A randomized clinical trial on the effect of foot reflexology performed in the fourth stage of labor on uterine afterpain.

Q: Does reflexology help with pregnancy?

For women considering reflexology after childbirth, this study suggests it may help reduce uterine afterpains more effectively than general massage. Reflexology could be a beneficial non-pharmacological option for managing discomfort in the postpartum period.

Q: How strong is this evidence?

This is a randomised trial and we rate its evidence moderate. It covers 80 participants. It was published in BMC pregnancy and childbirth, a Q2 journal. Reflexology is a complementary therapy, not a replacement for medical treatment.

Q: What are the limitations of this study?

The study was conducted at two hospitals in Iran, and the sample may not be representative of all postpartum women. Additionally, the single-blind design may introduce bias.

Authors: Neda Sharifi, Narjes Bahri, Fatemeh Hadizadeh-Talasaz, Hoda Azizi, Hossein Nezami, Hamid Reza TohidinikJournal: BMC pregnancy and childbirthPublished: February 8, 2022DOI: 10.1186/s12884-022-04376-w

Q2 JournalSJR: 1.123h-index: 50SCImago

Moderate EvidenceRandomized Controlled Trialn=80 participants

Pregnancy Discomfort

In Plain Language: reflexology for pregnancy, explained

A study investigated the impact of foot reflexology on uterine afterpains among women who had just given birth. The findings indicated that women who received reflexology experienced significantly lower pain scores at three and four hours postpartum compared to those who only received a general massage. This suggests reflexology could be an effective non-drug treatment option for alleviating afterpains, which is important for postpartum care.

Key Findings: what this randomised trial found about pregnancy

✓Reflexology group had significantly lower pain scores at 3 hours postpartum (P < 0.001)
✓Reflexology group had significantly lower pain scores at 4 hours postpartum (P < 0.001)
✓Median afterpain score did not differ significantly in the first 2 hours postpartum (P = 0.05 and P = 0.274 respectively)
✓The mean total afterpain score over 4 hours was significantly lower in the reflexology group (P < 0.001)

What This Means for You

For women considering reflexology after childbirth, this study suggests it may help reduce uterine afterpains more effectively than general massage. Reflexology could be a beneficial non-pharmacological option for managing discomfort in the postpartum period.

What This Means for Practitioners

Reflexology practitioners can consider incorporating techniques targeting specific points on the feet, such as those associated with the uterus, pituitary gland, and solar plexus, to help clients manage afterpain following vaginal delivery.

Study Design: how this randomised trial was run

Blinding

single blind

Control

active

Duration

4 hours

Sample Size

80 participants

Limitations: what it cannot tell you about pregnancy

The study was conducted at two hospitals in Iran, and the sample may not be representative of all postpartum women. Additionally, the single-blind design may introduce bias.

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Reflexology for pregnancy: common questions

Does reflexology help with pregnancy?

What did this study find?

Reflexology group had significantly lower pain scores at 3 hours postpartum (P < 0.001). Reflexology group had significantly lower pain scores at 4 hours postpartum (P < 0.001). Median afterpain score did not differ significantly in the first 2 hours postpartum (P = 0.05 and P = 0.274 respectively).

How strong is this evidence?

This is a randomised trial and we rate its evidence moderate. It covers 80 participants. It was published in BMC pregnancy and childbirth, a Q2 journal. Reflexology is a complementary therapy, not a replacement for medical treatment.

What are the limitations of this study?

The study was conducted at two hospitals in Iran, and the sample may not be representative of all postpartum women. Additionally, the single-blind design may introduce bias.