The Body and Sole

20/09/2024

Friday Research

Summary: This study compared warm foot baths to reflexology in patients undergoing radiotherapy. It found that while both reduced reduced depression levels reflexology showed a greater impact in improving depression levels.

This study echos a second one by the same study group where they repeated the interventions but in patients receiving chemotherapy. similar results were found, reflexology was much more effective.

Reference: Rajabzadeh M, Namazinia M, Bahrami-Taghanaki H, Mohajer S, Reza Mazloum S. Comparing the effects of warm footbath and foot reflexology on depression of patients undergoing radiotherapy: A randomized clinical trial. Tech Innov Patient Support Radiat Oncol. 2024 Aug 17;31:100270. doi: 10.1016/j.tipsro.2024.100270. PMID: 39280779; PMCID: PMC11401351.

ABSTRACT

Background: Cancer diagnosis not only impacts physical health but also mental well-being, often leading to significant stress, fear, and depression among patients.The utilization of CAM has shown a rising trend, influenced by the availability of different modalities offered by healthcare services, sometimes in an ad hoc fashion. This study seeks to examine and compare the respective impacts of warm foot baths and foot reflexology on depression in patients undergoing radiotherapy.

Methods: A randomized clinical trial was conducted at Mashhad University of Medical Sciences in Iran in 2019, following CONSORT guidelines. Participants included non-metastatic cancer patients aged 18-60 undergoing a 28-day radiotherapy course. Patients were randomly assigned to receive either warm footbaths or foot reflexology as interventions, performed daily for 20 min over 21 days. The data were analyzed using appropriate statistical tests.

Results: Statistical analysis indicated no significant differences in demographic attributes between the two groups. Both interventions led to a significant reduction in depression scores post-treatment compared to pre-treatment assessments. Foot reflexology showed a greater reduction in depression scores compared to footbaths with warm water.

Conclusions: Both warm footbaths and foot reflexology are effective in alleviating depression in patients undergoing radiotherapy, with foot reflexology showing a greater impact on improving depression levels. The study recommends foot reflexology as a preferred intervention for managing depression in these patients if conditions and facilities permit.

Abstract here: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39280779/

Full paper for free here: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11401351/

26/08/2024

Interesting Pregnancy Research

Summary: In this group of women living with pre-eclampsia both anxiety and insomnia were statistically significantly reduced by foot massage

Note: this is foot massage but much of the effect would be relevant to reflexology. It was a very simple massage. 'The massage was applied to five parts of the foot, namely, the back of the foot, inner and outer sides, toes, and soles of the feet by using petrissage and effleurage massage techniques. Each massage application to these areas was repeated 3-5 times on average.'

Reference: Kırca AŞ, Çetin NŞ. The effect of classical foot massage on insomnia and anxiety in preeclamptic pregnant women: a randomized controlled study. Rev Assoc Med Bras (1992). 2024 Feb 26;70(2):e20230744. doi: 10.1590/1806-9282.20230744. PMID: 38422316; PMCID: PMC10903275.

ABSTRACT

Objective: Preeclampsia is one of the most common complaints during pregnancy. Preeclamptic pregnant women may experience insomnia and anxiety.

Methods: This study was a randomized controlled trial with 71 preeclamptic women. In the experimental group, a foot massage was done for 3 days in a week. In the control group, any applications were not done. These groups were assessed for insomnia and anxiety levels.

Results: In this study, it was found that classical foot massage significantly reduced (12.45±5.74 vs. 33.4±6.41) insomnia and anxiety compared with the control group (18.8±6.44 vs. 39.19±8.31, respectively, p

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: Preeclampsia is one of the most common complaints during pregnancy....

09/08/2024

Friday research! Interesting for individuals receiving cancer treatment.

Summary: This study compares reflexology to a touch control of 'a placebo treatment without exerting any pressure on the reflex points during the same time frame.' This is pretty difficult to do when you consider that some techniques for reflexology use little pressure. Where does the line between light touch and their defined 'no intervention' take place?

Nevertheless, this study of patients undergoing chemotherapy provided a statistically significant improvement between the two groups for sleep quality and anorexia.

FYI medical definition of anorexia from paper; Anorexia, a condition characterized by a diminished appetite, is prevalent in a significant proportion of individuals with cancer who seek palliative care, ranging from 30 to 80 percent. This phenomenon has a detrimental impact on their overall quality of life, leading to heightened morbidity and mortality rates.

Reference: Akbari M, Golitaleb M, Farahani M, Nikbakht D, Shahrodi M, Davodabady F, Amini N, Harorani M. Effects of Reflexology on Anorexia and Sleep Quality in Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy: A Randomized Clinical Trial. Iran J Nurs Midwifery Res. 2024 Jul 2;29(3):337-342. doi: 10.4103/ijnmr.ijnmr_62_23. PMID: 39100404; PMCID: PMC11296600.

