REFLEXOLOGY RESEARCH – SENIORS
2023
BLOOD PRESSURE, STRESS, SLEEP, HYPERTENSION, SENIORS, AURICULAR ACUPRESSURE
The effects of auricular acupressure on blood pressure, stress, and sleep in elders with essential hypertension: a randomized single-blind sham-controlled trial. By Bomi Kim, Hyojung Park. Pub. by Eur J Cardiovasc Nurs. 2023 Sep 5;22(6):610-619. PMID: 36594992 DOI: 10.1093/eurjcn/zvad005
The findings showed that auricular acupressure leads to improvements in blood pressure, stress, and sleep in elderly people with essential hypertension. Therefore, auricular acupressure can be used as an alternative nursing intervention for hypertension prevention, stress, and sleep management.
QUALITY OF LIFE, CONSTIPATION, SENIORS
Improving Quality of Life in The Constipated Older Person: Reflexology or Abdominal Massage? A Two-Group, Randomized Comparative Trial. By Şefika Dilek Güven. Pub. by Gastroenterol Nurs. 2023 Aug 25. PMID: 37639563 DOI: 10.1097/SGA.0000000000000775
The effects of both reflexology and abdominal massage were similar in improving constipation and quality of life in older persons.
PAIN, SLEEP, OSTEOARTHRITIS, SENIORS, AURICULAR ACUPRESSURE
Effects of auricular acupressure on sleep and pain in elderly people who have osteoarthritis and live in nursing homes: A randomized, single-blind, placebo-controlled trial. By Won Jin Lee, Hyojung Park. Pub. by Explore (NY) . 2023 Mar-Apr;19(2):214-222. PMID: 35835645 DOI: 10.1016/j.explore.2022.07.001
Auricular Acupressure can be used as an effective intervention to improve the sleep of the elderly living in nursing homes, and it can also reduce the pain.
CONSTIPATION, SENIORS, AURICULAR ACUPRESSURE
Effectiveness of auricular acupressure on constipation and related quality of life among the older people in the residential care home: a randomized clinical trial. By Mahdi Aminizadeh, Batool Tirgari, Omsalimeh Roudi Rashtabadi, Yunes Jahani, Haleh Tajadini. Pub. by BMC Geriatr. 2023 Mar 27;23(1):171. PMID: 36973676 PMCID: PMC10042113 DOI: 10.1186/s12877-023-03881-7.
The results showed the positive effect of auricular acupressure on reducing the severity of constipation symptoms and improving the quality of life in old patients living in the residential care home. This non-pharmaceutical practice can be used by nurses as an inexpensive, safe, acceptable, and non-invasive nursing care for older people with constipation in homes, medical centers, or nursing homes.
2022
QUALITY OF LIFE, SLEEP, OBESITY HYPOVENTILATION SYNDROME, SENIORS
Comparing the influence of foot reflexology and fasting mimicking diet on quality of life and sleep quality in obesity hypoventilation syndrome. By Rana Hesham Mohamed Elbanna, Sherif Osama Abdelsalam Elabd, Salma Ibrahim Abdelmohsen Alghitany. Pub. by J Complement Integr Med. 2022 Sep 30. PMID: 36173670 DOI: 10.1515/jcim-2022-0172.
Reflexology and a fasting-mimicking diet were found to have a substantial impact on enhancing the quality of life and sleep in people with obesity hypoventilation syndrome.
PAIN, OSTEOARTHRITIS, QUALITY OF LIFE, SENIORS
Effect of Foot Reflexology with Pharmacological Treatment on Pain and Quality of Life among Elderly Suffering from Osteoarthritis. By Baraka, S. (2022). Pub. by Tanta Scientific Nursing Journal, 24(1), pp. 224-251. doi: 10.21608/tsnj.2022.221577
Foot reflexology appears to have a significantly remarkable effect on pain reduction and improved quality of life. Also, the educational program of pharmacological osteoarthritis treatment was effective and improved elderly’s knowledge of both groups. Therefore, Foot reflexology technique should be recommended in hospital protocols and gerontological nursing curriculum beside pharmacological treatment of osteoarthritis.
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.
