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  • Evaluation of anxiety, salivary cortisol and melatonin secretion following reflexology treatment: A pilot study in healthy individuals

    Author(s)
    Mc Vicar, A.
    Greenwood, C.
    Fewell, F.
    D⿿Arcy, V.
    Chandrasekharan, S.
    Alldridge, L.
    Griffith University Author(s)
    Alldridge, Louise C.
    Year published
    2007
    Metadata
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    Abstract
    Summary This pilot study sought to identify an appropriate methodology to investigate the impact of reflexology in healthcare settings. The study involved healthy volunteers to prevent unnecessary intervention to individuals who may already be experiencing health related trauma. Thirty participants underwent either reflexology or no treatment (control), in a cross-over experimental design. Selfreported anxiety (Spielberger STAI), cardiovascular parameters (BP and pulse rate) and salivary cortisol and melatonin concentrations were assessed before and after reflexology. Control data were obtained at the same time points ...
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    Summary This pilot study sought to identify an appropriate methodology to investigate the impact of reflexology in healthcare settings. The study involved healthy volunteers to prevent unnecessary intervention to individuals who may already be experiencing health related trauma. Thirty participants underwent either reflexology or no treatment (control), in a cross-over experimental design. Selfreported anxiety (Spielberger STAI), cardiovascular parameters (BP and pulse rate) and salivary cortisol and melatonin concentrations were assessed before and after reflexology. Control data were obtained at the same time points in identical settings. Reflexology had a powerful anxiety-reduction effect ('state'; P<0.001) but no significant effect on underlying anxiety ('trait'). Cardiovascular parameters decreased (P<0.001). Baseline salivary cortisol and melatonin were not significantly correlated with STAI scores and did not change significantly following reflexology. Reflexology reduced 'state' anxiety and cardiovascular activity within healthy individuals, consistent with stress-reduction. Considering the connection between stress/anxiety and well being, the effects of reflexology may have beneficial outcomes for patients. These findings will be transferred to a study involving breast cancer patients where effects may be more pronounced particularly since cancer patients display disregulation of cortisol and melatonin secretion.
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    Journal Title
    Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice
    Volume
    13
    Issue
    3
    DOI
    https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctcp.2006.11.001
    Subject
    Nursing not elsewhere classified
    Complementary and Alternative Medicine
    Nursing
    Publication URI
    http://hdl.handle.net/10072/32363
    Collection
    • Journal articles

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