Comparing the effects of reflexology methods and Ibuprofen administration on dysmenorrhea in female students of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences
Moderate EvidenceIn Plain Language: reflexology for menstrual cramps, explained
Dysmenorrhea or menstrual pain is one of the most common disorders experienced by 50% of women in their reproductive age. Adverse effects of medical treatments and its failure rate of 20-25% have caused many women to seek other complementary and alternative treatment methods for primary dysmenorrhea. Hence, this study aimed to compare and determine the efficacy of reflexology and Ibuprofen on reduction of pain intensity and duration of menstrual pain. This was a quasi-experimental clinical trial study on 68 students with primary dysmenorrhea living in Isfahan University of Medical Sciences' dormitories. Simple random sampling was done considering the inclusion criteria and then the students were randomly divided into two groups. In the reflexology group, the subjects received 10 reflexology sessions (40 minutes each) in two consecutive mense cycles. The Ibuprofen group received Ibuprofen (400 mg), once every eight hours for 3 days during 3 consecutive mense cycles. To assess the severity of dysmenorrhea, Standard McGill Pain Questionnaire, visual analog scale (VAS) and pain rating index (PRI) were used in this study. Findings of the study showed that the two groups had no statistically significant difference in terms of demographic characteristics (p > 0.05). Reflexology method was associated with more reduction of intensity and duration of menstrual pain in comparison with Ibuprofen therapy. Independent and Paired t-test showed that there was a significant difference in the two groups between intensity and duration of menstrual pain using VAS and PRI in each of the 3 cycles between reflexology and Ibuprofen groups (p < 0.05). Considering the results of the study, reflexology was superior to Ibuprofen on reducing dysmenorrhea and its treatment effect continued even after discontinuing the intervention in the third cycle. Therefore, considering that reflexology is a non-invasive, easy and cheap technique, it seems that it can replace anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID
Key Findings: what this observational study found about menstrual cramps
- ✓Reflexology was compared as an alternative treatment to Ibuprofen for primary dysmenorrhea in female university students.
- ✓The reflexology group received 10 sessions of 40-minute treatments over two menstrual cycles, while the Ibuprofen group received 400 mg doses every eight hours for three days across three consecutive cycles.
- ✓The study addresses the need for complementary treatments given that standard medical interventions for dysmenorrhea have a 20-25% failure rate and adverse effects.
What This Means for You
While this study suggests reflexology may help with menstrual pain better than ibuprofen, the evidence is moderate quality and more research is needed before considering it a primary treatment option.
What This Means for Practitioners
This quasi-experimental study provides encouraging evidence that 10 reflexology sessions over two menstrual cycles may reduce menstrual pain more effectively than standard pharmaceutical treatment, supporting reflexology's use as a complementary approach for dysmenorrhea.
Study Design: how this observational study was run
Reflexology for menstrual cramps: common questions
Does reflexology help with menstrual cramps?
While this study suggests reflexology may help with menstrual pain better than ibuprofen, the evidence is moderate quality and more research is needed before considering it a primary treatment option.
What did this study find?
Reflexology was compared as an alternative treatment to Ibuprofen for primary dysmenorrhea in female university students. The reflexology group received 10 sessions of 40-minute treatments over two menstrual cycles, while the Ibuprofen group received 400 mg doses every eight hours for three days across three consecutive cycles. The study addresses the need for complementary treatments given that standard medical interventions for dysmenorrhea have a 20-25% failure rate and adverse effects.
How strong is this evidence?
This is a observational study and we rate its evidence moderate. It covers 68 participants. It was published in Iranian journal of nursing and midwifery research, a Q1 journal. Reflexology is a complementary therapy, not a replacement for medical treatment.
Related Research
Comparison of Reflexology and Connective Tissue Manipulation in Participants with Primary Dysmenorrhea
[The effect of self-foot reflexology on the relief of premenstrual syndrome and dysmenorrhea in high school girls]
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