Effects of aroma self-foot reflexology on peripheral neuropathy, peripheral skin temperature, anxiety, and depression in gynaecologic cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy: A randomised controlled trial.
Moderate EvidenceIn Plain Language: reflexology for anxiety, explained
Researchers tested whether foot reflexology combined with aromatherapy could help cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. They randomly assigned gynecologic cancer patients to receive either aroma self-foot reflexology or standard care, and measured effects on nerve pain, skin temperature, anxiety, and depression.
Key Findings: what this randomised trial found about anxiety
- ✓Aroma self-foot reflexology combined with aromatherapy was tested as an intervention for gynecologic cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy in a randomized controlled trial design.
- ✓The study measured four primary outcomes: peripheral neuropathy (nerve pain), peripheral skin temperature, anxiety, and depression in cancer patients receiving chemotherapy.
- ✓Patients were randomly assigned to either receive aroma self-foot reflexology or standard care as the control condition.
What This Means for You
This randomized controlled trial suggests aroma self-foot reflexology may help reduce chemotherapy side effects like nerve pain and anxiety in cancer patients, though more research with larger groups is needed to confirm the benefits.
What This Means for Practitioners
This RCT evidence supports offering aroma-enhanced foot reflexology as a complementary approach for cancer patients managing chemotherapy-related peripheral neuropathy and emotional distress.
Reflexology for anxiety: common questions
Does reflexology help with anxiety?
This randomized controlled trial suggests aroma self-foot reflexology may help reduce chemotherapy side effects like nerve pain and anxiety in cancer patients, though more research with larger groups is needed to confirm the benefits.
What did this study find?
Aroma self-foot reflexology combined with aromatherapy was tested as an intervention for gynecologic cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy in a randomized controlled trial design. The study measured four primary outcomes: peripheral neuropathy (nerve pain), peripheral skin temperature, anxiety, and depression in cancer patients receiving chemotherapy. Patients were randomly assigned to either receive aroma self-foot reflexology or standard care as the control condition.
How strong is this evidence?
This is a randomised trial and we rate its evidence moderate. It was published in European journal of oncology nursing : the official journal of European Oncology Nursing Society, a Q2 journal. Reflexology is a complementary therapy, not a replacement for medical treatment.
Related Research
Complementary therapy in practice
Effect of Reflexology on Decreasing Postoperative Pain and Anxiety After Total Abdominal Hysterectomy: Erratum
Engaging Patients in Research That Involves Meditation: Religious Concerns and Nursing Implications
Improving Quality of Life in The Constipated Older Person: Reflexology or Abdominal Massage? A Two-Group, Randomized Comparative Trial
Effect of Reflexology on Decreasing Postoperative Pain and Anxiety After Total Abdominal Hysterectomy
Looking for a reflexologist?
Find practitioners who can help with the conditions studied in this research.
Find a Reflexologist