ABSTRACT

Background: Cancer and associated treatment methods present numerous complications, including anorexia and disturbances in sleep patterns. Consequently, the purpose of this study is to examine the impact of reflexology on the symptoms of anorexia and sleep quality among individuals afflicted with cancer.

Materials and methods: In this double-blinded randomized clinical trial, a total of 60 patients undergoing chemotherapy at Khansari Hospital, Arak, Iran, were selected using convenience sampling and then assigned to two groups of control and experimental using blocked randomization (30 patients in each group). The sample intervention group received reflexology in an exceedingly 4-week amount (two sessions a week), By contrast, the control group was administered a placebo treatment without exerting any pressure on the reflex points during the same time frame. Sleep quality and anorexia in patients were measured using a Pittsburgh questionnaire and visual analog scale before and right after the intervention. Eventually, the data were analyzed, and we used the tests of central tendency, dispersion, independent- and paired-samples t-tests, and Chi-square.

Results: The findings of the study revealed a significant improvement in sleep quality and reduction in anorexia symptoms among patients who received reflexology treatment scores (p < 0.001). Conversely, there was no significant difference in the control group before and after the intervention (without pressure effect on the foot points) (p > 0.05).

Conclusions: According to the positive effects on sleep quality and the reduction of anorexia symptoms, it is recommended to incorporate this therapeutic modality along with conventional medication for the treatment of individuals with cancer.

Abstract here: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39100404/

Free full text here: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11296600/

27/06/2024

Here at our pregnancy event and we’d like to say a massive thank you to Hood's Scottish Honey for the gorgeous soap and luscious lip balm they contributed to our awesome mamas to be tonight
Thanks and what a great night it was
More news on that tomorrow! ……

26/06/2024

Welcome to your own Local Pregnancy Event packed with tips, free advice and local services that could help you through the next...

22/06/2024

Olivia Attwood loves reflexology. ❤️ She explains in her latest podcast! She says she hated her feet being touched but soon got over this and felt the benefits of reflexology instantly it’s now part of her self care routine!
I love the magic of reflexology and how it makes people feel. Thank you to one of my lovely clients for sharing this podcast with me!

❤️🙏 👣

20/06/2024

A great treatment for athletes to reset and rebalance, benefiting sleep which is essential for recovery. 🫶

Here is a pic of Muhammad Ali having a treatment 🦶

19/06/2024

Summary: A great piece of research evidencing the benefits of reflexology for woman who are postpartum.

This study was specifically in c-section patients and they found decreased pain, faster pain resolution, decreased fatigue, increased sleep quality and energy levels and in addition increased breastfeeding efficiency! Note their conclusion which is not specifically boundaried to this group of patients 'Foot reflexology reduces postpartum symptoms and positively affects breastfeeding and can be used safely in postnatal care practices.'

Reference: Kiliçli Id A, Zeyneloglu Id S. Effect of Reflexology on Pain, Fatigue, Sleep Quality, and Lactation in Postpartum Primiparous Women After Cesarean Delivery: A Randomized Controlled Trial. J Hum Lact. 2024 May;40(2):221-236. doi: 10.1177/08903344241232982. Epub 2024 Mar 1. PMID: 38426483.

ABSTRACT

Background: Mothers commonly experience pain, fatigue, sleep disruption, and breastfeeding problems after cesarean delivery. To date, no follow-up study has examined all of these variables to evaluate the utility of reflexology in reducing these problems and supporting breastfeeding.

Research aim: This study aimed to determine the effect of foot reflexology performed in the postpartum period on pain, fatigue, sleep quality, and lactation in primiparous women who underwent cesarean delivery.

Methods: This is a two-arm, parallel-group randomized controlled trial. Data were collected between January 1, 2020, and January 31, 2021, with a sample of 80 women who were randomly assigned to the reflexology (n = 40) and control (n = 40) groups. The reflexology group received 40 minutes of foot reflexology once a week for 8 weeks. The primary outcomes of the study were pain, fatigue, sleep quality, and breastfeeding efficacy.

Results: Pain scores in the reflexology group decreased by 90.9% in week 1, 90.2% in week 2, and 59.8% in week 3 compared to the control group. Pain resolved at week 4 in the reflexology group and week 7 in the control group. The reflexology group showed a 36.9% decrease in fatigue level, a 48.0% increase in energy level, a 70.7% increase in sleep quality, and a 20.2% increase in breastfeeding efficacy compared to the control group (p < 0.05).

Conclusions: Foot reflexology reduces postpartum symptoms and positively affects breastfeeding and can be used safely in postnatal care practices.

Abstract here: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38426483/

Full paper to purchase here: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/08903344241232982?url_ver=Z39.88-2003&rfr_id=ori:rid:crossref.org&rfr_dat=cr_pub%20%200pubmed

Background: Mothers commonly experience pain, fatigue, sleep disruption, and breastfeeding problems after cesarean delivery. To date, no follow-up study has exa...