The Effect of Foot Massage with Biofeedback: A Pilot Study to Enhance Health Promotion in Elderly.

Authors: Jirayingmongkol P, Chantein S, Phengchomjan N, Bhanggananda NJournal: Nursing & Health SciencesDOI: 10.1046/j.1442-2018.2002.01140_9.x

Preliminary EvidencePilotn=20 participants

High Blood Pressure

In Plain Language: high blood pressure, explained

| 20 subjects, both male and female, ages 61-19 yrs old, were given foot massage by 4 trained researchers. Vital signs changes were measured and biofeedback was done before and after sessions. Results: biofeedback and temperature were lower and the pulse & respiratory rate and blood pressure were higher before the foot massage. All subjects reported positive feedback about the foot massage. Therefore, it is considered beneficial for both physical and mental conditions. Conclusion: | Foot massage was shown to be effective in providing good circulation, relaxation, and comfort.

Key Findings: what this pilot study found about high blood pressure

✓Foot massage with biofeedback resulted in improved vital signs, including lower pulse and respiratory rates and decreased blood pressure in elderly subjects aged 61-89 years.
✓All 20 study participants reported positive subjective experiences with foot massage, indicating benefits for both physical and mental well-being.
✓Foot massage was demonstrated to be effective in promoting circulation, relaxation, and comfort in elderly populations.

What This Means for You

While this small pilot study suggests foot massage may be relaxing and beneficial for circulation in older adults, more rigorous research is needed to confirm these benefits.

What This Means for Practitioners

This pilot provides preliminary support for foot massage in elderly populations, but larger controlled studies would strengthen evidence for your practice claims.

Study Design: how this pilot study was run

Sample Size

20 participants

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High blood pressure: common questions

What does this study say about high blood pressure?

While this small pilot study suggests foot massage may be relaxing and beneficial for circulation in older adults, more rigorous research is needed to confirm these benefits.

What did this study find?

Foot massage with biofeedback resulted in improved vital signs, including lower pulse and respiratory rates and decreased blood pressure in elderly subjects aged 61-89 years. All 20 study participants reported positive subjective experiences with foot massage, indicating benefits for both physical and mental well-being. Foot massage was demonstrated to be effective in promoting circulation, relaxation, and comfort in elderly populations.

How strong is this evidence?

This is a pilot study and we rate its evidence preliminary. It covers 20 participants. It was published in Nursing & Health Sciences. This study is indexed here for context; it did not test reflexology itself.