Foot reflexology may provide additional nonpharmacotherapy intervention for adults suffering from depression, anxiety, or sleep disturbance. However, high quality and rigorous design RCTs in specific population, along with an increase in participants, and a long-term follow-up are recommended in the future.
PHYSIOLOGICAL, BIOCHEMICAL, SOCIO-PSYCHOLOGICAL PARAMETERS, WOMEN
Effectiveness of Multi Interventional Package on Selected Parameters of Metabolic Syndrome among Women - A Pilot Study. By Elizabeth, Attonassary Jose, Aruna, Swaminathan, Mercy, Parayidathil Joseph. Pub. by J Korean Acad Nurs Vol.50 No.4, 52. https://doi.org/10.4040/jkan.20012
The study results substantiate that 12 weeks of Multi Interventional Package (MIP) as well as Lifestyle Interventions (LI) significantly improved the physiological, biochemical and socio-psychological parameters of metabolic syndrome among women. MIP is effective to control body weight, BMI, BP, HDL, triglycerides and FBS and to increase knowledge on MS. Considering the limitations of the study, there is a need for more comprehensive studies with large sample size to generalize the findings.
BREAST CANCER, QUALITY OF LIFE, DEPRESSION, ANXIETY, FATIGUE, NAUSEA, VOMITTING, PERIPHERAL NEUROPATHY, WOMEN
A systematic review association of reflexology in managing symptoms and side effects of breast cancer treatment. By Ausanee Wanchai, Jane M. Armer. Pub. by Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice, Volume 38, 2020, 101074, ISSN 1744-3881, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctcp.2019.101074.
The results showed that reflexology is associated with benefits for both psychological and physical aspects. Reflexology was reported to improve quality of life, but not for depression or anxiety. It was also beneficial for reducing fatigue, nausea, and vomiting, but not for peripheral neuropathy. Enough high level evidence has not been reported to confirm the effectiveness of reflexology on breast cancer symptom management.
2019
DEPRESSION, MENOPAUSE, WOMEN
The effects of foot reflexology on depression during menopause: A randomized controlled clinical trial. By Fatemeh Mahdavipour,Zahra Rahemi,Zohreh Sadat,Neda Mirbagher Ajorpaz. Pub. by Complementary Therapies in Medicine, Volume 47, December 2019, 102195. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctim.2019.102195
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.
ANXIETY, DEPRESSION, WOMEN, ACUTE CORONARY SYNDROME
The Effect of Foot Reflexology on Hospital Anxiety and Depression in Female Older Adults: a Randomized Controlled Trial. By Tahereh Bahrami, MScN, Nahid Rejeh, PhD, MScN, BScN, Majideh Heravi-Karimooi, PhD, MScN, BScN, Seyed Davood Tadrisi, MScN, and Mojtaba Vaismoradi, PhD, MScN, BScN. Int J Ther Massage Bodywork. 2019 Sep; 12(3): 16–21. PMCID: PMC6715326 PMID: 31489059
Foot reflexology massage reduced both anxiety (F(1.44)=19.11, p = .001) and depression (F(1.44)=16.76, p = .001) in acute coronary patients relative to control patients. The intervention had a large effect on hospital anxiety and depression. Conclusions: Foot reflexology massage is an efficient and safe intervention for alleviating psychological responses among female older adults suffering from acute coronary syndrome during hospitalization.
BREAST CANCER, SLEEP, STRESS, HOT FLUSHES & SWEATS, WOMEN
A Prospective Cohort Study on the Impact of Reflexology in Patients with Breast Cancer Using the MYCaW Scale. By Ayush K Kapila, Allison Herd, Natalie Knife, Pauly Chaplin, Ashraf Patel. Clin Breast Cancer. 2019 Apr; 19(2):e319-e326. PMID: 30691931 DOI: 10.1016/j.clbc.2018.12.007 .
