Reflexology versus Swedish Massage to Reduce Physiologic Stress and Pain and Improve Mood in Nursing Home Residents with Cancer: A Pilot Trial
Preliminary EvidenceIn Plain Language: reflexology for stress, explained
Objective. The purpose of this pilot study was to investigate and compare the effects of reflexology and Swedish massage therapy on physiologic stress, pain, and mood in older cancer survivors residing in nursing homes. Methods. An experimental, repeated-measures, crossover design study of 18 nursing home residents aged 75 or over and diagnosed with solid tumor in the past 5 years and following completion of cancer treatments. The intervention tested was 20 minutes of Swedish Massage Therapy to the lower extremities, versus 20 minute Reflexology, using highly specified protocols. Pre- and post-intervention levels of salivary cortisol, observed affect, and pain were compared in the Swedish Massage Therapy and Reflexology conditions. Results. Both Reflexology and Swedish Massage resulted in significant declines in salivary cortisol and pain and improvements in mood. Conclusions. Preliminary data suggest that studies of Swedish Massage Therapy and Reflexology are feasible in this population of cancer survivors typically excluded from trials. Both interventions were well tolerated and produced measurable improvements in outcomes. Further research is needed to explore the mechanisms underlying the potential benefits of these CAM modalities in this patient population.
Key Findings: what this pilot study found about stress
- ✓Both reflexology and Swedish massage therapy produced significant reductions in salivary cortisol levels in nursing home residents with cancer.
- ✓Both interventions resulted in significant decreases in pain perception among older cancer survivors aged 75 and over.
- ✓Both reflexology and Swedish massage therapy improved mood in nursing home residents with cancer, as measured by observed affect.
What This Means for You
While this small pilot study shows promise for reflexology in reducing stress and pain in older cancer survivors, the evidence is preliminary and you should discuss it with your healthcare provider before trying it as a complementary treatment.
What This Means for Practitioners
This pilot study demonstrates feasibility and preliminary efficacy of reflexology in an underserved population (older cancer survivors), supporting the case for larger, well-controlled trials to establish clear benefits.
Study Design: how this pilot study was run
Reflexology for stress: common questions
Does reflexology help with stress?
While this small pilot study shows promise for reflexology in reducing stress and pain in older cancer survivors, the evidence is preliminary and you should discuss it with your healthcare provider before trying it as a complementary treatment.
What did this study find?
Both reflexology and Swedish massage therapy produced significant reductions in salivary cortisol levels in nursing home residents with cancer. Both interventions resulted in significant decreases in pain perception among older cancer survivors aged 75 and over. Both reflexology and Swedish massage therapy improved mood in nursing home residents with cancer, as measured by observed affect.
How strong is this evidence?
This is a pilot study and we rate its evidence preliminary. It covers 18 participants. It was published in Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM, a Q2 journal. Reflexology is a complementary therapy, not a replacement for medical treatment.
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