Effect of Foot Reflexology on Blood Pressure and Pulse Rate: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Last updated: August 13, 2020
Sponsor: Khon Kaen University
Overall Status: Completed

Phase

N/A

Condition

Circulation Disorders

Stress

Williams Syndrome

Treatment

N/A

Clinical Study ID

NCT04516005
HE611181
  • Ages 18-80
  • All Genders

Study Summary

Hypertension (HT) has been known for its prominent risk of cardiovascular events. Although there are various pharmacological choices, many patients fail to adhere with them. Therefore, adjunctive non-pharmacological treatment is a promising approach. Foot Reflexology is one of a complementary therapies that has been proved for its ability to decrease blood pressure (BP), however, there is limited data in patients with stage-2 HT. We aimed to examine the effectiveness of foot reflexology as adjunctive therapy for BP lowering. This was a single-center randomized clinical trial. Hypertensive patients who were regularly followed up at the hypertension clinic were enrolled and randomized into the intervention group (n=47) and control group (n=47). Foot reflexology was performed in the intervention group during a clinical visit. Office BP and pulse rate (PR) were measured before and immediately at 15 minutes (min) and 30 min after the procedure in the intervention group and after resting in the control group.

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion

Inclusion Criteria:

  • Diagnosed stage-2 HT (defined by office SBP≥140 mmHg and/or DBP ≥90 mmHg at firsthospital visit)

  • On stable anti-HT drugs for at least 3 months before enrollment.

Exclusion

Exclusion Criteria:

  • Pregnant women

  • History of foot surgery or bone fracture

  • Skin disease of the foot

  • Diabetes neuropathy

Study Design

Total Participants: 94
Study Start date:
November 01, 2015
Estimated Completion Date:
October 31, 2016

Study Description

Background Hypertension (HT) has been known for its prominent risk of cardiovascular events. Although there are various pharmacological choices, many patients fail to adhere to them. Therefore, adjunctive non-pharmacological treatment is a promising approach. Foot Reflexology is one of the complementary therapies that has been proved for its ability to decrease blood pressure (BP), however, there is limited data in patients with stage-2 HT.

Objective To examine the effectiveness of foot reflexology as adjunctive therapy for BP lowering.

Methods This was a single-center randomized clinical trial. Hypertensive patients who were regularly followed up at the hypertension clinic were enrolled and randomized into the intervention group (n=47) and control group (n=47). Foot reflexology was performed in the intervention group during a clinical visit. Office BP and pulse rate (PR) were measured before and immediately at 15 minutes (min) and 30 min after the procedure in the intervention group and after resting in the control group.