[Foot reflexology massage: a clinical study]
Moderate EvidenceIn Plain Language: reflexology, explained
The aim of the study was to investigate the possible usefulness of foot reflexology on the recovery after a surgical intervention. 130 patients participated in the study. They underwent abdominal surgery under full anesthesia for different, but exclusively gynecological reasons. Foot reflexology investigated in this study was applied only for a few days for each patient. The following parameters were recorded: the subjective, self-assessed, general condition, pain intensity, movement of the bowels, micturition and sleep, beginning on the day before operation until day 10. Two other treatments served as controls, a simple massage of the foot or a personal conversation. The simple massage turned out to be a relaxing, positive experience, whereas foot reflexology had various effects, some of them were even negative. The conclusion was that foot reflexology is not recommended for acute, abdominal postsurgical situations in gynecology because it can occasionally trigger abdominal pain. This project is one of the few studies planned, conducted and performed by the nursing staff.
Key Findings: what this randomised trial found
- ✓Foot reflexology produced variable and occasionally negative effects in post-abdominal surgical patients, including the triggering of abdominal pain.
- ✓Simple foot massage was found to be a relaxing and positive experience for post-operative patients, outperforming reflexology as a therapeutic intervention.
- ✓Foot reflexology is not recommended for acute abdominal post-surgical situations in gynecology due to risk of adverse effects.
What This Means for You
If you're recovering from abdominal surgery, foot reflexology may not be appropriate during the acute recovery period, as this study found it occasionally triggered abdominal pain rather than helping.
What This Means for Practitioners
Exercise caution with foot reflexology in acute post-abdominal surgical situations, as it may stimulate unwanted abdominal responses; consider gentle massage as a safer alternative for this population.
Study Design: how this randomised trial was run
Common questions about this study
What does this study mean in practice?
If you're recovering from abdominal surgery, foot reflexology may not be appropriate during the acute recovery period, as this study found it occasionally triggered abdominal pain rather than helping.
What did this study find?
Foot reflexology produced variable and occasionally negative effects in post-abdominal surgical patients, including the triggering of abdominal pain. Simple foot massage was found to be a relaxing and positive experience for post-operative patients, outperforming reflexology as a therapeutic intervention. Foot reflexology is not recommended for acute abdominal post-surgical situations in gynecology due to risk of adverse effects.
How strong is this evidence?
This is a randomised trial and we rate its evidence moderate. It covers 130 participants. It was published in Forschende Komplementarmedizin. Reflexology is a complementary therapy, not a replacement for medical treatment.
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