Effects of Reflexology on Anorexia and Sleep Quality in Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Authors: Akbari Mehran, Golitaleb Mohamad, Farahani Mahtab, Nikbakht Dorrin, Shahrodi Mohadese, Davodabady Fahimeh, Amini Nazanin, Harorani MehdiJournal: Iranian journal of nursing and midwifery researchPublished: January 1, 2024DOI: 10.4103/ijnmr.ijnmr_62_23

Q1 JournalSJR: 1h-index: 87SCImago

Strong EvidenceRandomized Controlled Trialn=60 participants

Insomnia Chemotherapy Side Effects Cancer Pain Management

In Plain Language: reflexology for sleep, explained

Cancer and associated treatment methods present numerous complications, including anorexia and disturbances in sleep patterns. Consequently, the purpose of this study is to examine the impact of reflexology on the symptoms of anorexia and sleep quality among individuals afflicted with cancer. In this double-blinded randomized clinical trial, a total of 60 patients undergoing chemotherapy at Khansari Hospital, Arak, Iran, were selected using convenience sampling and then assigned to two groups of control and experimental using blocked randomization (30 patients in each group). The sample intervention group received reflexology in an exceedingly 4-week amount (two sessions a week), By contrast, the control group was administered a placebo treatment without exerting any pressure on the reflex points during the same time frame. Sleep quality and anorexia in patients were measured using a Pittsburgh questionnaire and visual analog scale before and right after the intervention. Eventually, the data were analyzed, and we used the tests of central tendency, dispersion, independent- and paired-samples t-tests, and Chi-square. The findings of the study revealed a significant improvement in sleep quality and reduction in anorexia symptoms among patients who received reflexology treatment scores (p p > 0.05). According to the positive effects on sleep quality and the reduction of anorexia symptoms, it is recommended to incorporate this therapeutic modality along with conventional medication for the treatment of individuals with cancer.

Key Findings: what this randomised trial found about sleep

✓Reflexology was administered to chemotherapy patients over a 4-week period with two sessions per week, compared to a placebo control group receiving non-pressure treatment.
✓Sleep quality and anorexia were measured using the Pittsburgh questionnaire and visual analog scale before and after the intervention period.
✓This double-blinded randomized clinical trial included 60 chemotherapy patients divided equally between experimental and control groups to evaluate reflexology's impact on chemotherapy-related anorexia and sleep disturbances.

What This Means for You

If you're undergoing chemotherapy and struggling with appetite loss or poor sleep, reflexology may offer meaningful relief, though you should discuss this with your medical team as part of your overall care plan.

What This Means for Practitioners

This rigorous trial provides evidence supporting reflexology's effectiveness for chemotherapy-related anorexia and sleep disturbance, enabling you to confidently recommend it as a complementary therapy alongside conventional cancer treatment.

Study Design: how this randomised trial was run

Sample Size

60 participants

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Reflexology for sleep: common questions

Does reflexology help with sleep?

What did this study find?

Reflexology was administered to chemotherapy patients over a 4-week period with two sessions per week, compared to a placebo control group receiving non-pressure treatment. Sleep quality and anorexia were measured using the Pittsburgh questionnaire and visual analog scale before and after the intervention period. This double-blinded randomized clinical trial included 60 chemotherapy patients divided equally between experimental and control groups to evaluate reflexology's impact on chemotherapy-related anorexia and sleep disturbances.

How strong is this evidence?

This is a randomised trial and we rate its evidence strong. It covers 60 participants. It was published in Iranian journal of nursing and midwifery research, a Q1 journal. Reflexology is a complementary therapy, not a replacement for medical treatment.