Patients with poor energy level, sleep problems, stress and tension, and hot flushes and sweats experienced the most improvement in their concerns. Conclusions: Our findings show that reflexology has significantly improved patient-reported outcomes using the MYCaW scale. These findings are encouraging and reflect that increased attention to strategies focusing on improving psychological well-being can help patients in managing their symptoms.
PSYCHOLOGICAL FACTORS, EEG ACTIVITY, HAND & FOOT MASSAGE, SENIORS
Effect of Hand and Foot Massage Therapy on Psychological Factors and EEG Activity in Elderly People Requiring Long-Term Care: A Randomized Cross-Over Study. By Hideki Nakano, Takayuki Kodama, Tomohiro Ueda, Ikuko Mori, Tomiko Tani, Shin Murata. Brain Sci. 2019 Mar 4; 9(3):54. PMID: 30836612 PMCID: PMC6468439 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci9030054.
This study suggests that hand and foot massage therapy modulate psychological factors and EEG activity in elderly people requiring long-term care.
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 Soheili, Fatemeh Nazari, Vahid 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.
DEPRESSION, STRESS, BLOOD PRESSURE, BLOOD GLUCOSE, FOOT MASSAGE, WOMEN
Effects of Combined Foot Massage and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy on the Stress Response in Middle-Aged Women. By Young Mi Lee, Young Ran Yeun. J Altern Complement Med. 2017 Jun; 23(6):445-450. PMID: 28467116 DOI: 10.1089/acm.2016.0421
Combined self-administered foot massage and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy led to reductions in depression, stress, systolic blood pressure, and blood glucose levels. Therefore, the intervention could be an effective means of reducing the stress response in middle-aged women.
2016
OVERACTIVE BLADDER, DEPRESSION, QUALITY OF LIFE, WOMEN
Effect of Reflexology to Depressive Symptoms in Women With Overactive Bladder. By Yasemin Aydın Kartal, Ergul Aslan, Onay Yalcin. September 2016. Holistic Nursing Practice 30(5):294-300. DOI: 10. 1097 /HNP .0000000000000166
Study findings included in the study showed foot reflexology as a part of overactive bladder treatment relieved urinary and depressive symptoms and had a positive effect on quality of life.
FOOT MASSAGE, FOOT BATH, SCHIZOPHRENIA PATIENTS
Research on the Effect of the Foot Bath and Foot Massage on Residual Schizophrenia Patients. By Kazuko Kito, Keiko Suzuki. Published by Archives of Psychiatric Nursing, VOLUME 30, ISSUE 3, P375-381, January 09, 2016. DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apnu.2016.01.002
The results of the two measurements indicate that foot baths and massages were effective in improving psychiatric symptoms.
2015
FATIGUE, STRESS, DEPRESSION, POSTPARTUM WOMEN
Effects of Foot-Reflexology Massage on Fatigue, Stress and Postpartum Depression in Postpartum Women. [Article in Ko] By Mi Son Choi, Eun Ja Lee. J Korean Acad Nurs. 2015 Aug; 45(4):587-94. PMID: 26364533 DOI: 10.4040/jkan.2015.45.4.587
The results show that the foot reflexology massage is an effective nursing intervention to relieve fatigue, stress, and depression for postpartum women.
ANXIETY, DEPRESSION, PAIN, EAR ACUPRESSURE, DEMENTIA, SENIORS
The effects of ear acupressure, massage therapy and no therapy on symptoms of dementia: a randomized controlled trial. By Juan Rodríguez-Mansilla, María Victoria González López-Arza, Enrique Varela-Donoso, Jesús Montanero-Fernández, Blanca González Sánchez, Elisa María Garrido-Ardila. Clin Rehabil. 2015 Jul; 29(7):683-93. PMID: 25322869 DOI: 10.1177/0269215514554240.
Ear acupressure and massage therapy showed better results than the control group in relation to pain, anxiety and depression. However, ear acupressure achieved more improvements.
