REFLEXOLOGY RESEARCH – STRESS (See also Anxiety)
2024
STRESS, ENERGY, PAIN, WOMEN, BREAST CANCER.
Reflexology as an Integrative Approach to Improve Stress, Energy, and Pain in Women Receiving Radiotherapy for Breast Cancer. By H.D. Zinkin, K. Kostroff, D. Dimisa, R. Hausen, J. Christophers, D. McElligot, M. Akerman, L. Potters. Pub. by International Journal of Radiation Oncology*Biology*Physics. Volume 120, Issue 2, Supplement. 2024. Page e423. ISSN 0360-3016. https://doi.org/10.1016 /j.ijrobp. 2024.07.944.
Stress was reduced by 40.0%, pain decreased by 24.0%, energy increased by 33.3 % and overall feeling of well-being improved by 33.3% (Wilcoxon signed rank test, p < 0.0001 for all measures). Many patients also reported improvement in chemotherapy induced neuropathic pain. The service was so well received by patients that the funding has been renewed.
MENOPAUSE, STRESS, SLEEP, AURICULAR ACUPRESSURE, WOMEN
The Effects of Auricular Acupressure on Menopausal Symptoms, Stress, and Sleep in Postmenopausal Middle-Aged Women: A Randomized Single-Blind Sham-Controlled Trial. By Bomi Kim, Hyojung Park. Pub. by J Midwifery Womens Health. 2024 Jan-Feb;69(1):41-51. PMID: 37549976 DOI: 10.1111/jmwh.13554
This study demonstrated that auricular acupressure is effective in improving menopause symptoms, stress, and sleep in postmenopausal middle-aged women. Therefore, auricular acupressure may be a useful nonpharmacologic intervention for alleviating these symptoms in this population.
2023
BLOOD PRESSURE, STRESS, SLEEP, HYPERTENSION, SENIORS, AURICULAR ACUPRESSURE
The effects of auricular acupressure on blood pressure, stress, and sleep in elders with essential hypertension: a randomized single-blind sham-controlled trial. By Bomi Kim, Hyojung Park. Pub. by Eur J Cardiovasc Nurs. 2023 Sep 5;22(6):610-619. PMID: 36594992 DOI: 10.1093/eurjcn/zvad005
The findings showed that auricular acupressure leads to improvements in blood pressure, stress, and sleep in elderly people with essential hypertension. Therefore, auricular acupressure can be used as an alternative nursing intervention for hypertension prevention, stress, and sleep management.
2022
BLOOD PRESSURE, STRESS, AROMATHERAPY, HYPERTENSION
The Effect of Aromatherapy on Blood Pressure and Stress Responses by Inhalation and Foot Massage in Patients With Essential Hypertension: Randomized Clinical Trial. By Saadet Can Çiçek, Şeyma Demir, Dilek Yılmaz, Aynur Açıkgöz, Sedat Yıldız, Özgür Mehmet Yis. Pub. by Holist Nurs Pract. 2022 Jul-Aug;36(4):209-222. PMID: 35708557 DOI: 10.1097/HNP.0000000000000526.
A 3-arm, parallel group, randomized clinical trial examines the effect of aromatherapy through inhalation and foot massage on blood pressure and stress response in patients with essential hypertension. Lavender oil reduced blood pressure, heart rate, serum cortisol, and subjective anxiety in hypertensive patients.
2021
ANXIETY, STRESS, CORTISOL LEVELS, CORONARY ANGIOPLASTY & ANGIOGRAPHY
The Effect of Foot Reflexology Applied Before Coronary Angiography and Percutaneous Transluminal Coronary Angioplasty on Anxiety, Stress, and Cortisol Levels of Individuals: A Randomized Controlled Trial. By Birgül Vural Doğru, Fisun ŞenuzunAykar, Yasemin Yıldırım, Oğuz Yavuzgil, Eser Sözmen, Hikmet Memmedov. J Cardiovasc Nurs. 2021 Sep-Oct 01; 36(5):461-469. PMID: 32530869 DOI: 10.1097/JCN.0000000000000700
The application of reflexology before coronary angiography and percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty reduces the levels of anxiety, stress, and cortisol without any side effects.
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 ('Measure Yourself Concerns and Wellbeing') 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.