SLEEP, CONSTIPATION, SENIORS, RESIDENTIAL NURSING FACILITIES, AROMA FOOT MASSAGE
Effects of Aroma Foot Massage on Sleep Quality and Constipation Relief among the Older Adults Living in Residential Nursing Facilities. By Jung-In Kang, Eun-Hye Lee, Hyeon-Young Kim. Pub. by Int J Environ Res Public Health. May 4;19(9):5567.. PMID: 35564962 PMCID: PMC9105728 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19095567
We recommend that aroma foot massage be used as a complementary intervention in combination with drug-based treatment to improve sleep quality and relieve the constipation symptoms experienced by older adults living in nursing facilities.
SENIORS, AGITATION, INTENSIVE CARE UNIT
Nonpharmacological interventions for agitation in the adult intensive care unit: A systematic review. By Anne Mette N Adams, Diane Chamberlain, Mette Grønkjær, Charlotte Brun Thorup, Tiffany Conroy. Pub. by Aust Crit Care. 2022 Apr 29;S1036-7314(22)00031-5. PMID: 35513998 DOI: 10.1016/j.aucc.2022.02.005.
Nonpharmacological interventions (nature-based sounds, music, foot reflexology, healing touch, and aromatherapy) have the potential to reduce levels of agitation in the intensive care unit. However, inconsistencies in reporting, low quality of methodological designs, and small sample sizes impact the certainty of the results. Future trials must include larger sample sizes, use rigorous methods to improve knowledge in this field, and consider a range of other outcomes.
SLEEP, SENIORS
Improving Sleep Quality in Older Adults: Foot Reflexology or Warm Footbath? A Single-Blind, 6-Week Intervention, Two Group, Randomized Comparative Study. By Şefika Dilek Güven. J Gerontol Nurs. 2022 Mar; 48(3):17-22. PMID: 35201924 DOI: 10.3928/00989134-20220209-03
According to current findings, both interventions improved sleep quality in older adults.
SENIORS, LOMBALGIA (LOW BACK PAIN), QUALITY OF LIFE
The Effect of Reflexology based on Watson’s Caring Model on Lombalgia and Quality of Life in Older Adults. By Gülpınar Aslan, Dilek Kiliç. Pub. by Ageing International volume 47, pages 596–616 28 January 2022.
Reflexology based on Watson’s Caring Model was found to have positive effects on lombalgia and quality of life in older adults.
2021
SLEEP, SENIORS, AURICULAR ACUPRESSURE
The effects of auricular acupressure on the sleep of the elderly using polysomnography, actigraphy and blood test: Randomized, single-blind, sham control. By Juyon Min, Bomi Kim, Hyojung Park. Pub. by Complement Ther Clin Pract. 2021 Nov:45:101464. PMID: 34352596 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctcp.2021.101464
Auricular acupressure applied for eight weeks was found to be effective in increasing Non-Rapid Eye Movement sleep stage 3 duration and Non-Rapid Eye Movement sleep stage 3 ratio among sleep stages of the elderly. Consequently, it showed that auricular acupressure can be used as a proven nursing intervention method for sleep disorder in elders to increase deep sleep duration and ratio.
DIABETES, PERIPHERAL NEUROPATHY, GLYCEMIC CONTROL, SENIORS,
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. Pub. by 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.
2020
CONSTIPATION, SENIORS
Effect of Reflexology on the Constipation Status of Elderly People. By Bahar Inkaya, Hilal Tuzer. Yonago Acta Med. 2020 May 18; 63(2):115-121 PMID: 32494217 PMCID: PMC7231874 DOI: 10.33160/yam.2020.05.007
Foot reflexology massage was found to be effective in relieving the constipation of elderly people. Therefore, reflexology is recommended as part of nursing care to reduce the constipation status of elderly people.
2019
PSYCHOLOGICAL FACTORS, EEG ACTIVITY, HAND & FOOT MASSAGE, SENIORS
Effect of Hand and Foot Massage Therapy on Psychological Factors and EEG Activity in Elderly People Requiring Long-Term Care: A Randomized Cross-Over Study. By Hideki Nakano, Takayuki Kodama, Tomohiro Ueda, Ikuko Mori, Tomiko Tani, Shin Murata. Brain Sci. 2019 Mar 4; 9(3):54. PMID: 30836612 PMCID: PMC6468439 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci9030054.
This study suggests that hand and foot massage therapy modulate psychological factors and EEG activity in elderly people requiring long-term care.
