Randomized controlled trial of foot reflexology for patients with symptomatic idiopathic detrusor overactivity
Moderate EvidenceIn Plain Language: reflexology, explained
The aim of this study was to examine whether foot reflexology has beneficial effects on patients with idiopathic detrusor overactivity. One hundred and nine women with symptomatic idiopathic detrusor overactivity were randomized into either foot reflexology treatment group or nonspecific foot massage control group. The primary outcome measure was the change in the diurnal micturition frequency. There was significant change in the number of daytime frequency in the reflexology group when compared with the massage group (-1.90 vs -0.55, p = 0.029). There was also a decrease in the 24-h micturition frequency in both groups, but the change was not statistically significant (-2.80 vs -1.04 p = 0.055). In the reflexology group, more patients believed to have received "true" reflexology (88.9 vs 67.4%, p = 0.012). This reflects the difficulty of blinding in trials of reflexology. Larger scale studies with a better-designed control group and an improved blinding are required to examine if reflexology is effective in improving patients' overall outcome.
Key Findings: what this randomised trial found
- ✓Foot reflexology produced a significantly greater reduction in daytime urination frequency compared to nonspecific foot massage in women with idiopathic detrusor overactivity (-1.90 vs -0.55 micturitions, p = 0.029).
- ✓While both reflexology and massage groups showed decreased 24-hour micturition frequency, the difference between groups was not statistically significant (-2.80 vs -1.04, p = 0.055).
- ✓Blinding was problematic in the trial, with 88.9% of reflexology patients believing they received true reflexology compared to 67.4% in the control group, limiting the ability to control for placebo effects.
What This Means for You
While this study shows foot reflexology may slightly reduce daytime urination frequency compared to regular massage, the evidence is still limited and larger, better-designed studies are needed before drawing firm conclusions about its effectiveness.
What This Means for Practitioners
This RCT demonstrates reflexology's potential for overactive bladder symptoms, but acknowledge to clients that blinding challenges and the modest effect size mean more research is needed to establish reflexology as a reliable treatment.
Study Design: how this randomised trial was run
Common questions about this study
What does this study mean in practice?
While this study shows foot reflexology may slightly reduce daytime urination frequency compared to regular massage, the evidence is still limited and larger, better-designed studies are needed before drawing firm conclusions about its effectiveness.
What did this study find?
Foot reflexology produced a significantly greater reduction in daytime urination frequency compared to nonspecific foot massage in women with idiopathic detrusor overactivity (-1.90 vs -0.55 micturitions, p = 0.029). While both reflexology and massage groups showed decreased 24-hour micturition frequency, the difference between groups was not statistically significant (-2.80 vs -1.04, p = 0.055). Blinding was problematic in the trial, with 88.9% of reflexology patients believing they received true reflexology compared to 67.4% in the control group, limiting the ability to control for placebo effects.
How strong is this evidence?
This is a randomised trial and we rate its evidence moderate. It covers 109 participants. It was published in International urogynecology journal and pelvic floor dysfunction. Reflexology is a complementary therapy, not a replacement for medical treatment.
Looking for a reflexologist?
Find practitioners who can help with the conditions studied in this research.
Find a Reflexologist