Effect of Foot Reflexology on Blood Pressure and Pulse Rate: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Effect of Foot Reflexology on Blood Pressure and Pulse Rate: A Randomized Clinical Trial in Stage-2 Hypertensive Patients

Hypertension (HT) has been known for its prominent risk of cardiovascular events. Although there are various pharmacological choices, many patients fail to adhere with them. Therefore, adjunctive non-pharmacological treatment is a promising approach. Foot Reflexology is one of a complementary therapies that has been proved for its ability to decrease blood pressure (BP), however, there is limited data in patients with stage-2 HT. We aimed to examine the effectiveness of foot reflexology as adjunctive therapy for BP lowering. This was a single-center randomized clinical trial. Hypertensive patients who were regularly followed up at the hypertension clinic were enrolled and randomized into the intervention group (n=47) and control group (n=47). Foot reflexology was performed in the intervention group during a clinical visit. Office BP and pulse rate (PR) were measured before and immediately at 15 minutes (min) and 30 min after the procedure in the intervention group and after resting in the control group.

Background Hypertension (HT) has been known for its prominent risk of cardiovascular events. Although there are various pharmacological choices, many patients fail to adhere to them. Therefore, adjunctive non-pharmacological treatment is a promising approach. Foot Reflexology is one of the complementary therapies that has been proved for its ability to decrease blood pressure (BP), however, there is limited data in patients with stage-2 HT. Objective To examine the effectiveness of foot reflexology as adjunctive therapy for BP lowering. Methods This was a single-center randomized clinical trial. Hypertensive patients who were regularly followed up at the hypertension clinic were enrolled and randomized into the intervention group (n=47) and control group (n=47). Foot reflexology was performed in the intervention group during a clinical visit. Office BP and pulse rate (PR) were measured before and immediately at 15 minutes (min) and 30 min after the procedure in the intervention group and after resting in the control group.

Foot reflexology was performed in every participant in the foot reflexology group after resting for 5 minutes in a sitting position by the same researcher who was trained and certified by the Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine, Ministry of Health.

The control group received conventional treatment including anti-HT medications according to the standard HT guideline's recommendations. In the end of the follow-up visit, every participants were informed to adhere to their medication and were encouraged to have healthy lifestyles including salt restriction, regular exercise, and consuming healthy diets.

Acupressure was applied at the plantar side of the right foot at the first metatarsal bone, around 1-1.5 centimeters proximal to the first metatarsophalangeal joint. (Figure 2) Approximately 3-kilogram pressure was applied by using a knuckle of the right index finger (dorsal part of the proximal interphalangeal joint in flexing position) in a perpendicular manner and held for 15 seconds (sec) then released for 5 sec. This hold-release cycle was done 5 times over the course of 2 min. This method was recommended by the Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine in accordance with the Zone theory and the Meridian theory.

The office blood pressures (BP) were measured by a nurse at baseline and at 15 and 30 min after foot reflexology was done in the intervention group. While in the control group, office BPs were measured at baseline and after resting in a quiet room for 15 and 30 min. A validated, FDA-approved automatic BP device (DINAMAP Pro 300, GE healthcare) with the appropriate cuff size for individual arm circumference was used for measurement. Two BP measurements were taken at 2-min intervals, and the average BP were recorded for analyses.

The office blood pressures (BP) were measured by a nurse at baseline and at 15 and 30 min after foot reflexology was done in the intervention group. While in the control group, office BPs were measured at baseline and after resting in a quiet room for 15 and 30 min. A validated, FDA-approved automatic BP device (DINAMAP Pro 300, GE healthcare) with the appropriate cuff size for individual arm circumference was used for measurement. Two BP measurements were taken at 2-min intervals, and the average BP were recorded for analyses.

The office pulse rate (PR) was measured by a nurse at baseline and at 15 and 30 min after foot reflexology was done in the intervention group. While in the control group, office PR was measured at baseline and after resting in a quiet room for 15 and 30 min.

The office pulse rate (PR) was measured by a nurse at baseline and at 15 and 30 min after foot reflexology was done in the intervention group. While in the control group, office PR was measured at baseline and after resting in a quiet room for 15 and 30 min.

Inclusion Criteria: Diagnosed stage-2 HT (defined by office SBP≥140 mmHg and/or DBP ≥90 mmHg at first hospital visit) On stable anti-HT drugs for at least 3 months before enrollment. Exclusion Criteria: Pregnant women History of foot surgery or bone fracture Skin disease of the foot Diabetes neuropathy