The Experts below are selected from a list of 2859 Experts worldwide ranked by ideXlab platform
Stephen J. Leslie - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
-
The acute (immediate) effects of Reflexology on arterial compliance in healthy volunteers: A randomised study
Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice, 2015Co-Authors: Kirsty Rollinson, Jenny Jones, Norma Scott, Ian L. Megson, Stephen J. LeslieAbstract:Abstract Background Reflexology is a widely used complementary therapy. The effects of Reflexology on the cardiovascular system are not well characterised. Arterial stiffness (compliance) is a marker of vascular health. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of Reflexology on arterial compliance in healthy volunteers. Methods 12 healthy volunteers (1 male; 11 female; mean age 44.8 ± 10.8 yrs) received 10 min of Reflexology on each foot in a single-blind randomised study. The main outcome measures were measurements of cardiovascular parameters including heart rate, blood pressure and arterial compliance (augmentation index). Results Reflexology had no significant effect on heart rate, blood pressure or augmentation index (all p > 0.05). Conclusions In healthy volunteers, there were no consistent changes in haemodynamic parameters with a single brief Reflexology treatment. Thus from a cardiovascular point of view, Reflexology (as delivered) would appear to have a limited (if any) effect on the cardiovascular system.
-
No immediate haemodynamic effect of Reflexology in CAD
British Journal of Cardiac Nursing, 2014Co-Authors: Jenny Jones, Pat Thomson, William Laude, Kate Howie, Stephen J. LeslieAbstract:Reflexology is one of the most popular forms of complementary therapy in the UK and cardiac patients are seeking Reflexology treatment. This study measured the immediate haemodynamic effects of Reflexology treatment applied to specific areas of the feet (which are thought to correspond to the heart) in patients with coronary artery disease, and compared this with treatment applied to other areas that are not. This study found no acute (immediate) specific changes in any of the haemodynamic parameters measured. While long-term treatment effects are uncertain, the results indicate that Reflexology is safe for use by patients with coronary artery disease.
-
Reflexology has no immediate haemodynamic effect in patients with chronic heart failure a double blind randomised controlled trial
Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice, 2013Co-Authors: Jenny Jones, Stephen J. Leslie, Pat Thomson, William Lauder, Kate HowieAbstract:Abstract Aims This study measured the effects of Reflexology in 12 Reflexology-naive patients with chronic heart failure in a placebo-controlled, double blind randomised controlled study design. Method Outcomes included ‘beat-to-beat' non-invasive continuous measurement of cardiovascular parameters and measurement of state of anxiety and pain/discomfort. Results There were no changes in any of the haemodynamic parameters measured (all p > 0.05). Perceived state of anxiety was significantly reduced post treatment in the control group only ( p = 0.03). Conclusions Reflexology applied to the feet of patients with chronic heart failure appears to have no immediate haemodynamic effects. While any long term treatment effect is uncertain, it would appear that Reflexology is safe for use in this patient group.
-
A proposed reductionist solution to address the methodological challenges of inconsistent Reflexology maps and poor experimental controls in Reflexology research: a discussion paper.
Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 2012Co-Authors: Jenny Jones, Pat Thomson, William Lauder, Stephen J. LeslieAbstract:Abstract Reflexology is a complex massage intervention, based on the concept that specific areas of the feet (reflex points) correspond to individual internal organs within the body. Reflexologists trained in the popular Ingham Reflexology method claim that massage to these points, using massage techniques unique to Reflexology, stimulates an increase in blood supply to the corresponding organ. Reflexology researchers face two key methodological challenges that need to be addressed if a specific treatment-related hemodynamic effect is to be scientifically demonstrated. The first is the problem of inconsistent Reflexology foot maps; the second is the issue of poor experimental controls. This article proposes a potential experimental solution that we believe can address both methodological challenges and in doing so, allow any specific hemodynamic treatment effect unique to Reflexology to experimentally reveal itself.
-
Is there a specific hemodynamic effect in Reflexology? A systematic review of randomized controlled trials.
Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 2012Co-Authors: Jenny Jones, Pat Thomson, Kathleen Irvine, Stephen J. LeslieAbstract:Abstract Objectives: Reflexology claims that the feet are representative of the body and that massage to specific points of the feet increases blood supply to “mapped” organs in the body. This review provides the first systematic evaluation of existing Reflexology randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to determine whether there is any evidence to suggest the existence of a Reflexology treatment–related hemodynamic effect; to examine whether Reflexology researchers used study designs that systematically controlled for nonspecific effects in order to isolate this specific component; and to highlight some of the methodological challenges that need to be overcome to demonstrate specific and beneficial hemodynamic effects. Design: Fifty-two RCTs of Reflexology published from 1990 to September 2011 were initially retrieved. Setting/Location: Cardiorespiratory Department, Highland Heartbeat Centre, Raigmore Hospital, Inverness. Subjects: Adult subjects. Interventions: Studies using Reflexology foot massage techniq...
