[Effects of aroma self-foot reflexology massage on stress and immune responses and fatigue in middle-aged women in rural areas]
Moderate EvidenceIn Plain Language: reflexology for stress, explained
This study was done to examine the effects of aroma self-foot reflexology massage on stress and immune responses and fatigue in middle-aged women in rural areas. The study was a nonequivalent control group pre-post test design. The participants were 52 middle-aged women from rural areas of which 26 were assigned to the experimental group and 26 to the control group. Data were collected from July to September, 2011 and analyzed using SPSS Win 17.0 version program. The intervention was conducted 3 times a week for six weeks. There were significant differences in reported perceived stress, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure and fatigue between the two groups. However, the issue of salivary cortisol and immune response were not significant. Aroma self-foot reflexology massage can be utilized as an effective intervention for perceived stress, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure and fatigue in middle-aged woman in rural areas.
Key Findings: what this observational study found about stress
- ✓Aroma self-foot reflexology massage performed 3 times weekly for 6 weeks significantly reduced perceived stress in middle-aged women from rural areas.
- ✓The intervention produced significant reductions in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure compared to the control group.
- ✓Aroma self-foot reflexology massage significantly decreased fatigue levels, though it did not produce significant changes in salivary cortisol or immune response markers.
What This Means for You
This study suggests aroma self-foot reflexology may help reduce stress and fatigue in middle-aged women, though the evidence is moderate and immune effects weren't clearly demonstrated.
What This Means for Practitioners
Consider aroma self-foot reflexology as a supportive intervention for stress and fatigue in middle-aged clients, with 3 sessions per week showing measurable benefits in a controlled study.
Study Design: how this observational study was run
Reflexology for stress: common questions
Does reflexology help with stress?
This study suggests aroma self-foot reflexology may help reduce stress and fatigue in middle-aged women, though the evidence is moderate and immune effects weren't clearly demonstrated.
What did this study find?
Aroma self-foot reflexology massage performed 3 times weekly for 6 weeks significantly reduced perceived stress in middle-aged women from rural areas. The intervention produced significant reductions in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure compared to the control group. Aroma self-foot reflexology massage significantly decreased fatigue levels, though it did not produce significant changes in salivary cortisol or immune response markers.
How strong is this evidence?
This is a observational study and we rate its evidence moderate. It covers 52 participants. It was published in Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing, a Q3 journal. Reflexology is a complementary therapy, not a replacement for medical treatment.
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