The Effects of Foot Reflexology on Vital Signs: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

Authors: Yunyan Jing, Shanxin Liu, Chunqi Pan, Ying Jian, Mingwei Wang, Bin NiJournal: Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAMPublished: September 24, 2022DOI: 10.1155/2022/4182420

Q3 JournalSJR: 0.35h-index: 21SCImago

Strong EvidenceMeta Analysisn=819 participants

High Blood Pressure

In Plain Language: reflexology for high blood pressure, explained

The study evaluated the effects of foot reflexology on vital signs, finding that it can significantly reduce blood pressure, heart rate, and respiratory rate, while also positively affecting oxygen saturation levels. These results indicate that foot reflexology may be a beneficial non-invasive therapy for improving cardiovascular health.

Key Findings: what this meta-analysis found about high blood pressure

✓Systolic blood pressure reduced by an average of -4.62 mmHg
✓Diastolic blood pressure reduced by an average of -3.32 mmHg
✓Heart rate decreased by an average of -4.76 beats per minute
✓Respiratory rate decreased by an average of -0.77 breaths per minute
✓Oxygen saturation increased by an average of 0.95%

What This Means for You

For individuals considering reflexology treatment, this study suggests it may help lower blood pressure and heart rates, making it a potentially valuable option for managing stress and cardiovascular health.

What This Means for Practitioners

Reflexology practitioners can apply these findings by incorporating foot reflexology techniques with the goal of reducing vital signs such as blood pressure and heart rate for clients seeking non-pharmaceutical interventions for stress and cardiovascular wellness.

Study Design: how this meta-analysis was run

Blinding

open label

Control

none

Duration

short-term follow-up

Sample Size

819 participants

Limitations: what it cannot tell you about high blood pressure

The study mainly focused on short-term effects, so long-term benefits and potential risks of reflexology treatments remain unclear.

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Reflexology for high blood pressure: common questions

Does reflexology help with high blood pressure?

What did this study find?

Systolic blood pressure reduced by an average of -4.62 mmHg. Diastolic blood pressure reduced by an average of -3.32 mmHg. Heart rate decreased by an average of -4.76 beats per minute.

How strong is this evidence?

This is a meta-analysis and we rate its evidence strong. It covers 819 participants. It was published in Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM, a Q3 journal. Reflexology is a complementary therapy, not a replacement for medical treatment.