Reflexology has no immediate haemodynamic effect in patients with chronic heart failure: a double blind randomised controlled trial
Limited EvidenceIn Plain Language: reflexology, explained
This study measured the effects of reflexology in 12 reflexology-naive patients with chronic heart failure in a placebo-controlled, double blind randomised controlled study design. Outcomes included 'beat-to-beat' non-invasive continuous measurement of cardiovascular parameters and measurement of state of anxiety and pain/discomfort. There were no changes in any of the haemodynamic parameters measured (all p > 0.05). Perceived state of anxiety was significantly reduced post treatment in the control group only (p = 0.03). Reflexology applied to the feet of patients with chronic heart failure appears to have no immediate haemodynamic effects. While any long term treatment effect is uncertain, it would appear that reflexology is safe for use in this patient group.
Key Findings: what this randomised trial found
- ✓Reflexology produced no statistically significant changes in any haemodynamic parameters measured in chronic heart failure patients (all p > 0.05).
- ✓Perceived anxiety was significantly reduced in the control group only (p = 0.03), suggesting the anxiety reduction observed was not attributable to reflexology treatment.
- ✓Reflexology appears to be safe for use in chronic heart failure patients, though immediate haemodynamic benefits were not demonstrated.
What This Means for You
If you have chronic heart failure, reflexology appears safe but this small study found no immediate heart benefits, so consider it a complementary therapy rather than a treatment for your condition.
What This Means for Practitioners
While this study found no immediate haemodynamic effects from reflexology in heart failure patients, the safety profile supports continued practice in this population, though realistic expectations about direct cardiac benefits are warranted.
Study Design: how this randomised trial was run
Common questions about this study
What does this study mean in practice?
If you have chronic heart failure, reflexology appears safe but this small study found no immediate heart benefits, so consider it a complementary therapy rather than a treatment for your condition.
What did this study find?
Reflexology produced no statistically significant changes in any haemodynamic parameters measured in chronic heart failure patients (all p > 0.05). Perceived anxiety was significantly reduced in the control group only (p = 0.03), suggesting the anxiety reduction observed was not attributable to reflexology treatment. Reflexology appears to be safe for use in chronic heart failure patients, though immediate haemodynamic benefits were not demonstrated.
How strong is this evidence?
This is a randomised trial and we rate its evidence limited. It covers 12 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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