FATIGUE, CARDIOVASCULAR PARAMETERS, SENIORS, WOMEN
Aromatherapy massage versus reflexology on female elderly with acute coronary syndrome. By Bahrami, T., Rejeh, N., Heravi-Karimooi, M., Vaismoradi, M., Tadrisi, S.D. and Sieloff, C.L. (2018). Pub. by Nurs Crit Care, 23: 229-236. https://doi.org/10.1111/nicc.12302
Implementation of both aromatherapy massage and reflexology has positive effects on the fatigue and cardiovascular parameters of patients with acute coronary syndrome. However, aromatherapy massage can be more beneficial to use as a supportive approach in coronary diseases.
2017
SENIORS, RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS
Laser acupuncture versus reflexology therapy in elderly with rheumatoid arthritis. By Adly, A.S., Adly, A.S., Adly, M.S. et al. Pub. by Lasers Med Sci 32, 1097–1103 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10103-017-2213-y DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10103-017-2213-y
Laser therapy is associated with significant improvement in MDA and ATP greater than reflexology. In addition, it is associated with significant improvement in ankle dorsi-flexion, ankle plantar-flexion, wrist flexion, wrist extension, and radial deviation greater than reflexology in elderly patients with rheumatoid arthritis.
2016
BLOOD PRESSURE, HYPERTENSION, SENIORS
The Effectiveness Of Reflexology Massage In Lowering The Blood Pressure In Elderly With Hypertension. BySari, Levi & Renityas, Nevy & Wibisono, Wahyu. (2016). Pub. by Jurnal Ners dan Kebidanan (Journal of Ners and Midwifery). 1. 200. 10.26699/jnk.v1i3.ART.p200-204.
The result of t-test showed that p <0.0001, means that there was significantly different result before and after treatment with reflexology massage on the feet with a medium timber. It is expected that people with hypertension do the feet reflexology massage in order to taking medication because can lower systolic blood pressure.
2015
SENIORS, SLEEP
Comparing the Effects of Reflexology and Footbath on Sleep Quality in the Elderly: A Controlled Clinical Trial. By Leila Valizadeh, Alehe Seyyedrasooli, Vahid Zamanazadeh, and Khadijeh Nasiri. Iran Red Crescent Med J. 2015 Nov; 17(11): e20111. PMCID: PMC4698132 PMID: 26734475
It is suggested that the training of nonpharmacological methods to improve sleep quality such as reflexology and foot bath be included in the elderly health programs. In addition, it is recommended that the impact of these interventions on subjective sleep quality using polysomnographic recordings be explored in future research.
ANXIETY, DEPRESSION, PAIN, EAR ACUPRESSURE, DEMENTIA, SENIORS
The effects of ear acupressure, massage therapy and no therapy on symptoms of dementia: a randomized controlled trial. By Juan Rodríguez-Mansilla, María Victoria González López-Arza, Enrique Varela-Donoso, Jesús Montanero-Fernández, Blanca González Sánchez, Elisa María Garrido-Ardila. Clin Rehabil. 2015 Jul; 29(7):683-93. PMID: 25322869 DOI: 10.1177/0269215514554240.
Ear acupressure and massage therapy showed better results than the control group in relation to pain, anxiety and depression. However, ear acupressure achieved more improvements.
2014
FOOT MASSAGE, AGITATION, MOOD, DEMENTIA, SENIORS
Foot massage versus quiet presence on agitation and mood in people with dementia: a randomised controlled trial. By Wendy Moyle, Marie Louise Cooke, Elizabeth Beattie, David H K Shum, Siobhan T O'Dwyer, Sue Barrett. Int J Nurs Stud. 2014 Jun; 51(6):856-64. PMID: 24216598 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijnurstu.2013.10.019
The findings highlight the need for further research on the specific conditions under which massage might promote relaxation and improve mood for people with dementia. The unfamiliar research assistants and variations in usual activity may have contributed to the increase in agitation and this needs further research.
2012
BLOOD PRESSURE, PULSE RATES, HYPERTENSION
The effects of Aroma foot reflexology and foot reflexology on blood pressure, pulse rate and blood lipid level of elderly essential hypertensive patients in a rural area. By Lee, Hyeon-Soon, Kim, Dong-Oak. Journal of the Korea Academia-Industrial cooperation Society. Volume 13 Issue 9.Pages.4053-4064. 2012.
In conclusion, both of aroma foot reflexology and foot reflexology had positive effects to decrease the blood pressure and pulse rates of the elderly essential hypertensive patients in a rural area and would be utilized as a nursing intervention for them.
