A pilot randomised controlled trial (RCT) investigating the effectiveness of reflexology for managing pregnancy low back and/or pelvic pain

Abstract

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: A randomised controlled trial investigating the effects on beta-endorphin, cortisol and pregnancy related stress

“…All reflexology treatments were carried out by one experienced maternity reflexologist and lasted for approximately 30 minutes. Details of the treatment routine have been reported elsewhere [33].…”

“…In order to evaluate any changes related to reflexology treatments during pregnancy a group of low risk pregnant women who were experiencing pain as a result of LBPGP were recruited. This investigation was part of a large pilot study reported elsewhere [33] to evaluate strategies aimed at preventing or managing LBPGP during pregnancy as few guidelines are available, and with physiotherapy being the primary intervention in most cases. Literature reviews have highlighted that CAM may be helpful for managing this type of pain [30,34].…”

Pregnancy-related lumbopelvic pain – treatment modalities

“…HVLA thrust techniques) oraz techniki kompresji komory czwartej mózgu mogą powodować zagrożenie dla ciężarnej i płodu bądź prowadzić do przedwczesnego porodu. W związku z tym, nie badano efektywności tych procedur w terapii LPP [39]. Doniesiono również o pozytywnym wpływie postępowania chiropraktycznego na odczuwany ból i niesprawność.…”

“…Therefore, the effectiveness of these procedures in LPP treatment has not been studied [39]. There have been reports on positive effects of chiropractic treatment on pain and disability.…”

Factors Affecting Recruitment and Attrition in Randomised Controlled Trials of Complementary and Alternative Medicine for Pregnancy‐Related Issues

“…At this point, women who expressed an interest in participation were provided with a participant information sheet. The process of assessing eligibility and randomisation is described elsewhere [9]. Inclusion and exclusion criteria for The CAM in Pregnancy Trial are detailed in Table 1.…”