Effectiveness of Multi Interventional Package on Selected Parameters of Metabolic Syndrome among Women: A Pilot Study

Q: What does this study say about high blood pressure?

While this pilot study shows promising results for reflexology combined with diet and exercise for metabolic syndrome, larger and more rigorous studies are needed before drawing firm conclusions about its effectiveness.

Q: What did this study find?

The multi-interventional package (MIP) that included reflexology foot massage, dietary modification, moderate intensity exercise, and structured education was compared against lifestyle interventions alone over a 12-week period in women with metabolic syndrome. The study evaluated the effectiveness of interventions across three outcome domains: physiological parameters, biochemical parameters, and socio-psychological parameters in women with metabolic syndrome. A quasi-experimental design with 60 women distributed across two intervention groups and one control group was used to assess the comparative effectiveness of the MIP versus lifestyle interventions alone.

Q: How strong is this evidence?

This is a pilot study and we rate its evidence preliminary. It covers 60 participants. It was published in Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing, a Q3 journal. This study is indexed here for context; it did not test reflexology itself.

Authors: Elizabeth Attonassary Jose, Aruna Swaminathan, Mercy Parayidathil JosephJournal: Journal of Korean Academy of NursingPublished: August 1, 2020DOI: 10.4040/jkan.20012

Q3 JournalSJR: 0.25h-index: 25

Preliminary EvidencePilotn=60 participants

High Blood Pressure

In Plain Language: high blood pressure, explained

The purpose of the study was to compare the effectiveness of multi interventional package (MIP) and lifestyle interventions (LI) on physiological parameters of women with metabolic syndrome, to compare the effectiveness of MIP and LI on biochemical parameters of women with metabolic syndrome and to compare the effectiveness of MIP and LI on socio-psychological parameters of women with metabolic syndrome. A quasi experimental nonequivalent control group design with two experimental groups and one control group was used to collect data from 60 self-help group women. Samples were selected by multistage sampling. Reflexology foot massage, dietary modification, moderate intensity exercise and structured education were given to MIP group and dietary modification, moderate intensity exercise and structured education were given to LI group for 12 weeks. Control group received routine care. Demographic and clinical data sheets were used to collect basic information. Knowledge was assessed by a knowledge questionnaire. Physiological (weight, body mass index, waist circumference and blood pressure) and biochemical parameters (HDL, triglycerides and FBS) were assessed before and after the intervention. The study found significant change in the physiological and biochemical parameters of metabolic syndrome as well as knowledge among the MIP group and LI group compared to the control group (p < .001). MIP and LI are effective in controlling the parameters of metabolic syndrome. Hence the guidance may be provided to women with metabolic syndrome for adopting necessary lifestyle changes as well as reflexology foot massage to control the physiological and biochemical parameters of metabolic syndrome.

Key Findings: what this pilot study found about high blood pressure

✓The multi-interventional package (MIP) that included reflexology foot massage, dietary modification, moderate intensity exercise, and structured education was compared against lifestyle interventions alone over a 12-week period in women with metabolic syndrome.
✓The study evaluated the effectiveness of interventions across three outcome domains: physiological parameters, biochemical parameters, and socio-psychological parameters in women with metabolic syndrome.
✓A quasi-experimental design with 60 women distributed across two intervention groups and one control group was used to assess the comparative effectiveness of the MIP versus lifestyle interventions alone.

What This Means for You

While this pilot study shows promising results for reflexology combined with diet and exercise for metabolic syndrome, larger and more rigorous studies are needed before drawing firm conclusions about its effectiveness.

What This Means for Practitioners

This pilot study suggests reflexology may complement lifestyle interventions for metabolic syndrome, but treating this condition should involve a multidisciplinary approach with medical oversight.

Study Design: how this pilot study was run

Sample Size

60 participants

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High blood pressure: common questions

What does this study say about high blood pressure?

What did this study find?

The multi-interventional package (MIP) that included reflexology foot massage, dietary modification, moderate intensity exercise, and structured education was compared against lifestyle interventions alone over a 12-week period in women with metabolic syndrome. The study evaluated the effectiveness of interventions across three outcome domains: physiological parameters, biochemical parameters, and socio-psychological parameters in women with metabolic syndrome. A quasi-experimental design with 60 women distributed across two intervention groups and one control group was used to assess the comparative effectiveness of the MIP versus lifestyle interventions alone.

How strong is this evidence?

This is a pilot study and we rate its evidence preliminary. It covers 60 participants. It was published in Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing, a Q3 journal. This study is indexed here for context; it did not test reflexology itself.