Foot Reflexology: An Intervention for Pain and Nausea Among Inpatients With Cancer.

Authors: Kristen D Anderson, Marty DowneyJournal: Clinical journal of oncology nursingPublished: November 24, 2021DOI: 10.1188/21.CJON.539-545

Q2 JournalSJR: 0.87h-index: 40SCImago

Limited EvidenceRandomized Controlled Trialn=40 participants

Nausea Cancer Pain Management

In Plain Language: reflexology for nausea, explained

This study explored the effects of foot reflexology on pain and nausea in cancer patients. The researchers found that reflexology significantly reduced pain levels compared to standard nursing care, although its effect on nausea was not statistically significant but suggested some improvement. This may indicate reflexology could be a beneficial complementary therapy for managing pain in cancer patients.

Key Findings: what this randomised trial found about nausea

✓Foot reflexology significantly decreased pain in cancer inpatients compared to standard care.
✓Nausea levels showed a trend toward reduction, though not statistically significant.
✓Pre- and post-session surveys indicated noticeable pain relief in the reflexology group.

What This Means for You

For individuals considering reflexology treatment for cancer-related pain, this study suggests that reflexology may help significantly reduce pain levels, offering an alternative to traditional nursing care.

What This Means for Practitioners

Reflexology practitioners can use these findings to support their treatment protocols, particularly in oncology settings, by integrating reflexology as a complementary therapy to help manage pain in cancer patients.

Study Design: how this randomised trial was run

Blinding

open label

Control

active

Duration

20-25 minutes

Sample Size

40 participants

Limitations: what it cannot tell you about nausea

The study involved a small sample size, which may limit the generalizability of the findings. Additionally, the lack of blinding could introduce bias in self-reported measures of pain and nausea.

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Reflexology for nausea: common questions

Does reflexology help with nausea?

What did this study find?

Foot reflexology significantly decreased pain in cancer inpatients compared to standard care. Nausea levels showed a trend toward reduction, though not statistically significant. Pre- and post-session surveys indicated noticeable pain relief in the reflexology group.

How strong is this evidence?

This is a randomised trial and we rate its evidence limited. It covers 40 participants. It was published in Clinical journal of oncology nursing, a Q2 journal. Reflexology is a complementary therapy, not a replacement for medical treatment.

What are the limitations of this study?

The study involved a small sample size, which may limit the generalizability of the findings. Additionally, the lack of blinding could introduce bias in self-reported measures of pain and nausea.