REFLEXOLOGY RESEARCH – RESPIRATORY CONDITIONS
2023
ACUTE RHINOSINUSITIS,
Reflexology for acute rhinosinusitis - Results from a blinded, early-phase comparative trial. By Arne Johan Norheim, Vinjar Magne Fønnebø, John Petter Lindeland, Terje Varpe, Trine Stub, Catarina Bigset, Agnete Egilsdatter Kristoffersen. Pub. by Explore (NY). 2023 Jan-Feb;19(1):36-41. PMID: 35961842 DOI: 10.1016/j.explore.2022.08.002
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.
2022
PAIN, BLOOD PRESSURE, RESPIRATORY RATE, PATIENT SATISFACTION, ABDOMINAL SURGERY
A randomized controlled trial of reflexology effect after abdominal surgery on patient satisfaction, pain and vital signs. By Gürkan Kapıkıran, Semra Bulbuloglu, Huseyin Gunes, Serdar Saritaş, Bilsev Demir. Pub. by Explore (NY). 2022 Oct 27;S1550-8307(22)00201-4. PMID: 36335059 DOI: 10.1016/j.explore.2022.10.017
The results of our study emphasize the power of reflexology in effective surgical pain management and normalizing vital signs and increasing patient satisfaction. We suggest that reflexology be performed to patients following abdominal surgery.
FATIGUE, PERIPHERAL NEUROPATHY, TUBERCULOSIS
Effectiveness of Foot reflexology on level of fatigue among peripheral neuropathy, patient with Tuberculosis. By Tejeshwari B V, G.Bhuvaneswari, B.G.Parasuramalu, R.Vijayaraghavan. Pub. by Cardiometry; Special issue No. 25; December 2022; p. 121-128; DOI: 10.18137/cardiometry.2022.25.121128; Available from: http:// www.cardiometry.net/issues/no25-december-2022/effectiveness-foot-reflexology Introduction.
The study concluded that the foot reflexology of anti-tuberculosis drug-induced peripheral neuropathy among Tuberculosis patients from selected community area, Ramanagara Taluk & District, Karnataka carried out the study was found to be effective in decreasing the fatigue levels among peripheral neuropathy in person with Tuberculosis patients as evidenced by the significant change between pre-test and post-test scores.
QUALITY OF LIFE, SLEEP, OBESITY HYPOVENTILATION SYNDROME, SENIORS
Comparing the influence of foot reflexology and fasting mimicking diet on quality of life and sleep quality in obesity hypoventilation syndrome. By Rana Hesham Mohamed Elbanna, Sherif Osama Abdelsalam Elabd, Salma Ibrahim Abdelmohsen Alghitany. Pub. by J Complement Integr Med. 2022 Sep 30. PMID: 36173670 DOI: 10.1515/jcim-2022-0172.
Reflexology and a fasting-mimicking diet were found to have a substantial impact on enhancing the quality of life and sleep in people with obesity hypoventilation syndrome.
BLOOD PRESSURE, HEART RATE, RESPIRATORY RATE, PULSE OXYGEN SATURATION.
The Effects of Foot Reflexology on Vital Signs: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. By Yunyan Jing, Shanxin Liu, Chunqi Pan, Ying Jian, Mingwei Wang, Bin Ni. Pub. by Evid Based Complement Alternat Med 2022 Sep 13;2022:4182420. PMID: 36147645 PMCID: PMC9489354 DOI: 10.1155/2022/4182420
Short-term followup results showed that foot reflexology exerted significant positive effects on vital signs, reduced blood pressure, heart rate, and respiratory rate and increased pulse oxygen saturation.
RESPIRATORY DISTRESS SYNDROME, FOOT AND HAND REFLEXOLOGY, PREMATURE INFANTS
Comparison of the Effect of Foot and Palm Reflexology Massage on Respiratory Distress Syndrome in Premature Infants under Noninvasive Ventilation. By Aysan Miralizadeh, Akram Peyman, Neda Jamali Soltani, Tahereh Ashktorab. Pub. by Complement Med Res. 2022;29(2):100-108. PMID: 34818220 DOI: 10.1159/000517982
The reflexology massage method, especially palm reflexology massage, contributes to the mitigation of respiratory distress in preterm infants subjected to noninvasive ventilation. Hence, this low-cost and efficient intervention program can be recommended as a complementary method for preterm infants with respiratory distress.
2020
ASTHMA, QUALITY OF LIFE
Evaluating the effect on asthma quality of life of added reflexology or homeopathy to conventional asthma management - an investigator-blinded, randomised, controlled parallel group study. By Ayfer Topcu, Anders Løkke, Leila Eriksen, Lars Peter Nielsen, Ronald Dahl. Eur Clin Respir J. 2020 Jul 14; 7(1):1793526. PMID: 32944201 PMCID: PMC7480456 DOI: 10.1080/20018525.2020.1793526
Minor improvements in the asthma quality of life questionnaire (AQLQ) score were observed in all three groups. However, no statistically significant changes in AQLQ scores were seen within or between groups. Likewise, secondary outcomes did not differ between groups. In this study, the addition of homeopathy or reflexology to conventional treatment did not result in improved quality of life in asthma.
