REFLEXOLOGY RESEARCH – DIABETES

2024

DIABETIC NEUROPATHY,

Determination of Efficacy of Reflexology in Managing Patients with Diabetic Neuropathy: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial. By Krishna Dalal, V. Bharathi Maran, Ravindra M. Pandey, Manjari Tripathi. Pub. by Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. Epub 2014 Jan 9. doi: 10.1155/2014/843036 PMCID: PMC3913279 PMID: 24527055

Reflexology group showed more improvements in all outcome measures than those of control subjects with statistical significance. Conclusion. This study exhibited the efficient utility of reflexology therapy integrated with conventional medicines in managing diabetic neuropathy.

2022

LOWER LEG PERFUSION (BLOOD FLOW), PAIN, DIABETES MELLITUS

'The Effect of Buerger Allen Exercise Versus Reflexology on Lower Extremity Perfusion and Pain among Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus', By Rashwan, M., Bedier, N., El-Kharbotly, S., Ebrahim, Y., Sharaf, A. (2022). Pub. by Alexandria Scientific Nursing Journal, 24(1), pp. 13-25. doi: 10.21608/asalexu.2022.246002

Both Buerger Allen Exercise, and reflexology are effective in improving lower extremity perfusion among type 2 diabetes mellitus patients. Diabetic patients who performed reflexology intervention experience less pain more than those who performed Buerger Allen exercise. Recommendations: Encourage health care providers to integrate Buerger Allen exercise & reflexology in the care protocols of patients with Diabetes Mellitus in different health care settings.

Foot Reflexology and Type 2 Diabetes: Analyzing HbA1c, Perceived Stress, Coping Ability, and Sense of Coherence. By Vance, Margaret A. Walden University ProQuest Dissertations Publishing, 2022. 29212325.

A copy of the complete full text for this document may be purchased directly from ProQuest.

DIABETES, MUSCLE ELECTRICAL ACTIVITY, BALANCE

Effect of Foot Reflexology on Muscle Electrical Activity, Pressure, Plantar Distribution, and Body Sway in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial. By Thais Gebin Toledo, Larissa Alves Moreira Freire, Luciana Maria Dos Reis, Andréia Maria Silva Vilela Terra, Adriana Teresa Silva Santos. Pub. by Int J Environ Res Public Health.2022 Nov 5;19(21):14547. PMID: 36361426 PMCID: PMC9655389 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192114547

We conclude that foot reflexology influenced some variables of the intergroup plantar distribution and intragroup electromyography in the sample studied. There is a need for a placebo group, a larger sample and a follow-up to strengthen the findings of these experiments.

QUALITY OF LIFE, BLOOD GLUCOSE LEVEL, PERIPHERAL CIRCULATION, DIABETIC NEUROPATHY PATIENTS

Effect of Foot Reflexology Technique on Diabetic Neuropathy Patients' Health Outcomes. By Walaa Shawky Gomaa, Hanan Gaber Mohammed, Amal Saied Taha and Nehal Mahmoud Abo El-Fadl. Pub. by Journal of Nursing Science - Benha University ISSN 2682 – 3934 Vol. (3) No. (2) 2022 JNSBU.

Reflexology intervention is endorsed in improving QOL, diabetic peripheral neuropathy sensory, lowering blood glucose level and improve peripheral circulation of the diabetic neuropathic studied patients. Recommendations: Increase public awareness about efficacy & tolerability of foot reflexology in improving health outcomes as quality of life, sensation, blood glucose level and peripheral circulation of diabetic neuropathic patients.

DIABETES, SENIORS, BLOOD SUGAR LEVEL

The Effectiveness of Reflexology Massage to The Reduction of Blood Sugar Level of Elderly with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. By Levi Tina Sari, Wahyu Wibisono, Nevy Norma Renityas. Pub. by JOURNAL OF NERS AND MIDWIFERY Vol 9, No 2 (2022).

There was an effect between reflexology treatment before and after as much as 0.0001 < 0.05.

2021

DIABETES, SENIORS, PERIPHERAL NEUROPATHY, GLYCEMIC CONTROL

Effect of reflexology on ankle brachial index, diabetic peripheral neuropathy, and glycemic control in older adults with diabetes: A randomized controlled trial. By Saadet Can Cicek, Seyma Demir, Dilek Yilmaz, Sedat Yildiz. Complement Ther Clin Pract. 2021 Aug; 44:101437. PMID: 34237668 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctcp.2021.101437

A foot reflexology practice can be a useful for improving the glycemic control and diabetic peripheral neuropathy in the older adults with diabetes.

2018

PERIPHERAL DIABETIC NEUROPATHIC PAIN,

The Efficacy of Foot Reflexology on the Reduction of Peripheral Diabetic Neuropathic Pain. By Mona Mohamed Ibrahim & Shimaa Mohamed Abdou Rizk. IOSR Journal of Nursing and Health Science (IOSR-JNHS) e-ISSN: 2320–1959.p- ISSN: 2320–1940 Volume 7, Issue 5 Ver. IX. (Sep.-Oct .2018), PP 44-55 DOI: 10.9790/1959-0705094455

This study strengthened that reflexology therapy in combination with pharmacological therapy is recommended in reducing the diabetic patients’ peripheral neuropathic pain. Recommendations: Application of routine foot reflexology to all diabetic patients to decrease the sensation of Peripheral Diabetic Neuropathic pain.