BLOOD PRESSURE, HEART RATE, HYPERTENSIVE PATIENTS
The effects of foot reflexology on blood pressure and heart rate: A randomized clinical trial in stage‐2 hypertensive patients. By Praew Kotruchin, MD, PhD, Supap Imoun, MSN, Thapanawong Mitsungnern, MD, Patcharin Aountrai, MSN, Maneenuch Domthaisong, MSN, and Kazuomi Kario, MD, PhD. J Clin Hypertens (Greenwich). 2021 Mar; 23(3): 680–686. PMCID: PMC8029572 PMID: 33190420
Foot reflexology was effective in reducing heart rate in stage‐2 hypertensive patients and was partially effective in reducing blood pressure. It is noninvasive and can be performed in a short period of time as a complementary therapy.
2020
INFANT, COLIC, STRESS
A pilot study of parents' experiences of reflexology treatment for infants with colic in Finland. By Leena Hannula, Pauli Puukka, Marjut Asunmaa, Markku Mäkijärvi. Scand J Caring Sci. 2020 Dec; 34(4):861-870. PMID: 31747081 PMCID: PMC7754469 DOI: 10.1111/scs.12790
Reflexology treatment seems to be a safe and effective way to treat infants with colic when conducted by a health care professional with reflexology training and experience.
2019
PAIN, STRESS, CHEMOTHERAPY, BREAST CANCER, WOMEN
The effect of foot reflexology massage on the stress and neuropathic pain caused by chemotherapy in women with breast cancer and genitalia. By Khazaei T, Rezaei Mohabbati H, Sebzari A R, Hosseini M. J Birjand Univ Med Sci. April 2019; 26 (1) :4-12.
Foot reflexology massage as an effective intervention in safe and effective nursing can reduce the pain and stress of cancer patients. Due to its simplicity and low cost, it can be used as a complement to other nurses' usual treatments and care.
2017
FATIGUE, ANXIETY, STRESS, RELAXATION, HAND MASSAGE, CHEMOTHERAPY OUTPATIENTS
Hand Massage for Cancer Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy as Outpatients: A Pilot Study. By Susanne M Cutshall, Saswati Mahapatra, Rebecca S Hynes, Kimberly M Van Rooy, Sherry A Looker, Aditya Ghosh, Cathy D Schleck, Brent A Bauer, Dietlind L Wahner-Roedler. Explore (NY). Nov-Dec 2017; 13(6):393-399. PMID: 29097109 DOI: 10.1016/j.explore.2017.06.007
Significant improvement after hand massage was indicated by VAS scores for fatigue, anxiety, muscular discomfort, nervousness, stress, happiness, energy, relaxation, calmness, and emotional well-being. All patients indicated that they would recommend hand massage to other patients, and 37 were interested in receiving it during their next chemotherapy treatment.
STRESS
Fasciatherapy and Reflexology compared to Hypnosis and Music Therapy in Daily Stress Management. By Bernard Payrau , Nadine Quere, Elisabeth Breton, Christine Payrau. Int J Ther Massage Bodywork. 2017 Sep 13;10(3):4-13. PMID: 28912904 PMCID: PMC5593310 DOI: 10.3822/ijtmb.v10i3.368
The results suggest fasciatherapy DBM, hypnosis, and reflexology could be used as non-pharmacological and safe interventions in stress management. Though showing a lesser efficiency, music therapy could be useful in different circumstances.
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.
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.
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.
2012
PAIN, STRESS, CANCER, NURSING HOME SENIORS
Reflexology versus Swedish Massage to Reduce Physiologic Stress and Pain and Improve Mood in Nursing Home Residents with Cancer: A Pilot Trial. By Nancy A Hodgson, Doreen Lafferty. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2012; 2012: 456897. PMID: 22888364 PMCID: PMC3409545 DOI: 10.1155/2012/456897.
Both Reflexology and Swedish Massage resulted in significant declines in salivary cortisol and pain and improvements in mood. Conclusions. Preliminary data suggest that studies of Swedish Massage Therapy and Reflexology are feasible in this population of cancer survivors typically excluded from trials. Both interventions were well tolerated and produced measurable improvements in outcomes. Further research is needed to explore the mechanisms underlying the potential benefits of these CAM modalities in this patient population.
2011
STRESS, FATIGUE, SKIN TEMPERATURE, FEMALE UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS
Effects of self-foot reflexology on stress, fatigue, skin temperature and immune response in female undergraduate students. [Article in Ko]. By Young-Mee Lee. J Korean Acad Nurs. 2011 Feb; 41(1):110-8. PMID: 21516005 DOI: 10.4040/jkan.2011.41.1.110.
