The effect of reflexology upon spasticity and function among children with cerebral palsy who received physiotherapy: Three group randomised trial
Moderate EvidenceIn Plain Language: reflexology, explained
To assess the effectiveness of reflexology method upon spasticity and function among children with cerebral palsy who received physiotherapy. A three group, randomised trial with blinded evaluator. Randomization was made sealed and opaque envelopes. 45 children with cerebral palsy who were trained at a Special Education and Rehabilitation Centre. In the reflexology and placebo group; a 20min reflexology was performed twice a week in a total 24 sessions. In the control group; no intervention was done. Before and after the implementation; measurements of the participants were obtained. The data were collected using Gross Motor Function Measure, Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS), Modified Tardieu Scale, Pediatric Functional Independence Scale, Pediatric Quality of Life Scale (PedsQL) and demographic data. A total of 45 children completed the study. The groups were homogeneous at baseline. Between right MAS Gastrocnemius muscle was a difference and right and left Soleus muscles was significant among the groups (p0.05). Reflexology with physiotherapy reduced spasticity in legs, improved gross motor functions, decreased dependency but led to no change in quality of life.
Key Findings: what this randomised trial found
- ✓Reflexology applied twice weekly for 24 sessions showed effectiveness in reducing spasticity in specific muscles (right gastrocnemius and bilateral soleus) in children with cerebral palsy receiving physiotherapy.
- ✓The study involved 45 children with cerebral palsy randomized into three groups: reflexology intervention, placebo control, and no-intervention control, with blinded outcome evaluators.
- ✓Multiple functional and quality of life outcomes were measured using standardized assessment tools including the Gross Motor Function Measure, Modified Ashworth Scale, and Pediatric Quality of Life Scale.
What This Means for You
Reflexology combined with physiotherapy may help reduce leg stiffness and improve movement in children with cerebral palsy, though evidence is still limited and quality of life improvements were not observed.
What This Means for Practitioners
Consider reflexology as a potential complementary approach to physiotherapy for reducing lower limb spasticity in cerebral palsy clients, though larger studies are needed to confirm effectiveness.
Study Design: how this randomised trial was run
Common questions about this study
What does this study mean in practice?
Reflexology combined with physiotherapy may help reduce leg stiffness and improve movement in children with cerebral palsy, though evidence is still limited and quality of life improvements were not observed.
What did this study find?
Reflexology applied twice weekly for 24 sessions showed effectiveness in reducing spasticity in specific muscles (right gastrocnemius and bilateral soleus) in children with cerebral palsy receiving physiotherapy. The study involved 45 children with cerebral palsy randomized into three groups: reflexology intervention, placebo control, and no-intervention control, with blinded outcome evaluators. Multiple functional and quality of life outcomes were measured using standardized assessment tools including the Gross Motor Function Measure, Modified Ashworth Scale, and Pediatric Quality of Life Scale.
How strong is this evidence?
This is a randomised trial and we rate its evidence moderate. It covers 45 participants. It was published in Applied nursing research : ANR, a Q2 journal. Reflexology is a complementary therapy, not a replacement for medical treatment.
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