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

McCullough, Julie E.M.; Liddle, Dianne; Close, Ciara; Sinclair, Marlene; Hughes, Ciara

doi:10.1016/j.ctcp.2018.01.018

Cited by 29 publications

(27 citation statements)

References 82 publications

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“…The result of this study is consistent with McCullough study, that elaborates that 61 out of 90 pregnant women (divided into 6 groups) receiving reflexology treatment see pain frequency decreasing by as much as 1,63 points and an increase of beta endorphin level by 15,18% (reflexology group) [17]. Massage is a relaxation technique designed to alleviate pain by reducing the secretion of adrenaline and noradrenaline, leading to increased endorphin.…”

Section: Resultssupporting

confidence: 90%

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The Benefits of Prenatal Aromatherapy Massage and Prenatal Yoga in Improving Beta Endorphin and Alleviating Back Pain for Pregnant Women

Amellia¹,

Utami²

2021

Proceedings of the International Conference on Health and Medical Sciences (AHMS 2020)

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Aggravating back pain during pregnancy can cause stress for pregnant women and hinder the growth of fetus. Yoga and aromatherapy back massage can help alleviate physiological back pain during pregnancy. The research determines the effectiveness of combined methods of aromatherapy back massage and prenatal yoga in improving beta endorphin and alleviating back pain for pregnant women. Sixty healthy primigravida women without any complication are divided into 4 groups (n = 15 for each group), in the following arrangement: a control group which only participates in prenatal workout once a month and treatment groups which participate in prenatal workout once a week for 4 weeks, consisting of pregnant woman group attending prenatal yoga class and aromatherapy back massage, pregnant woman group attending only yoga class, and pregnant woman group attending only aromatherapy back massage. The level of beta endorphin in the blood plasma is measured after 4 treatment sessions. Back pain is measured using visual analogue scale (VAS). The difference between the scores of blood plasma and back pain following 4 treatment sessions in the four groups is determined using One-way Anova Post Hoc LSD Test. We have analysed 12 women from each group. The level of beta endorphin is significantly higher on each treatment group (p < 0,05). Back pain score significantly decreases in the observed group with p-value of 0,001. The combination of prenatal yoga and aromatherapy back massage can significantly reduce the intensity of back pain and increase the level of beta endorphin. This research discovers the direct impact resulting in reduced back pain with an increased level of beta endorphin in groups receiving combined treatment in the forms of prenatal yoga and aromatherapy back massage classes.

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Section: Resultssupporting

confidence: 90%

“…Beta endorphin is released into the blood stream from the pituitary gland as a response to an episode of acute pain and stress, and it helps alleviate pain, lower pain perception, and increase pain threshold. The concentration of beta endorphin typically is examined from blood, plasma, or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) [17].…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

The Benefits of Prenatal Aromatherapy Massage and Prenatal Yoga in Improving Beta Endorphin and Alleviating Back Pain for Pregnant Women

Amellia¹,

Utami²

2021

Proceedings of the International Conference on Health and Medical Sciences (AHMS 2020)

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“…A total of 912 records were excluded after removal of duplicates and screening of abstracts and titles. Then, all full-text articles were evaluated for eligibility, and 21 records were excluded for reasons such as they were not randomized [ 20 – 30 ], did not include relevant outcomes [ 31 – 33 ], included foot reflexology as a part of a multimodal intervention [ 34 – 38 ], lacked adequate control group [ 39 ], has yet to be officially published [ 40 ]. Finally, 26 remaining articles with 2,366 participants were investigated by qualitative analyses.…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Effect of Foot Reflexology Intervention on Depression, Anxiety, and Sleep Quality in Adults: A Meta‐Analysis and Metaregression of Randomized Controlled Trials

Wang

Hung

Chen

et al. 2020

Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine

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Objectives. The aim of this study was to conduct a systematic review, meta-analysis, and metaregression to determine the current best available evidence of the efficacy and safety of foot reflexology for adult depression, anxiety, and sleep quality. Methods. Electronic databases (PubMed, ClinicalKey, ScienceDirect, EMBASE, PsycINFO, and the Cochrane Library) were searched till August, 10, 2020, and the validity of the eligible studies was critically appraised. Randomized controlled trials comparing foot reflexology groups with control groups for adult depression, anxiety, and sleep quality were included. Twenty-six eligible studies were included to assess the effect of foot reflexology intervention on the reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety and improving quality of sleep, respectively, as the primary outcome. Results. Twenty-six randomized controlled trials involving 2,366 participants met the inclusion criteria. The meta-analyses showed that foot reflexology intervention significantly improved adult depression (Hedges’ g = −0.921; 95% CI: −1.246 to −0.595; P < 0.001), anxiety (Hedges’ g = −1.237; 95% CI −1.682 to −0.791; P < 0.001), and sleep quality (Hedges’ g = −1.665; 95% CI −2.361 to −0.970; P < 0.001). Metaregression reveals that an increase in total foot reflexology time (P = 0.002) and duration (P = 0.01) can significantly improve sleep quality. Conclusions. Foot reflexology may provide additional nonpharmacotherapy intervention for adults suffering from depression, anxiety, or sleep disturbance. However, high quality and rigorous design RCTs in specific population, along with an increase in participants, and a long-term follow-up are recommended in the future.

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“…In a randomized controlled study, no effects on the onset of labor could be determined as a result of acupressure within 97 h [50]. In women who received foot reflexology treatments during pregnancy, no adverse side effects have been reported in studies [51][52][53].…”

Section: Side Effects Complications Precautions and Contraindicationsmentioning

confidence: 98%

Effects, Side Effects and Contraindications of Relaxation Massage during Pregnancy: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials

Mueller

Grünwald

2021

JCM

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Healthcare professionals and expecting mothers frequently voice concerns that massages during pregnancy might cause complications or premature labor. This PRISMA review outlines current results on effects, side effects and contraindications of relaxation massage during pregnancy. Inclusion criteria: all randomized controlled trials (RCT) comparing relaxation massage during pregnancy with standard care or standard care plus another intervention (i.e., progressive muscle relaxation). Restrictions were full text availability and English language. Results: 12 RCT were included. Trials had good methodological quality but unknown risk of bias. All women were at least 12 weeks gestation at the start of the study. The main benefits of massage during pregnancy were: reduced stress, back and leg pain, depression and anxiety; increased immune response; increased serotonin and dopamine levels; higher fetal birth weight and reduced risk of preterm delivery. Only 2 RCT reported potential side effects of massage, which were minor and transient. Seven RCT excluded women with difficult pregnancies or preexisting complications, five studies did not report preexisting conditions. Those obstetric or postnatal complications that occurred were most likely unrelated to massage treatments. In healthy pregnant women without complications, relaxation massage has positive effects throughout pregnancy. Precautions for massage during pregnancy (i.e., to prevent pulmonary embolism) are discussed.

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

Cited by 29 publications

References 82 publications

The Benefits of Prenatal Aromatherapy Massage and Prenatal Yoga in Improving Beta Endorphin and Alleviating Back Pain for Pregnant Women

The Benefits of Prenatal Aromatherapy Massage and Prenatal Yoga in Improving Beta Endorphin and Alleviating Back Pain for Pregnant Women

Effect of Foot Reflexology Intervention on Depression, Anxiety, and Sleep Quality in Adults: A Meta‐Analysis and Metaregression of Randomized Controlled Trials

Effects, Side Effects and Contraindications of Relaxation Massage during Pregnancy: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials

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