Effects of feet reflexology versus segmental massage in reducing pain and its intensity, frequency and duration of the attacks in females with migraine: a pilot study.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to compare the effects of feet reflexology and segmental massage on reducing pain, intensity, frequency, and duration of migraine attacks in female patients.
Results Summary
Both feet reflexology and segmental massage significantly reduced pain, intensity, frequency, and duration of migraine attacks, with statistically significant differences observed within and between groups. Feet reflexology showed notable benefits for migraine patients.
Population
Females aged 33-58 suffering from migraine for 2 to 10 years.
Effective Dosage
Reflexology group: 10 treatments, 2 times per week; Segmental massage group: 15 treatments, 3 times per week.
Duration
Treatment duration varied by group (reflexology: 5 weeks; segmental massage: 5 weeks).
Interactions
None mentioned
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
feet reflexology | decrease | pain during migraine attacks (VAS) | females suffering from migraine | - | decreased | #1 |
feet reflexology | decrease | intensity of attacks (IA) | females suffering from migraine | - | decreased | #2 |
feet reflexology | decrease | frequency of attacks (FA) | females suffering from migraine | - | decreased | #3 |
feet reflexology | decrease | duration of attacks (DA) | females suffering from migraine | - | decreased | #4 |
segmental massage | decrease | pain during migraine attacks (VAS) | females suffering from migraine | - | decreased | #5 |
segmental massage | decrease | intensity of attacks (IA) | females suffering from migraine | - | decreased | #6 |
segmental massage | decrease | frequency of attacks (FA) | females suffering from migraine | - | decreased | #7 |
segmental massage | decrease | duration of attacks (DA) | females suffering from migraine | - | decreased | #8 |
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of feet reflexology versus segmental massage in reducing pain and its intensity, frequency and duration of the attacks in females suffering from migraine. METHODS: Forty eight females aged 33-58, suffering from migraine for 2 to 10 years were included in this study from November 2013 to November 2015. The study protocol was carried out in Department of Chronic Diseases at the Regional Hospital in Zywiec. In the reflexology group (RG) the patients received a series of 10 treatments 2 times per week; in the segmental massage group (SMG) the patients received a series of 15 treatments 3 times per week. Pain during migraine attacks was assessed using the visual analog scale (VAS), and headache features such as intensity (IA), frequency (FA) and duration (DA) of attacks were assessed before the treatment, just after the treatment, 3 months after the treatment. RESULTS: All variables (VAS, IA, FA and DA) decreased within RG and SMG 3 months after the treatment in compare with the baseline values, and the differences were statistically significant. The differences between groups were also statistically significant. CONCLUSION: Feet reflexology and segmental massage provide a safe alternative for the pharmacological treatment of migraine. The patients with migraine obtain significant health benefits with feet reflexology.