A randomised controlled trial of a course of reflexology on irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) in a primary care setting

Status

Active, not recruiting

Phases

Unknown

Study type

Interventional

Source

ISRCTN

Registry ID

ISRCTN88306970

Enrollment

Registered

2004-01-23

Start date

1998-01-05

Completion date

Unknown

Last updated

2015-01-13

For informational purposes only — not medical advice. Sourced from public registries and may not reflect the latest updates. Terms

Conditions

Inflammatory bowel disease Digestive System Other noninfective gastroenteritis and colitis

Interventions

1. Experimental reflexology group 2. Control group The reflexology experimental group were given six 30 minute treatment sessions over an eight week period conducted as closely as possible in line wi

Eligibility

Sex/Gender

All

Inclusion criteria

Inclusion criteria: Inclusion criteria were tightly defined: 1. Patients currently under the care of a primary care physician following referral to a Gastroenterologist 2. The diagnosis of IBS in line with the Rome Criteria 3. Exclusion of other causes of symptoms

Exclusion criteria

Exclusion criteria: Previous use of reflexology

Design outcomes

Primary

Measure	Time frame
The study was designed to test the effectiveness of reflexology on the core defining symptoms of IBS and wider physical and psychological outcomes. The principal outcome measure was abdominal pain.	—

Secondary

Measure	Time frame
1. Constipation/diarrhoea 2. Bloatedness 3. Overall health 4. Personal well being 5. Tiredness 6. Anxiety	—

Countries

United Kingdom

Outcome results

None listed

Source: ISRCTN (via WHO ICTRP) · Data processed: Feb 4, 2026