2012
CANCER, ANXIETY, DEPRESSION, PERIPHERAL NEUROPATHY
The Effects of Foot Reflexology on Peripheral Neuropathy, Symptom Distress, Anxiety and Depression in Cancer Patients Treated with Oxaliplatin. By Lee SY, Ham YH, Ok ON, Kim EJ, Kwon IG, Hwang MS, Cho MS. Pub. by Asian Oncol Nurs. 2012 Dec;12(4):305-313. https://doi.org/10.5388/aon.2012.12.4.305
The experimental group who received foot reflexology experienced less peripheral neuropathy and symptom distress than the control group. There was no difference in anxiety and depression between the experimental and control group. Conclusion: The foot reflexology program adopted in this study was found to be an effective method to reduce peripheral neuropathy and symptom distress. We recommend foot reflexology for patients with chemotherapy induced peripheral neuropathy.
2014
STRESS, FOOT MASSAGE, DEMENTIA
Foot massage and physiological stress in people with dementia: a randomized controlled trial. By Wendy Moyle, Marie Louise Cooke, Elizabeth Beattie, David H K Shum, Siobhan T O'Dwyer, Sue Barrett, Billy Sung. J Altern Complement Med. 2014 Apr; 20(4):305-11. PMID: 24047244 PMCID: PMC3994911 DOI: 10.1089/acm.2013.0177
While the findings do not provide strong support for foot massage, the finding that both conditions allowed the person with dementia to rest in the presence of another human being is of importance in the care of people with dementia. The close presence of another person may in fact promote relaxation and therefore improve BP and HR measures.
2013
ANXIETY, MOOD, BLOOD PRESSURE, LONG TERM CARE STAFF
The effect of foot massage on long-term care staff working with older people with dementia: a pilot, parallel group, randomized controlled trial. By Wendy Moyle, Marie Cooke, Siobhan T O'Dwyer, Jenny Murfield, Amy Johnston, Billy Sung. BMC Nurs. 2013 Feb 18; 12:5. PMID: 23414448 PMCID: PMC3598869 DOI: 10.1186/1472-6955-12-5.
The pilot demonstrated the foot massage intervention showed trends in improved mood, reduced anxiety and lower blood pressure in long-term care staff working with older people with dementia. A larger study is needed to build on these promising, but preliminary, findings.
2010
BREAST CANCER, QUALITY OF LIFE, PSYCHOLOGICAL EFFECTS
A randomised, controlled trial of the psychological effects of reflexology in early breast cancer. By Donald M Sharp Mary B Walker, Amulya Chaturvedi, Sunil Upadhyay, Abdel Hamid, Andrew A Walker, Julie S Bateman, Fiona Braid, Karen Ellwood, Claire Hebblewhite, Teresa Hope, Michael Lines, Leslie G Walker. Eur J Cancer. 2010 Jan; 46(2):312-22. PMID: 19906525 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejca.2009.10.006
When compared to self-initiated support, reflexology and massage have statistically significant, and, for reflexology, clinically worthwhile, effects on quality of life following surgery for early breast carcinoma.
2006
DEPRESSION, STRESS, IMMUNE, WOMEN
Effect of Self-Foot Reflexology massage on Depression, Stress Responses and Immune Functions of Middle Aged Women. By Yun Mi Lee. Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing Feb. 2006; 36(1): 179-188. DOI: https://doi.org/10.4040/jkan.2006.36.1.179
There was a statistically significant difference in depression, perceived stress, systolic blood pressure, natural-killer cells and Ig G. However, there was not a statistically significant difference in dyastolic blood pressure, pulse or serum cortisol. Conclusion: These results suggest that a self-foot reflexology massage could be utilized as an effective nursing intervention to reduce depression and stress responses, and to strengthen immune systems in middle-aged women.
