Effects of foot reflexology massage on pregnant women: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled studies.

Authors: Jia-Ming Yang, Ze-Qin Li, Hua Ye, Yan-Lin Wu, Yi Long, Yan-Biao Zhong et al.Journal: Scientific reportsPublished: January 12, 2024DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-51107-y

Q1 JournalSJR: 1.315h-index: 117SCImago

Strong EvidenceMeta Analysisn=1189 participants

Pregnancy Discomfort

In Plain Language: reflexology for pregnancy, explained

This study investigated the impact of foot reflexology massage on various factors affecting pregnant women, such as anxiety, pain during labor, and overall satisfaction with the birthing experience. The findings revealed that reflexology significantly reduced anxiety and pain, shortened labor duration, and enhanced overall birth satisfaction, indicating that it is a beneficial complementary therapy for pregnant women.

Key Findings: what this meta-analysis found about pregnancy

✓Foot reflexology massage reduced anxiety in pregnant women by a significant margin.
✓Participants reported lower pain levels during labor after receiving reflexology.
✓The duration of labor was shortened across all three stages due to reflexology treatments.
✓Increased birth satisfaction was noted among those receiving reflexology compared to the control group.
✓Reflexology helped stabilize pulse and respiratory rates in pregnant women.

What This Means for You

For pregnant women considering reflexology treatment, this study suggests that it can effectively reduce anxiety and pain during labor, leading to a more satisfying birthing experience.

What This Means for Practitioners

Reflexology practitioners can apply these findings by integrating foot reflexology techniques into their care for pregnant clients, particularly during labor, to help alleviate anxiety and pain while improving labor satisfaction.

Study Design: how this meta-analysis was run

Blinding

open label

Control

active

Duration

not specified

Sample Size

1189 participants

Limitations: what it cannot tell you about pregnancy

The study relied on a meta-analysis of existing studies, which may vary in quality and methodology, potentially affecting the reliability of the overall conclusions.

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Reflexology for pregnancy: common questions

Does reflexology help with pregnancy?

For pregnant women considering reflexology treatment, this study suggests that it can effectively reduce anxiety and pain during labor, leading to a more satisfying birthing experience.

What did this study find?

Foot reflexology massage reduced anxiety in pregnant women by a significant margin. Participants reported lower pain levels during labor after receiving reflexology. The duration of labor was shortened across all three stages due to reflexology treatments.

How strong is this evidence?

This is a meta-analysis and we rate its evidence strong. It covers 1,189 participants. It was published in Scientific reports, a Q1 journal. Reflexology is a complementary therapy, not a replacement for medical treatment.

What are the limitations of this study?

The study relied on a meta-analysis of existing studies, which may vary in quality and methodology, potentially affecting the reliability of the overall conclusions.