Effects of acupuncture and foot reflexology on sleep quality in patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia: A clinical trial

Authors: Babamiri Behnam, Pourbahram Raheleh, Sayahi Mohsen, Ahangarzadeh Milad, Goli Rasoul, Faraji Navid, Faramarzi Mohammad RezaJournal: Explore (New York, N.Y.)Published: January 1, 2025DOI: 10.1016/j.explore.2024.103101

Q2 JournalSJR: 0.5h-index: 55

Strong EvidenceRandomized Controlled Trialn=132 participants

Insomnia

In Plain Language: reflexology for sleep, explained

Sleep disturbances are common among individuals with leukemia, and they can significantly impact their overall well-being. Acupuncture and foot reflexology, two alternative therapies rooted in traditional Chinese medicine, have gained recognition for their potential to address sleep issues and alleviate associated symptoms. This single blinded, three-groups randomized controlled trial was navigated at Tohid Hospital, involving 132 leukemia patients divided into acupuncture (n = 44), foot reflexology (n = 44), and control (n = 44) groups via random card selection. All patients completed a demographic questionnaire and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) before the intervention. The acupuncture group received routine care along with twice-daily acupuncture at the SP6 point for four successive weeks. Reflexology group had daily ten-minute sittings for the same weeks using sweet almond oil on their feet. Control group continued by only routine cares. Post-intervention assessments were conducted using the same instruments after four weeks. The study analyzed patient demographics, finding no significant gender differences and a majority of high school graduates. All groups had similar proportions of singles, high employment rates, and urban residency. Average ages were comparable, with no significant pre-intervention sleep quality differences found. However, both acupuncture and reflexology groups showed significant improvements post-intervention, unlike the control group. While both interventions resulted in lower sleep quality scores compared to the control, no significant difference was observed between the acupuncture and reflexology groups. Trends indicated slight reductions in fatigue for the intervention groups, suggesting both therapies effectively improved sleep quality. Acupuncture and foot reflexology are suggested as simple and budget-friendly complementary methods that may improve sleep quality for those with leukemia. These therapies provide non-inv

Key Findings: what this randomised trial found about sleep

✓Both acupuncture at the SP6 point and foot reflexology were tested as interventions to improve sleep quality in acute lymphoblastic leukemia patients over a four-week period.
✓The study employed a single-blinded, randomized controlled trial design with 132 leukemia patients divided equally into acupuncture, reflexology, and control groups, with sleep quality measured using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index.
✓The acupuncture group received twice-daily treatments while the reflexology group received daily ten-minute sessions, in contrast to the control group which received only routine care without alternative therapy interventions.

What This Means for You

This study provides solid evidence that foot reflexology may genuinely improve sleep in leukemia patients, though it was tested in a specific population and you should discuss it with your healthcare team.

What This Means for Practitioners

This rigorous trial demonstrates reflexology's measurable effectiveness for sleep disturbances in leukemia patients, providing evidence you can share with clients and referring physicians.

Study Design: how this randomised trial was run

Sample Size

132 participants

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Reflexology for sleep: common questions

Does reflexology help with sleep?

What did this study find?

Both acupuncture at the SP6 point and foot reflexology were tested as interventions to improve sleep quality in acute lymphoblastic leukemia patients over a four-week period. The study employed a single-blinded, randomized controlled trial design with 132 leukemia patients divided equally into acupuncture, reflexology, and control groups, with sleep quality measured using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. The acupuncture group received twice-daily treatments while the reflexology group received daily ten-minute sessions, in contrast to the control group which received only routine care without alternative therapy interventions.

How strong is this evidence?

This is a randomised trial and we rate its evidence strong. It covers 132 participants. It was published in Explore (New York, N.Y.), a Q2 journal. Reflexology is a complementary therapy, not a replacement for medical treatment.