Alireza Khalilian - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
-
the effects of foot Reflexology massage on anxiety in patients following coronary artery bypass graft surgery a randomized controlled trial
Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice, 2014Co-Authors: Masoumeh Bagherinesami, Seyed Afshin Shorofi, Nahid Zargar, Maryam Sohrabi, Afshin Gholipourbaradari, Alireza KhalilianAbstract:Abstract Objective To examine the effects of foot Reflexology massage on anxiety in patients following CABG surgery. Methods In this randomized controlled trial, 80 patients who met the inclusion criteria were conveniently sampled and randomly allocated to the experimental and control groups after they were matched on age and gender. On the days following surgery, the experimental group received foot Reflexology massage on their left foot 20 min a day for 4 days, while the control group was given a gentle foot rub with oil for one minute. Anxiety was measured using the short-form of the Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory and the Visual Analogue Scale-Anxiety. Results Both measurement instruments confirmed a significant decrease in anxiety following the foot Reflexology massage. Conclusion The significant decrease in anxiety in the experimental group following the foot Reflexology massage supports the use of this complementary therapy technique for the relief of anxiety.
Jenny Jones - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
-
The acute (immediate) effects of Reflexology on arterial compliance in healthy volunteers: A randomised study
Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice, 2015Co-Authors: Kirsty Rollinson, Jenny Jones, Norma Scott, Ian L. Megson, Stephen J. LeslieAbstract:Abstract Background Reflexology is a widely used complementary therapy. The effects of Reflexology on the cardiovascular system are not well characterised. Arterial stiffness (compliance) is a marker of vascular health. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of Reflexology on arterial compliance in healthy volunteers. Methods 12 healthy volunteers (1 male; 11 female; mean age 44.8 ± 10.8 yrs) received 10 min of Reflexology on each foot in a single-blind randomised study. The main outcome measures were measurements of cardiovascular parameters including heart rate, blood pressure and arterial compliance (augmentation index). Results Reflexology had no significant effect on heart rate, blood pressure or augmentation index (all p > 0.05). Conclusions In healthy volunteers, there were no consistent changes in haemodynamic parameters with a single brief Reflexology treatment. Thus from a cardiovascular point of view, Reflexology (as delivered) would appear to have a limited (if any) effect on the cardiovascular system.
-
No immediate haemodynamic effect of Reflexology in CAD
British Journal of Cardiac Nursing, 2014Co-Authors: Jenny Jones, Pat Thomson, William Laude, Kate Howie, Stephen J. LeslieAbstract:Reflexology is one of the most popular forms of complementary therapy in the UK and cardiac patients are seeking Reflexology treatment. This study measured the immediate haemodynamic effects of Reflexology treatment applied to specific areas of the feet (which are thought to correspond to the heart) in patients with coronary artery disease, and compared this with treatment applied to other areas that are not. This study found no acute (immediate) specific changes in any of the haemodynamic parameters measured. While long-term treatment effects are uncertain, the results indicate that Reflexology is safe for use by patients with coronary artery disease.
-
Reflexology has no immediate haemodynamic effect in patients with chronic heart failure a double blind randomised controlled trial
Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice, 2013Co-Authors: Jenny Jones, Stephen J. Leslie, Pat Thomson, William Lauder, Kate HowieAbstract:Abstract Aims This study measured the effects of Reflexology in 12 Reflexology-naive patients with chronic heart failure in a placebo-controlled, double blind randomised controlled study design. Method Outcomes included ‘beat-to-beat' non-invasive continuous measurement of cardiovascular parameters and measurement of state of anxiety and pain/discomfort. Results There were no changes in any of the haemodynamic parameters measured (all p > 0.05). Perceived state of anxiety was significantly reduced post treatment in the control group only ( p = 0.03). Conclusions Reflexology applied to the feet of patients with chronic heart failure appears to have no immediate haemodynamic effects. While any long term treatment effect is uncertain, it would appear that Reflexology is safe for use in this patient group.
-
A proposed reductionist solution to address the methodological challenges of inconsistent Reflexology maps and poor experimental controls in Reflexology research: a discussion paper.
Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 2012Co-Authors: Jenny Jones, Pat Thomson, William Lauder, Stephen J. LeslieAbstract:Abstract Reflexology is a complex massage intervention, based on the concept that specific areas of the feet (reflex points) correspond to individual internal organs within the body. Reflexologists trained in the popular Ingham Reflexology method claim that massage to these points, using massage techniques unique to Reflexology, stimulates an increase in blood supply to the corresponding organ. Reflexology researchers face two key methodological challenges that need to be addressed if a specific treatment-related hemodynamic effect is to be scientifically demonstrated. The first is the problem of inconsistent Reflexology foot maps; the second is the issue of poor experimental controls. This article proposes a potential experimental solution that we believe can address both methodological challenges and in doing so, allow any specific hemodynamic treatment effect unique to Reflexology to experimentally reveal itself.
-
Is there a specific hemodynamic effect in Reflexology? A systematic review of randomized controlled trials.
Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 2012Co-Authors: Jenny Jones, Pat Thomson, Kathleen Irvine, Stephen J. LeslieAbstract:Abstract Objectives: Reflexology claims that the feet are representative of the body and that massage to specific points of the feet increases blood supply to “mapped” organs in the body. This review provides the first systematic evaluation of existing Reflexology randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to determine whether there is any evidence to suggest the existence of a Reflexology treatment–related hemodynamic effect; to examine whether Reflexology researchers used study designs that systematically controlled for nonspecific effects in order to isolate this specific component; and to highlight some of the methodological challenges that need to be overcome to demonstrate specific and beneficial hemodynamic effects. Design: Fifty-two RCTs of Reflexology published from 1990 to September 2011 were initially retrieved. Setting/Location: Cardiorespiratory Department, Highland Heartbeat Centre, Raigmore Hospital, Inverness. Subjects: Adult subjects. Interventions: Studies using Reflexology foot massage techniq...
Muruvvet Baser - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
-
Effects of foot Reflexology on dysmenorrhea: a randomized controlled trial
Cukurova Medical Journal, 2019Co-Authors: Figen Alp Yilmaz, Muruvvet BaserAbstract:Purpose: The present study aimed to determine the effects of foot Reflexology on dysmenorrhea. Materials and Methods: A randomize controlled trial design was used. This study included 29 student is in the intervention, 29 student in placebo groups. In the Reflexology group, the subjects received 8 Reflexology sessions (30 minutes each) in two consecutive mense cycles. The placebo groups , the subjects received 8 foot massage sessions (30 minutes each) in two consecutive mense cycles. To assess the severity of dysmenorrhea, Visual Anolog Scala and Verbal category scale were used in this study. Results: When VAS mean scores of the experimental and placebo groups during 4 follow-up periods were compared, it was found that there is not a statistically significant difference between experimental and placebo groups. Conclusion: Results showed that Reflexology and placebo foot massage might be effective in decreasing dysmenorrhea. It is recommended that the students suffering from dysmenorrhea problems should be informed on the foot and Reflexology massage.
-
the effect of foot Reflexology applied to women aged between 40 and 60 on vasomotor complaints and quality of life
Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice, 2016Co-Authors: Ebru Gozuyesil, Muruvvet BaserAbstract:Abstract Purpose This study aims to identify the effects of foot Reflexology applied to women on their vasomotor complaints and quality of life. Methods A randomised controlled study was conducted with 120 women. The experimental group received foot Reflexology treatment, while the control group received nonspecific foot massage. Results The mean scores for hot flashes, sweats, and night sweats, were lower in the Reflexology group than the control group after the practice; and the difference between the groups was statistically significant ( p p p p > 0.05). Conclusion Results showed that Reflexology might be effective in decreasing vasomotor problems and increasing quality of life in women in the menopausal period.
Ciara Hughes - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
-
Reflexology: A randomised controlled trial investigating the effects on beta-endorphin, cortisol and pregnancy related stress.
Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice, 2018Co-Authors: Julie E.m. Mccullough, S D Liddle, Ciara Close, Marlene Sinclair, Ciara HughesAbstract:Abstract Reflexology is used for various pregnancy related complaints. A three-armed, pilot randomised controlled trial was conducted to test changes in physiological and biochemical stress parameters. Ninety primiparous volunteers experiencing low back and/or pelvic girdle pain (LBPGP) were recruited to receive either six Reflexology or footbath treatments or usual care. Primary outcome data included pain intensity and frequency measured on a visual analog scale (VAS), and salivary beta-endorphin and cortisol levels. 61 (68%) women completed the intervention. A clinically important reduction of 1.63 cm occurred for VAS pain frequency following Reflexology. Beta-endorphin levels increased by 8.8% and 10.10% in the footbath and usual care groups respectively and decreased by 15.18% for the Reflexology group. Cortisol increased by 31.78% for footbath participants, 31.42% in usual care and 18.82% in the Reflexology group. Reflexology during pregnancy may help reduce LBPGP, and associated stress. However, antenatal Reflexology is under researched and requires further investigation.
