Reflexology, Hypertension, Acupressure, Traditional Medicine
Conditions
Keywords
hypertension, reflexology, acupressure, traditional medicine
Brief 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.
Detailed 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.
Interventions
PROCEDUREfoot reflexology
Acupressure was applied at the plantar side of the right foot at the first metatarsal bone, around 1-1.5 centimeters proximal to the first metatarsophalangeal joint. (Figure 2) Approximately 3-kilogram pressure was applied by using a knuckle of the right index finger (dorsal part of the proximal interphalangeal joint in flexing position) in a perpendicular manner and held for 15 seconds (sec) then released for 5 sec. This hold-release cycle was done 5 times over the course of 2 min. This method was recommended by the Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine in accordance with the Zone theory and the Meridian theory.
Sponsors
Khon Kaen University
Study design
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
SINGLE (Investigator)
Masking description
The statistical analysis investigator was blinded to the randomization group
Intervention model description
a single-center randomized clinical trial
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
18 Years to 80 Years
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
* Diagnosed stage-2 HT (defined by office SBP≥140 mmHg and/or DBP ≥90 mmHg at first hospital visit) * On stable anti-HT drugs for at least 3 months before enrollment.
Exclusion criteria
* Pregnant women * History of foot surgery or bone fracture * Skin disease of the foot * Diabetes neuropathy
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Change of blood pressure level | Change from Baseline Systolic Blood Pressure at 15 minutes | The office blood pressures (BP) were measured by a nurse at baseline and at 15 and 30 min after foot reflexology was done in the intervention group. While in the control group, office BPs were measured at baseline and after resting in a quiet room for 15 and 30 min. A validated, FDA-approved automatic BP device (DINAMAP Pro 300, GE healthcare) with the appropriate cuff size for individual arm circumference was used for measurement. Two BP measurements were taken at 2-min intervals, and the average BP were recorded for analyses. |
| Change of pulse rate | Change from baseline pulse rate at 15 minutes | The office pulse rate (PR) was measured by a nurse at baseline and at 15 and 30 min after foot reflexology was done in the intervention group. While in the control group, office PR was measured at baseline and after resting in a quiet room for 15 and 30 min. |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Difference in degree of reduction of blood pressure between groups | Difference in degree of reduction of blood pressure from baseline after 30 min | Compare the degree of reduction of blood pressure between intervention and control group |
| Difference in degree of reduction of pulse rate between groups | Difference in degree of reduction of pulse rate from baseline after 30 min | Compare the degree of reduction of pulse rate between intervention and control group |
Outcome results
None listed