Reflexology has an acute (immediate) haemodynamic effect in healthy volunteers: a double-blind randomised controlled trial
Limited EvidenceIn Plain Language: reflexology, explained
Reflexologists claim that massage to specific points of the feet increases blood supply to internal organs. This study measured changes in cardiovascular parameters in subjects receiving reflexology to areas of their feet thought to correspond to the heart (intervention) compared with other areas which are not (control). 16 reflexology-naive healthy volunteers received an active and control reflexology treatment in an RCT, double-blind repeated measures study. 'Beat-to-beat' continuous measurement of selected cardiovascular parameters, State Anxiety Inventory. Cardiac index decreased significantly in the intervention group during left foot treatment (LFT) (baseline mean 2.6; standard deviation (SD) 0.75; 95% CI ± 0.38 vs. LFT mean 2.45; SD 0.68; CI 0.35), effect size (p = 0.035, omega squared effect (w2) = 0.002; w = 0.045). Reflexology massage applied to the upper part of the left foot may have a modest specific effect on the cardiac index of healthy volunteers.
Key Findings: what this randomised trial found
- ✓Reflexology applied to specific foot areas corresponding to the heart produced a statistically significant decrease in cardiac index during left foot treatment (from 2.6 to 2.45, p = 0.035).
- ✓The study demonstrated that reflexology has an acute haemodynamic effect in healthy volunteers through a double-blind randomised controlled trial design.
- ✓The effect size of reflexology on cardiac index was modest (omega squared = 0.002), suggesting a small but measurable physiological response to the intervention.
What This Means for You
While this study suggests reflexology may have a small immediate effect on heart function, the evidence is based on a tiny sample of healthy volunteers and the effect size is very modest, so don't rely on it as a treatment for heart conditions.
What This Means for Practitioners
This double-blind controlled trial provides some objective evidence that reflexology applied to the upper left foot may produce measurable acute cardiovascular changes, which could be useful in conversations with clients about the physiological basis of your practice.
Study Design: how this randomised trial was run
Common questions about this study
What does this study mean in practice?
While this study suggests reflexology may have a small immediate effect on heart function, the evidence is based on a tiny sample of healthy volunteers and the effect size is very modest, so don't rely on it as a treatment for heart conditions.
What did this study find?
Reflexology applied to specific foot areas corresponding to the heart produced a statistically significant decrease in cardiac index during left foot treatment (from 2.6 to 2.45, p = 0.035). The study demonstrated that reflexology has an acute haemodynamic effect in healthy volunteers through a double-blind randomised controlled trial design. The effect size of reflexology on cardiac index was modest (omega squared = 0.002), suggesting a small but measurable physiological response to the intervention.
How strong is this evidence?
This is a randomised trial and we rate its evidence limited. It covers 16 participants. It was published in Complementary therapies in clinical practice, a Q2 journal. Reflexology is a complementary therapy, not a replacement for medical treatment.
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