CHEMO-THERAPY INDUCED NAUSEA, VOMITTING, DIGESTIVE SYSTEM or LUNG CANCER
The Effects of Foot Reflexology on Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting in Patients with Digestive System or Lung Cancer: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial. By Audrey Murat-Ringot, Pierre Jean Souquet, MD, Marion Chauvenet, MD, Charlotte Rentler, BA, Fabien Subtil, PhD, Anne-Marie Schott, PhD, MD, Marie Preau, PhD, and Vincent Piriou, PhD, MD. Pub. by JMIR Res Protoc. 2020 Jul; 9(7): e17232. doi: 10.2196/17232 PMCID: PMC7388046 PMID: 32449505.
The lack of knowledge regarding the efficacy and safety of foot reflexology limits oncologists to recommend it for this use. This study will provide evidence of the benefits of foot reflexology. If efficacy is confirmed, foot reflexology may be a promising complement to conventional antiemetic drugs.
2017
ANXIETY, PHYSIOLOGICAL PARAMETERS, BRONCHOSCOPY
The effects of foot reflexology on anxiety and physiological parameters among candidates for bronchoscopy: A randomized controlled trial. By Hooman Shahsavari, Marzieh Ebrahimi Eshrat Abad, Mir Saeed Yekaninejad. European Journal of Integrative Medicine, 10.1016/j.eujim.2017.05.008, 12, (177-181), (2017).
Foot reflexology alleviates anxiety and improves physiological parameters among the candidates for bronchoscopy. Consequently, it may be used as a non-invasive non-pharmacological remedy for subjects who are on the waiting lists for invasive diagnostic procedures such as bronchoscopy.
FATIGUE, DYSPNEA (SHORTNESS OF BREATH), CHRONIC OBSTRUCTIVE PULMONARY DISEASE (COPD)
The Effect of Reflexology Applied to Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease on Dyspnea and Fatigue. By Hatice Polat, Seher Ergüney. Rehabil Nurs. Jan/Feb 2017; 42(1):14-21. PMID: 26956942 DOI: 10.1002/rnj.266.
It was determined that the reflexology reduced dyspnea and fatigue in patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
2016
ASTHMA,
Effect of Foot Reflexology and Olive Oil Foot Massage on Asthma Control. By Dashti, Seemin & Shahmari, Mehraban & Mirza Aghazadeh Attari, Ahmad & Mirzaaghazadeh, Mohammad. (2016). Pub. by Global Journal of Health Science. 8. 53-59. 10.5539/gjhs.v8n12p53.
Significant difference was seen in Asthma Control mean scores for both of reflexology and foot massage groups at the baseline and after the intervention (p<0.01). There was no significant difference between R and O groups in their asthma control mean scores at the end of the intervention. The results showed that foot reflexology and olive oil foot massage could improve the asthma control. Further study is needed on the interaction of these two interventions, to compare them with the use of specific drug treatments, and to investigate the effect of olive oil absorption on asthma.
2014
ANXIETY, SEDATION, MECHANICAL VENTILATION PATIENTS
Reflexology: its effects on physiological anxiety signs and sedation needs. By Esra Akin Korhan Leyla Khorshid, Mehmet Uyar. Holist Nurs Pract. Jan-Feb 2014; 28(1):6-23. PMID: 24304626 DOI: 10.1097/HNP.0000000000000007.
Reflexology can serve as an effective method of decreasing the physiological signs of anxiety and the required level of sedation in patients receiving mechanically ventilated support. Nurses who have appropriate training and certification may include reflexology in routine care to reduce the physiological signs of anxiety of patients receiving mechanical ventilation.
2002
SLEEP, RESPIRATORY, DIGESTION, CHILDREN
Analysis of the Effect of Reflexotherapy on Preserving Children’s Health. By Xiaoquan, W. 2002 China Reflexology Symposium Report, pages 43-44.
The results showed that reflexology health-care improved appetite and sleep to the children markedly. Growth of the children was accelerated both in terms of height and weight. Incidence of Upper Respiratory tract infection was lower in the Reflexology Group and the duration of the illness was shorter. The result also showed that the incidence of digestive problems was lower in the Reflexology Group compared to the Control Group and the duration of the illness was shorter.
ASTHMA
Zone therapy and asthma. [Article in Danish]. By Thor Brygge, John Hilligsøe Heinig, Philippa Collins, Steen Meier Rønborg, Poul Martin Gehrchen, Jørgen Hilden, Steffen Heegaard, Lars Kaergaard Poulsen. Ugeskr Laeger. 2002 Apr 29; 164(18):2405-10. PMID: 12024846
Objective lung function tests did not change. Subjective scores and bronchial sensitivity to histamine improved on both regimens, but no differences were found in the groups receiving active or placebo reflexology. However, a trend in favour of reflexology became significant when a supplementary analysis of symptom diaries was carried out. At the same time a significant pattern compatible with subconscious un-blinding was found.