-
a pilot randomised controlled trial exploring the effects of antenatal Reflexology on labour outcomes
Midwifery, 2017Co-Authors: Julie Mccullough, Ciara Close, Marlene Sinclair, Dianne Liddle, Ciara HughesAbstract:Abstract Objective to investigate the effects of antenatal Reflexology on labour outcomes. Design secondary analysis of a pilot three-armed randomised controlled trial conducted between July 2012 and September 2013. Setting a large UK inner city hospital maternity department. Participants ninety primiparous women with a singleton pregnancy experiencing low back and / or pelvic girdle pain. Interventions six weekly 30-minute Reflexology treatments compared to sham (footbath) treatments or usual antenatal care only. Measurements labour outcome data including labour onset, duration of the second stage of labour, epidural and Entonox usage, and mode of delivery. Participant feedback was collected prior to each treatment. Findings labour outcomes were collected for 61 women (95.3%) who completed the study. The second stage of labour duration data, available for 42 women (62.5%) who had vaginal births, showed a mean reduction of 44minutes in the Reflexology group (73.56minutes; SD=53.78) compared to the usual care (117.92minutes; SD=56.15) ( p p =0.08). No adverse effects were reported. Key conclusions in this trial antenatal Reflexology reduced labour duration for primiparous women who had experienced low back and/ or pelvic girdle pain during their pregnancy, compared with usual care and footbaths. Implications for practice Reflexology is suitable for use during pregnancy, is safe and enjoyable and may reduce labour duration. Midwives may wish to recommend Reflexology to promote normal childbirth and facilitate women centred care. Trial registration this trial was listed with the International Standard Randomised Controlled Trial Number Register (ISRCTN26607527).
-
a pilot randomised controlled trial rct investigating the effectiveness of Reflexology for managing pregnancy low back and or pelvic pain
Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice, 2016Co-Authors: Ciara Close, Marlene Sinclair, Julie Mc Cullough, Dianne Liddle, Ciara HughesAbstract:Many pregnant women with low back and/or pelvic pain (LBPP) use pain medications to manage this pain, much of which is self-prescribed and potentially harmful. Therefore, there is a need to find effective nonpharmacological treatments for the condition. Reflexology has previously been shown to help nonspecific low back pain. Therefore; a pilot RCT was conducted investigating Reflexology in the management of pregnancy-LBPP. 90 primiparous women were randomised to either usual care, a Reflexology or footbath intervention. Primary outcome measures were; the Pain Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). 64 women completed the RCT; retention rates for the Reflexology group were 80%, usual care group 83.33% and footbath group 50%. The Reflexology group demonstrated a Clinically Important Change (CIC) in pain frequency (1.64 cm). Results indicate it is feasible to conduct an RCT in this area, although a footbath is an unsuitable sham treatment. Reflexology may help manage pregnancy-LBPP; however a fully powered trial is needed to confirm this.
-
Reflexology in the management of low back pain: A pilot randomised controlled trial
Complementary Therapies in Medicine, 2007Co-Authors: F Quinn, Ciara Hughes, George David BaxterAbstract:Summary Objective The current study was designed as a pilot study for a randomised controlled trial to investigate the effectiveness of Reflexology in the management of low back pain (LBP). Materials and methods Participants suffering non-specific LBP were recruited and randomised into either a Reflexology or a sham group. Patients and outcome assessor were blinded to group allocation. Each patient received either a 40min Reflexology treatment or sham treatment (according to group allocation) once per week for six consecutive weeks. The primary outcome measure was pain (visual analogue scale), secondary outcome measures were the McGill pain questionnaire, Roland–Morris disability questionnaire, and SF-36 health survey. Outcome measures were performed at baseline, week 6, week 12 and week 18. Results VAS scores for pain reduced in the treatment group by a median value of 2.5cm, with minimal change in the sham group (0.2cm). Secondary outcome measures produced an improvement in both groups (McGill pain questionnaire: 18 points in the Reflexology group and 11.5 points in the sham group). Results indicate that Reflexology may have a positive effect on LBP. Conclusion Reflexology appears to offer promise as a treatment in the management of LBP; however, an adequately powered trial is required before any more definitive pronouncements are possible.
