Single-blind trial addressing the differential effects of two reflexology techniques versus rest, on ankle and foot oedema in late pregnancy


Author: Mollart L

Affiliation: Antenatal Services, Maternity Services, Central Coast Health, PO Box 361, Gosford, NSW 2251, Australia. lyndall@ccdgp.com.au
Conference/Journal: Complement Ther Nurs Midwifery
Date published: 2003
Other:
 Volume ID: 9   ,  Issue ID: 4   ,  Pages: 203-8   ,  Word Count: 181  
    This single-blind randomised controlled trial explored the differential effects of two different foot reflexology techniques with a period of rest on oedema-relieving effects and symptom relief in healthy pregnant women with foot oedema. Fifty-five women in the third trimester were randomly assigned to one of the three groups: a period of rest, 'relaxing' reflexology techniques or a specific 'lymphatic' reflexology technique for 15 min with pre- and post-therapy ankle and foot circumference measurements and participant questionnaire.There was no statistically significant difference in the circumference measurements between the three groups; however, the lymphatic technique reflexology group mean circumference measurements were all decreased. A significant reduction in the women's symptom mean measurements in all groups (p<0.0001) was apparent. A 'perceived wellbeing' score revealed the lymphatic technique group (p<0.0001) significantly increased their wellbeing the most, followed closely by relaxing techniques (p<0.001) and then the control rest group (p<0.03).Lymphatic reflexology techniques, relaxing reflexology techniques and a period of rest had a non-significant oedema-relieving effect. From the women's viewpoint, lymphatic reflexology was the preferred therapy with significant increase in symptom relief.