Single-blind trial addressing the differential effects of two reflexology techniques versus rest, on ankle and foot oedema in late pregnancy.
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.
Mollart
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Antenatal Services, Maternity Services, Central Coast Health, PO Box 361, Gosford, NSW 2251, Australia. lyndall@ccdgp.com.au
D000328:Adult; D004487:Edema / Q000451:nursing* / Q000517:prevention & control; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007866:Leg; D008405:Massage / Q000379:methods / Q000451:nursing; D008880:Midwifery / Q000379:methods*; D009723:Nurse-Patient Relations; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D011247:Pregnancy; D011249:Pregnancy Complications, Cardiovascular / Q000451:nursing* / Q000517:prevention & control; D011263:Pregnancy Trimester, Third; D012146:Rest; D016037:Single-Blind Method; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014648:Varicose Veins / Q000451:nursing / Q000517:prevention & control