PAIN, STRESS, CANCER, NURSING HOME SENIORS
Reflexology versus Swedish Massage to Reduce Physiologic Stress and Pain and Improve Mood in Nursing Home Residents with Cancer: A Pilot Trial. By Nancy A Hodgson, Doreen Lafferty. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2012; 2012: 456897. PMID: 22888364 PMCID: PMC3409545 DOI: 10.1155/2012/456897.
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.
2010
RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS, FATIGUE
The effects of reflexology in reducing the symptoms of fatigue in people with rheumatoid arthritis: a preliminary study. By Simon Otter, Amanda Church, Anita Murray, Jody Lucas, Naomi Creasey, Jackie Woodhouse, Rachel Grant, Helen Cooper. J Altern Complement Med. 2010 Dec; 16(12):1251-2. PMID: 21114404 DOI: 10.1089/acm.2010.0557
Abstract available for purchase.
2008
DEMENTIA, STRESS, PHYSIOLOGIC DISTRESS, PAIN, AFFECT
The Clinical Efficacy of Reflexology in Nursing Home Residents with Dementia. By Nancy A. Hodgson and Susan Andersen . The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine Vol. 14, No. 3. Published Online: 9 April 2008 https://doi.org/10.1089/acm.2007.0577.
The findings demonstrate that when receiving the reflexology treatment condition, as compared to the control condition, the residents demonstrated significant reduction in observed pain and salivary α-amylase (physiologic distress). No adverse events were recorded during the study period. This study provides preliminary support for the efficacy of reflexology as a treatment of stress in nursing home residents with mild-to-moderate stage dementia.
2007
ANXIETY, AURICULAR ACUPRESSURE, SHOCK WAVE LITHOTRIPSY, SENIORS
Auricular acupressure as a treatment for anxiety before extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy in the elderly. By Bruno Mora, Michele Iannuzzi, Thomas Lang, Barbara Steinlechner, Renate Barker, Michael Dobrovits, Christian Wimmer, Alexander Kober. J Urol. 2007 Jul; 178(1):160-4; discussion 164. PMID: 17499304 DOI: 10.1016/j.juro.2007.03.019
Elderly patients who received auricular acupressure at specific relaxation points while being transported to the hospital were less anxious, anticipated less pain and were more optimistic about the outcome of treatment that they will receive than the sham treated group. These data prove that this is an effective treatment for anxiety, that improves the patient overall perception of extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy. (Kidney stone breaking).
2006
PAIN, ANXIETY, AURICULAR ACUPRESSURE, HIP FRACTURE, SENIORS
Out-of-hospital auricular acupressure in elder patients with hip fracture: a randomized double-blinded trial. By Renate Barker, Alexander Kober, Klaus Hoerauf, Daniela Latzke, Sharam Adel, Zeev N Kain, Shu-Ming Wang. Acad Emerg Med. 2006 Jan; 13(1):19-23. PMID: 16365322 DOI: 10.1197/j.aem.2005.07.014.
Patients in the true intervention groups had less pain and anxiety, and lower heart rate on arrival at the hospital than did patients in the sham control group. As a result, the patients in the true intervention group reported higher satisfaction in the care they received during the ride to the hospital. Conclusions: The authors encourage physicians, health care providers, and emergency rescuers to learn this easy, non-invasive, and inexpensive technique for its effects in decreasing anxiety and pain during emergency transportation.
2004
CONSTIPATION, SENIORS
Treatment and Prevention of Constipation by Reflexotherapy. By Guiling, S., 2004 China Symposium Reflexology Report, pages 55-58.
Reflexotherapy proved to be beneficial for the prevention and treatment of constipation and beneficial for the human body.
2003
QUALITY OF LIFE, PHYSIOLOGICAL RESPONSES, PSYCHOLOGICAL HEALTH
The effects of foot reflexology on health status of the institutionalized elders. By H. M. Kim, and H. G. An, Journal of Korean Gerontological Nursing Society 2003; 5(1):17-28
The purpose of this study was to explore the effects of foot reflex therapy on heath status in institutional elders using a quasi-experimental design. Pre and post-experiment measures were compared. In conclusion, the study provided support that foot reflex therapy for elders promotes positive physiological responses, psychological health and quality of life. From this result, it can be concluded that foot reflex therapy is effective as a intervention for health promotion in elders.
2002
CIRCULATION, RELAXATION, COMFORT, SENIORS
The Effect of Foot Massage with Biofeedback: A Pilot Study to Enhance Health Promotion. By Prapasri Jirayingmongkol,Supatra Chantein,Nuppawan Phengchomjan, Nitaya Bhanggananda. Nurs Health Sci. 2002; 4: A4.