2001
CHRONIC SINUSITIS
Nasal irrigation for the alleviation of sinonasal symptoms. By D G Heatley, K E McConnell, T L Kille, G E Leverson. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2001 Jul; 125(1):44-8. PMID: 11458213 DOI: 10.1067/mhn.2001.115909
Daily nasal irrigation using either a bulb syringe, nasal irrigation pot, and daily reflexology massage were equally efficacious and resulted in improvement in the symptoms of chronic sinusitis in over 70% of subjects. Medication usage was decreased in approximately one third of participants regardless of intervention.
ASTHMA,
Reflexology and bronchial asthma. By T Brygge, J H Heinig, P Collins, S Ronborg, P M Gehrchen, J Hilden, S Heegaard, L K Poulsen. Respir Med. 2001 Mar; 95(3):173-9. PMID: 11266233 DOI: 10.1053/rmed.2000.0975
No evidence was found that reflexology has a specific effect on asthma beyond placebo influence.
1999
HEART RATE, BLOOD PRESSURE, RESPIRATION
Immediate effects of a five-minute foot massage on patients in critical care. By J Hayes, C Cox. Intensive Crit Care Nurs. 1999 Apr; 15(2):77-82. PMID: 10595045 DOI: 10.1016/s0964-3397(99)80003-2
Results indicated foot massage had the potential effect of increasing relaxation as evidenced by physiological changes during the brief intervention administered to critically ill patients in intensive care.
1996
AMNIOTIC FLUID ASPIRATION PNEUMONIA, INFANTS
Clinical Report of 18 Cases of Infant Amniotic Fluid Aspiration Pneumonia Treated with Foot Massotherapy. By ADuanmu, H., 1996 China Reflexology Symposium Report, Beijing, China Reflexology Association, pages 15-16.
Foot reflexology was found to be effective in the relief of the symptoms of amniotic fluid aspiration pneumonia.
OBESITY, HYPOVENTILATION SYNDROME, CARDIOVASCULAR SYNDROME, ENDOCRINE, DIGESTIVE
Effects of Foot Reflexotherapy on Obesity - Related Syndromes. By Sun, J. 1996 China Reflexology Symposium Report, Beijing: China Reflexology Association, pages 122-124.
Results: those with hypoventilation and cardiac problems (15 patients) were relieved 100%; those with endocrine problems (12 patients) 91%; those with digestive problems 100%. Foot reflexology combined with magnetic beads on ear reflexology points, was found to be effective for the relief of obesity-related syndromes.
INFANTILE PNEUMONIA, FOOT MASSAGE
Observation of 58 Infantile Pneumonia by Combined Method of Medication with Foot Massage, A Clinical Analysis of 132 Cases. By Liang-cai, Pei, 1996 Beijing International Reflexology Conference (Report), China Preventive Medical Association and the Chinese Society of Reflexology, Beijing, 1996, p. 34
Infants who receive both medication and reflexology recovered from infantile pneumonia more quickly than on medication alone.
PNEUMONIA, CHILDREN
Observation on Treatment of 58 Infantile Pneumonia by Combined Method of Medication with Foot Massage. By Liang-cai, Pei, 1996 Beijing International Reflexology Conference (Report), China Preventive Medical Association and the Chinese Society of Reflexology, Beijing, 1996, p. 34.
It was concluded that the treatment course is shorter and effect better in combined medication and foot massage group.
PNEUMONIA, BRONCHITIS, CHILDREN
Perspectives of foot reflex based on foot massage for treatment of pneumonia and bronchitis in childhood. By Hui-ming, Wu, 1996 Beijing International Reflexology Conference (Report), the China Preventive Medical Association and the Chinese Society of Reflexology, Beijing, p. 42.
Three different methods were used to work with pneumonia and bronchitis in children. Foot reflexology was utilized in 103 cases, antibiotics in 40 cases and antibiotica with Chinese herbs in 68 cases. Foot reflexology was found to be more effective than either of the others.
1992
ASTHMA
Foot zone therapy and bronchial asthma--a controlled clinical trial. [Article in Danish] By L N Petersen, P Faurschou, O T Olsen, U G Svendsen. Pub by Ugeskr Laeger. 1992 Jul 20;154(30):2065-8. PMID: 1509577.
Decrease in consumption of beta-2-agonists and increase in peak-flow levels were observed in the group which had received foot zone therapy, but the same changes were observed in the control group. The authors do not find that this investigation demonstrates that foot zone therapy is of effect on the disease bronchial asthma. They conclude, however, that the favourable effect in both of the groups are due to increased care and control which occurred in both patient groups.