The results of this study indicate that self-foot reflexology is an effective nursing intervention in reducing perceived stress and fatigue and, in improving skin temperature. Therefore, it is recommended that this be used in clinical practice as an effective nursing intervention for female undergraduate students.
2010
AUTONOMIC NERVOUS SYSTEM ACTIVITY, STRESS, QI HAND REFLEXOLOGY
Effects of Qi Hand Reflexology on Autonomic Nervous System Activity and Physical Resistance to Stress in Inpatients. By Oh S.Y., Park O.S., Woo M.Y. Pub. by J. Korean Acad Fundam Nurs. 2010 Nov;17(4):531-538.
The results indicated that application of Qi hand reflexology for patients in the hospital is effective in regulating the autonomic nervous system activation. Implication of finding should be useful for future research.
2009
STRESS, FATIGUE, BLOOD CIRCULATION, PREMENOPAUSAL WOMEN
Effects of self-foot reflexology on stress, fatigue and blood circulation in premenopausal middle-aged women. [Article in Ko] By Soo Hyun Jang, Kye Ha Kim. J Korean Acad Nurs. 2009 Oct; 39(5):662-72. PMID: 19901496 DOI: 10.4040/jkan.2009.39.5.662
The results showed that self-foot reflexology was effective in reducing perceived stress and fatigue and helped blood circulation in premenopausal middle-aged women. Conclusion: Self-foot reflexology may be an effective nursing intervention in reducing perceived stress and fatigue and in improving blood circulation.
2008
STRESS, QUALITY OF LIFE, WORKPLACE
Using reflexology to manage stress in the workplace: a preliminary study. By Rhian C Atkins, Philip Harris. Complement Ther Clin Pract. 2008 Nov; 14(4):280-7. PMID: 18940715 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctcp.2008.05.005
The data suggested some trends towards improvement in perceived health and well-being following reflexology intervention. Improvements varied by participant and across the different measures. Conclusion: This study was limited by the size of the sample and the nature of the design, which cannot demonstrate cause and effect. The trends towards improvement associated with reflexology suggested that further research may be warranted.
2007
ANXIETY, CARDIOVASCULAR, SALIVORY CORTISOL, MELATONIN, STRESS
Evaluation of anxiety, salivary cortisol and melatonin secretion following reflexology treatment: a pilot study in healthy individuals. By A J McVicar, C R Greenwood, F Fewell, V D'Arcy, S Chandrasekharan, L C Alldridge. Complement Ther Clin Pract. 2007 Aug;13(3):137-45. PMID: 17631256 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctcp.2006.11.001
Reflexology had a powerful anxiety-reduction effect ('state'; P<0.001) but no significant effect on underlying anxiety ('trait'). Cardiovascular parameters decreased (P<0.001). Baseline salivary cortisol and melatonin were not significantly correlated with self reported anxiety scores and did not change significantly following reflexology. Reflexology reduced 'state' anxiety and cardiovascular activity within healthy individuals, consistent with stress-reduction.
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
ANXIETY, STRESS, AURICULAR ACUPRESSURE,
Auricular acupressure as a treatment for anxiety in prehospital transport settings. By Alexander Kober, Thomas Scheck, Barbara Schubert, Helmut Strasser, Burkhard Gustorff, Petra Bertalanffy, Shu-Ming Wang, Zeev N Kain, Klaus Hoerauf. Anesthesiology. 2003 Jun; 98(6):1328-32. PMID: 12766639 DOI: 10.1097/00000542-200306000-00005.
It was concluded that auricular acupressure is an effective treatment for anxiety in prehospital emergency settings.
2002
ANXIETY, TENSION, QUALITY OF LIFE, PALLIATIVE CARE
Evaluation of a hospice based reflexology service: a qualitative audit of patient perceptions. By Maureen Gambles, Maggie Crooke, Susie Wilkinson. Eur J Oncol Nurs. 2002 Mar; 6(1):37-44. PMID: 12849608 DOI: 10.1054/ejon.2001.0157
Patients' comments about the therapy and the service as a whole were overwhelmingly positive. They identified relaxation, relief from tension and anxiety, feelings of comfort and improved well-being as beneficial effects of their course of reflexology.