It was concluded that the foot massage provided good circulation, relaxation, and comfort. These findings appear to indicate that foot massage is beneficial both for physical and mental conditions
1996
HYPERTENSION, MEN, SENIORS
Exploration on the Treatment for Hypertension with Reflexology Applied to Adrenal Reflex. By Zhong, Z., 1996 China Reflexology Symposium, Beijing: China Reflexology Association, pages 24-25.
Foot reflexology was found to be effective for the relief of hypertension.
GASTRITIS, GALLBLADDER, WOMEN, SENIORS
Cases of Biliary Tract Disease. Jing, C., 1996 China Reflexology Symposium Report, Beijing: China Reflexology Association, page 45.
Foot reflexology was found to be effective for the relief of colestatis and infection of the biliary tract which constitute a majority of cholecystitis or cholelithiasis.
GOUT, MEN, SENIORS
Treatment of Gout with Foot Reflexology. By Li, R. 1996 China Reflexology Symposium Report, Beijing : China Reflexology Association, pages 95-96.
Foot reflexology was found to be effective for the relief symptoms associated with gout.
GOUT, SENIORS
Observation on the Therapeutic Effect of 15 Cases of Gout Treated with Foot Reflexotherapy. By Wu, Z. 1996 China Reflexology Symposium Report, Beijing: China Reflexology Association, pages 104-109.
Foot reflexology was found to be effective for the relief of gout.
1994
DEMENTIA, SENIORS
Therapeutic Effect of Foot Reflexology on Senile Encephalatrophy. By Han, F., 1994 China Reflexology Symposium Report, Beijing : China Reflexology Association, pages 12-15
Foot reflexology was found to be effective for the relief of symptoms associated with senile encephalatrophy (dementia).
ANGINA, MEN , SENIORS
Effect of Foot Massage on a Patient with Angina Observing with EKG: A Case Report. By Zhang, B., 1994 China Reflexology Symposium Report, Beijing: China Reflexology Association, pages 53-54.
Foot reflexology was found to be effective in relieving the symptoms associated with angina attacks
CONSTIPATION, SENIORS
Exploring the Application of Foot Reflexology to the Prevention and Treatment of Functional Constipation. By Yang, Y., Chao, L. Meng, G., Cao, S., Hao, J., and Zhang, S., 1994 China Reflexology Symposium Report, Beijing: China Reflexology Association, pages 62-65.
Foot reflexology was found to have a remarkable effect in shortening the emptying time of the digestive tract of its contents, and is highly effective for relief of symptoms associated with functional constipation.
CATARACT, SENIORS
Foot Massage Treatment of Immature Cataract. By Huang, G., 1994 China Reflexology Symposium Report, Beijing: China Reflexology Association, page 129.
Foot reflexology was shown to be effective for the relief of cataracts.
CONSTIPATION, DIGESTIVE, SENIORS
The Observation of Gurgling Sound Before and After Foot Massotherapy. By Yang, Y., Zhao, L., Meng, G., Cao, S., Hao, J., and Zhang, S., 1994 China Reflexology Symposium Report, Beijing : China Reflexology Association, pages 150-154.
Foot reflexology was found to be effective for the relief of abdominal peristalsis and abdominal gurgling.
1993
SENILE DEMENTIA, SENIORS
Foot Reflexology Therapy in Senile Dementia: Report of 2 Cases. By Meng, G., and Zhao, L., 1993 China Reflexology Symposium Report, Beijing , China Reflexology Association, page 14.
Foot reflexology has been shown to be effective in improving some of the symptoms associated with senile dementia.
ASCIARIASIS (ROUNDWORM INFESTATION), GALLBLADDER, MEN, SENIOR
Foot Reflexology Cures an Ascariasis of the Biliary Tract. By Duan, Z., 1993 China Reflexology Symposium Report, Beijing, China Reflexology Association, pages 32-33.
Foot reflexology has been shown to be effective for the relief of ascariasis of the biliary tract.
SENILE CATARACT, SENIORS
Hand and Foot Reflex Area Massage in the Treatment of Senile Cataract: Observation of 10 Cases. By Zhou, D., 1993 China Reflexology Symposium Report, Beijing: China Reflexology Association, page 70.
Foot and hand reflexology were shown to be effective for the relief of cataracts.