Rollinson, K., Jones, J., Scott, N., Megson, I. L. and Leslie, S. J. (2016) The acute (immediate) effects of reflexology on arterial compliance in healthy volunteers: a randomised study. Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice, 22, pp. 16-20. (doi: 10.1016/j.ctcp.2015.11.001) (PMID:26850799)
Full text not currently available from Enlighten.
Abstract
Background: Reflexology is a widely used complementary therapy. The effects of reflexology on the cardiovascular system are not well characterised. Arterial stiffness (compliance) is a marker of vascular health. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of reflexology on arterial compliance in healthy volunteers. Methods: 12 healthy volunteers (1 male; 11 female; mean age 44.8 ± 10.8 yrs) received 10 min of reflexology on each foot in a single-blind randomised study. The main outcome measures were measurements of cardiovascular parameters including heart rate, blood pressure and arterial compliance (augmentation index). Results: Reflexology had no significant effect on heart rate, blood pressure or augmentation index (all p > 0.05). Conclusions: In healthy volunteers, there were no consistent changes in haemodynamic parameters with a single brief reflexology treatment. Thus from a cardiovascular point of view, reflexology (as delivered) would appear to have a limited (if any) effect on the cardiovascular system.
| Item Type: | Articles |
|---|---|
| Status: | Published |
| Refereed: | Yes |
| Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: | UNSPECIFIED |
| Authors: | Rollinson, K., Jones, J., Scott, N., Megson, I. L., and Leslie, S. J. |
| College/School: | College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Medicine, Dentistry & Nursing |
| Journal Name: | Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice |
| Publisher: | Elsevier |
| ISSN: | 1744-3881 |
| Published Online: | 17 November 2015 |
University Staff: Request a correction | Enlighten Editors: Update this record
Altmetric
Altmetric