DIABETES MELLITUS,

Effect of Foot Reflexology on Capillary Blood Glucose, Tissue Temperature, and Plantar Pressure of Individuals with Diabetes Mellitus (Type 2): A Pilot Study. By Natália C.M.SilvaPhD, Érika C.L.ChavesPhD, Emília C.CarvalhoPhDc, Leonardo C.CarvalhoPhD, Denise H.IunesPhD. Journal of Chiropractic Medicine. Volume 17, Issue 3, September 2018, Pages 182-189.

The data indicate that, after 12 therapy sessions, there were no significant differences between the groups for producing effects on capillary blood glucose, feet tissue temperature, and plantar pressure. Conclusion No significant effect was observed after 12 foot reflexology sessions in the variables that were evaluated. However, the authors observed that after 12 sessions of the tested therapy, participants in the treated group presented more “normal” results than those of the control group regarding subvariables of the static analysis (average pressure, maximum pressure, and center of gravity distribution) and the foot-ground contact time subvariable of the dynamics analysis.

2017

DIABETES TYPE II, BALANCE & FUNCTIONAL REACH,

The effect of foot plantar massage on balance and functional reach in patients with type II diabetes. By Eylem Tütün Yümin, PT, PhD, Tülay Tarsuslu Şimşek, PT, PhD, Meral Sertel, PT, PhD, Handan Ankaralı, MD & Murat Yumin, MD. Pub. by Physiother Theory Pract 2017 115-123 2 33.

The results of our study indicated that application of plantar massage to patients with T2 DM caused an improvement in balance, functional mobility, and functional reach values. An increase in body balance and functional mobility may explain the improvement in Timed Up & Go (TUG). Foot massage to be added to rehabilitation exercise programs of DM patients will be important in improving balance and mobility of patients.

2015

DIABETES, BALANCE PERFORMANCE, FOOT SENSATION, PERPHERAL NEUROPATHY, THAI FOOT MASSAGE

Effects of thai foot massage on balance performance in diabetic patients with peripheral neuropathy: a randomized parallel-controlled trial. By Chatchawan U, Eungpinichpong W, Plandee P, Yamauchi J. Med Sci Monit Basic Res. 2015 Apr 20;21:68-75. doi: 10.12659/MSMBR.894163. PMID: 25892354; PMCID: PMC4416467.

The results of this study suggest that Thai foot massage is a viable alternative treatment for balance performance, ROM of the foot, and the foot sensation in diabetic patients with peripheral neuropathy.

TYPE 2 DIABETES,

Foot reflexology in feet impairment of people with type 2 diabetes mellitus: randomized trial. By Natália Chantal Magalhães da Silva, Érika de Cássia Lopes Chaves, Emilia Campos de Carvalho, Leonardo César Carvalho, and Denise Hollanda Iunes. Rev Lat Am Enfermagem. 2015 Jul-Aug; 23(4): 603–610. PMID: 26444161

Participants who received the therapy showed better scores in some impairment indicators related to skin and hair (hair growth, elasticity/turgor, hydration, perspiration, texture and integrity of the skin/ skin peeling). Conclusion: the foot reflexology had a beneficial effect on feet impairment of people with type 2 diabetes mellitus, which makes it a viable therapy, deserving investment.

2014

DIABETIC NEUROPATHY

Determination of Efficacy of Reflexology in Managing Patients with Diabetic Neuropathy: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial. By Krishna Dalal, V. Bharathi Maran, Ravindra M. Pandey, and Manjari Tripathi. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2014; 2014: 843036. DOI: 10.1155/2014/843036 PMCID: PMC3913279 PMID: 24527055.

2011

DIABETES -TYPE 2,

Foot Reflexology and Diabetes - A Case Study. By John Guinta. certified reflexologist; massage therapy student. Pub. by Academy of Ancient Reflexology. www.academyofancientreflexology.com

The subject reported increased energy levels and decreased glucose levels after each foot reflexology session. The subject also stated that he was very relaxed after each session

2009

TYPE 2 DIABETES

Type 2 Diabetes and Reflexology - A case study (8 sessions). By Brenda Toomey (FL) Pub. by ACADEMY OF ANCIENT REFLEXOLOGY March 2009. www.academyofancientreflexology.com.

Subject’s glucose reading before the series of reflexology sessions was at 267. After her case study her glucose registered 128. Her doctor stated that he has never seen a patient's results change so dramatically before.

2003

DIABETES MELLITUS, PULSE RATE, FATIGUE, MOOD STATUS, BLOOD GLUCOSE LEVELS

Effect of Foot Reflex Massage on Stress Responses, and Glucose Level of Non-Insulin Dependant Diabetes Mellitus Patients. By Kim KS., Korean J Rehabil Nurs. 2003 Dec 6 (2) 152-163.