2003
DIABETES MELLITUS, PULSE RATE, FATIGUE, MOOD STATUS, BLOOD GLUCOSE LEVELS
Effect of Foot Reflex Massage on Stress Responses, and Glucose Level of Non-Insulin Dependant Diabetes Mellitus Patients. By Kim KS., Korean J Rehabil Nurs. 2003 Dec 6 (2) 152-163.
Foot reflexology is shown to improve pulse rate, general fatigue, foot fatigue and mood status in diabetes patients. Further research is needed to explore the effect of decreasing of blood glucose levels.
2002
PSYCHOLOGICAL SYMPTOMS, MENOPAUSE, WOMEN
Randomised controlled trial of reflexology for menopausal symptoms. By Jan Williamson, Adrian White, Anna Hart, Edzard Ernst. BJOG 2002 Sep; 109(9):1050-5. PMID: 12269681 DOI: 10.1111/j.1471-0528.2002.01504.x
Foot reflexology was not shown to be more effective than non-specific foot massage in the treatment of psychological symptoms occurring during the menopause.
CANCER, QUALITY OF LIFE, PSYCHOLOGICAL
Clients' perceptions of the benefits of reflexology on their quality of life. By S Wright, U Courtney, C Donnelly, T Kenny, C Lavin. Complement Ther Nurs Midwifery. 2002 May; 8(2):69-76. PMID: 12188160 DOI: 10.1054/ctnm.2001.0593
Reflexology interventions were perceived to impact positively upon clients' levels of impairment and functional status, including physical and psychological function, with implications for general health perceptions. The paper discusses how these findings might form the basis of further, more rigourous evaluation of the benefits of reflexology for people with cancer at ARC Cancer Support Centre.
PSYCHOLOGICAL WELLBEING, CARDIAC SURGERY
The impact of foot massage and guided relaxation following cardiac surgery: a randomized controlled trial. By Jennifer Hattan, Lindy King, Peter Griffiths. J Adv Nurs. 2002 Jan; 37(2):199-207. PMID: 11851788 DOI: 10.1046/j.1365-2648.2002.02083.x
There was a clear (nonsignificant) trend across all psychological variables for both foot massage and, to a lesser extent, guided relaxation to improve psychological wellbeing. Both interventions were well received by the subjects. Conclusions: These interventions appear to be effective, non-invasive techniques for promoting psychological wellbeing in this patient group. Further investigation is indicated.
2001
HAND MASSAGE, PSYCHOLOGICAL & PHYSIOLOGICAL ANXIETY, CATARACT SURGERY
Effects of hand massage on anxiety in cataract surgery using local anesthesia. By M S Kim, K S Cho, H Woo, J H Kim. J Cataract Refract Surg. 2001 Jun; 27(6):884-90. PMID: 11408136 DOI: 10.1016/s0886-3350(00)00730-6
The findings indicate that hand massage decreases the psychological and physiological anxiety levels in patients having cataract surgery under local anesthesia.
SERIOUS MENTAL ILLNESS,
Can Reflexology Help Clients With Serious Mental Illness? By Denise Boyd, Catherine Evans and Vari Drennan. Mental Health Nursing- London- Community Psychiatric Nurses Association. 2001 Vol 21; Part 6, page(s) 14-17.
A discussion of the benefits of reflexology for patients with serious mental health problems.
1993
SENILE DEMENTIA, SENIORS
Foot Reflexology Therapy in Senile Dementia: Report of 2 Cases. By Meng, G., and Zhao, L., 1993 China Reflexology Symposium Report, Beijing , China Reflexology Association, page 14.
Foot reflexology has been shown to be effective in improving some of the symptoms associated with senile dementia.
NEUROSISM (NERVOUS EXHAUSTION), INSOMNIA, HEADACHES
Foot reflexology in neurosism: Clinical Observation of 20 cases. By Duan Shuang-Feng. Presented at the China reflexology symposium in Beijing (July 1993).
The results were quite remarkable: 40% experienced complete ‘cure’, further 35% had greatly improved, and a further 15% had mildly improved. Only 10% showed no change at all to the treatment.