Reflexology for acute rhinosinusitis - Results from a blinded, early-phase comparative trial
Preliminary EvidenceIn Plain Language: reflexology for sinus congestion, explained
Reflexology is commonly used as an adjunct to conventional treatment by patients with respiratory tract infections. The effect of reflexology needs to be tested in a full-scale randomized controlled study. Small early-phase trials can give an indication on whether full-size clinical trials are warranted. The objective of this study is to determine whether the study design is feasible in a full-scale study of reflexology as an add-on to usual care compared to usual care alone in acute rhinosinusitis, and further if there is a statistical indication of an effect of reflexology warranting a full-scale study. 20 patients with symptoms compatible with acute rhinosinusitis, and an illness duration of 28 days or less were randomized to additional reflexology treatment along with usual medical care, or usual care alone. The patients scored how much each of 16 sinus-related symptoms bothered them in the past few days on a six-point scale (zero = no problem to five = severe problem). To determine if there is a statistical indication of an effect of reflexology warranting a full-scale study, the separation test was used. The methodology was considered feasible and could therefore be applied in a full-scale study of reflexology for acute rhinosinusitis. The mean reduction in symptom score from baseline to day two was 0.95 in the reflexology group and 0.78 in the control group. From baseline to day ten the mean reduction in symptom score was 2.12 in the reflexology group and 1.63 in the control group. A statistical indication of effect in a full-scale study in favor of reflexology was found from baseline to day ten but not from baseline to day two. The research methodology in this study could be used in a full-scale study of reflexology in acute sinusitis. The results from the separation test indicates an effect warranting a full-scale study of reflexology regarding effects in acute sinusitis ten days after treatment.
Key Findings: what this pilot study found about sinus congestion
- ✓This early-phase trial tested the feasibility of conducting a full-scale randomized controlled study on reflexology as an add-on treatment for acute rhinosinusitis.
- ✓Twenty patients with acute rhinosinusitis lasting 28 days or less were randomized to receive either reflexology plus usual medical care or usual care alone, with symptom severity assessed using a six-point scale across 16 sinus-related symptoms.
What This Means for You
This very small early study suggests reflexology might help sinus infection symptoms slightly better than usual care alone, but much larger studies are needed before we can be confident in this benefit.
What This Means for Practitioners
This feasibility study validates the trial design for future reflexology research in acute rhinosinusitis, showing preliminary signals of benefit that warrant investment in a full-scale randomized controlled trial.
Study Design: how this pilot study was run
Reflexology for sinus congestion: common questions
Does reflexology help with sinus congestion?
This very small early study suggests reflexology might help sinus infection symptoms slightly better than usual care alone, but much larger studies are needed before we can be confident in this benefit.
What did this study find?
This early-phase trial tested the feasibility of conducting a full-scale randomized controlled study on reflexology as an add-on treatment for acute rhinosinusitis. Twenty patients with acute rhinosinusitis lasting 28 days or less were randomized to receive either reflexology plus usual medical care or usual care alone, with symptom severity assessed using a six-point scale across 16 sinus-related symptoms.
How strong is this evidence?
This is a pilot study and we rate its evidence preliminary. It covers 20 participants. It was published in Explore (New York, N.Y.), a Q2 journal. Reflexology is a complementary therapy, not a replacement for medical treatment.
Related Research
Effects of the Right Carotid Sinus Compression Technique on Blood Pressure and Heart Rate in Medicated Patients with Hypertension.
Nasal saline irrigations for the symptoms of chronic rhinosinusitis
The Effect of Reflexology on Baroreceptor Reflex Sensitivity, Blood Pressure and Sinus Arrhythmia.
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