Foot reflexology is shown to improve pulse rate, general fatigue, foot fatigue and mood status in diabetes patients. Further research is needed to explore the effect of decreasing of blood glucose levels.

ARTERIAL BLOOD FLOW, DIABETES

The Effects of a Foot-Reflexo-Massage Education Program on Foot Care in Diabetic Patients. By Young Hee Lee. Department of Nursing, College of Medicine Kwandong University, Korea. J Korean Acad Nurs. 2003 Aug; 33(5):633-642. https://doi.org/10.4040/jkan.2003.33.5.633

There was no significant difference in blood flow volume and capillary filling time over three different times, between groups, but there was interaction by groups or over time. But, there was significant difference in discrimination in change of dosalis pedis artery blood flow. (Blood flow to the foot dorsum). Findings indicate that this study may contribute to develop nursing intervention for foot care of diabetic patients.

1998

DIABETES

Treatment of Diabetes with Reflexology - Report of 10 Cases. By Liu, C., 1998 China Reflexology Symposium Report, Beijing : China Reflexology Association, pages 42-43.

Foot reflexology was found to be effective in the relief of diabetes and regulating blood sugar.

DIABETES MELLITUS

Clinical Research on Treatment of 367 Cases with Diabetes Mellitus. By An, B., 1998 China Reflexology Symposium Report, Beijing : China Reflexology Association, pages 46-48.

The author treated 570 cases of Diabetes Mellitus with “foot massage with six fingers” in conformity with the theory of Traditional Chinese medicine and foot reflexology with satisfactory results. The paper presents the treatment protocol for 367 of the cases.

DIABETES MELLITUS, ARTERIAL BLOOD FLOW

Clinical Observation on Influence Upon Arterial Blood Flow in the Lower Limbs of 20 Cases with Type II Diabetes Mellitus Treated by Foot Reflexology. By Ma, Y., 1998 China Reflexology Symposium Report, Bejing: China Reflexology Association. pages 97-100.

Foot reflexology was found to be effective for the relief of arterial blood flow in the lower limbs of Type II diabetes mellitus.

1996

DIABETES

Foot Reflexo-therapy in Diabetes and Diabetic Complications--Report of 215 Cases. By Wang, H., 1996 China Reflexology Symposium Report, Beijing : China Reflexology Association, pages 26-28.

Foot reflexology was found to be effective in the relief of diabetes and complications associated with diabetes.

TYPE II DIABETES MELLITUS,

Treatment for Complications of Type II Diabetes Mellitus - Analysis of 31 Cases. By Hou, M., 1996 China Reflexology Symposium Report, Beijing: China Reflexology Association, pages 29-31.

Foot reflexology was found to be effective for the relief of diabetes.

DIABETES MELLITUS

Two Cases of Diabetic Mellitus Treated with Foot Reflexotherapy. By Lin, P., 1996 China Reflexology Symposium Report, Beijing : China Reflexology Association, pages 32-33.

Foot reflexology was found to be effective for the relief of diabetes mellitus.

DIABETES MELLITUS, GANGRENE

An Analysis of Therapeutic Effects of 28 Cases with Diabetic Acromelic Vesicle and Gangrene Treated with Foot Reflexo-massage. By Zhang, G., 1996 China Reflexology Symposium Report, Beijing : China Reflexology Association, pages 37-40.

Foot Massage and Foot Reflexology were found to be effective for the relief of diabetic acromelic vesicle and gangrene (DAVG), a complication of diabetes mellitus. Wound healing in the group that had both Foot Massage and Foot Reflexology was 43 percent quicker than those receiving just Foot Massage.

1994

DIABETES

The Therapeutic Effect of Foot Reflexology on Patients of Diabetes - 60 Cases Report. By Gao, H., 1994 China Reflexology Symposium Report, Beijing : China Reflexology Association, pages 55-57.

Foot reflexology was found to be effective for treatment of diabetic patients in combination with medicine without eliciting side effects.

DIABETES INSIPIDUS

A Case of Pituitary Diabetes Insipidus Cured by Foot Reflexology. By Wang, S., 1994 China Reflexology Symposium Report, Beijing: China Reflexology Association, page 77.

Foot reflexology was found to be effective for relief of pituitary diabetes insipidus (PDI).

1993

DIABETES MELLITUS, PANCREAS FUNCTION

A Primary Observation of Foot Reflexology for an IDDM Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus Case. By Zhang, J., and Xu, B., 1993 China Reflexology Symposium Report, Beijing , China Reflexology Association, pages 22-23.

Foot reflexology has been shown to be effective in helping to stabilize blood sugar levels in insulin dependent diabetes mellitus, and in reducing the dosage levels of insulin and improving pancreas function.

DIABETES MELLITUS,

Foot Reflexology Therapy Applied on Patients with NIDDM (Non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus). By Duan, Z. et al., 1993 China Reflexology Symposium Report, Beijing : China Reflexology Association, pages 24-25

Foot reflexology has been shown to be successful in reducing the fasting plasma glucose levels of patients with non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus.