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Copyright of Mediterranean Nursing & Midwifery is the property of Galenos Yayinevi Tic. LTD. STI and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The article focuses on the joint guidelines developed by the Society for Integrative Oncology (SIO) and the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) regarding the use of integrative therapies to manage cancer-related symptoms. It provides evidence-based recommendations for complementary therapies, including acupuncture, mindfulness-based interventions, yoga, and t'ai chi, aimed at alleviating pain, anxiety, depression, and fatigue associated with cancer treatment.

OBJECTIVES. In this paper, we reviewed cough and herbal therapies. MATERIAL AND METHODS. Research methods included searching online databases such as Google, Google Scholar, ProQuest Central, and PubMed at Kirikkale University. We used terms like "cough", "herbal", "reflex", "Primula veris", "Primula elatior", "Thymus vulgaris", "Althea Officinalis", and "Mentha piperita" to find related articles. RESULTS. Coughing is a reflex that serves a legitimate physiological purpose by expelling fluids and debris from the lungs. Herbal teas and preparations with antioxidant and expectorant properties are made from medicinal herbs like Primula veris and Primula elatior. The phenolic monoterpene thymol, one of the primary components of thyme oil, is found primarily in thyme plants. Both thymol and thyme essential oil have lengthy histories of usage in conventional medicine, particularly for their upper respiratory system-targeted expectorant, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antibacterial, and antiseptic properties. Historically, people have turned to the plant Althaea officinalis for help with treating respiratory issues, like cough. Officinalis extracts alone for dry cough therapy, while A. officinalis was more effective when combined with Zataria multiflora, Zingiber officinale, or Helix hedera. Furthermore, all types of coughs benefited from officinalis. One of the most popular types of herbal tea, known as a tisane, is peppermint, or Mentha piperita. Peppermint essential oil and tea made from the plant's leaves have long histories of usage in alternative medicine. Some studies have found that peppermint may have antiallergenic properties in addition to its antibacterial, antiviral, antioxidant, and anticancer properties. CONCLUSION. Cough is a persistent symptom of many acute and chronic illnesses. Primula veris, Thymus vulgaris, Althaea Officinalis, and Mentha piperita are some herbs used to treat cough. Cough patients can supplement their standard medical care with herbal remedies that contain these compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nonpharmacological methods are used in the management of pain and kinesiophobia following total knee arthroplasty. The aim of this double-blind randomized controlled trial was to examine the effect of foot reflexology on pain and kinesiophobia in patients following total knee arthroplasty. A total of 40 patients (20 in the control group and 20 in the intervention group) were randomly assigned to either of two groups for the study. The intervention group was exposed to foot reflexology. Postoperative Visual Analog Scale scores decreased faster in the intervention group compared to the control group (F = 80.417; p < .001; η² = 0.685). The Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index scores decreased in the intervention group over time, while they increased in the control group (p < .05). While a gradual increase was observed in the Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia scores in the control group, there was a decrease in the intervention group (F = 84.860; p < .001; η² = 0.696). The amount of analgesics used was lower in the intervention group (p < .05). Foot reflexology can be applied as an effective and safe method to manage pain and kinesiophobia in total knee arthroplasty patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AIM: To analyze the evidence available on foot reflexology with application of caring consciousness to reduce pain in older adults METHODS: Integrative review carried out in Medline/PubMed, CINAHL, EBSCO Host, SCOPUS, Web of Science, and EMBASE databases using the MESH terms "Aged," "Pain," "Musculoskeletal manipulations," "Nursing," and "Nursing theory." in English, Spanish, Portuguese, and French published between 2012 and 2022. The selected studies were exported to Rayyan software and evaluated by title and abstract; after reading the full text, were analyzed according to the PRISMA guide checklist. RESULTS: In this study, 497 articles were found, 4 were selected. 75% of the studies were based on the Ingham method of reflexology. The elements that demonstrate caring consciousness and enhance the healing effect of the therapy were foot grooming, use of essential oils, implementation of relaxation techniques, description of pressure points and combining other therapies. In 75% of the cases, foot reflexology was effective to reduce pain. CONCLUSION: Those authors who apply caring consciousness in the technique of reflexology obtained more significant results in the reduction of pain. The incorporation of external elements shows the intention of nursing to enhance the effects of the therapy, as well as the search for connection with the elderly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Hypertension is the most dominant risk factor for cardiovascular disease, which is the most frequent cause of deaths all over the world. Patients' hypertension requires nonpharmacological interventions as an integral part of case management. Complementary and alternative medicine are recognized and accepted in several countries, also could be recommended for lowering blood pressure. The aim of this study is to explore the most popular method of CAM used for hypertension. Method: This study was conducted by searching online databases between 2012 - 2022, using PRISMA 2020 to find specific articles. The PICOT framework that be used: adult with hypertension, complementary use, blood pressure. Articles were sourced from Elsevier, Plos One, NIH, Lancet, BMC, Sage, Springer, Wiley, Lippincott, and Garuda. The researcher obtained 23 articles for final review, with inclusion criteria for people with hypertension that use CAM as a therapy to prevent elevated blood pressure. Result: 10 articles were RCT, 7 articles were cross sectional, 4 articles were experiments, 1 article was cohort, and 1 article was mixed method. The result showed that the CAM was effective in lowering blood pressure. People with hypertension most often used herbal medicine, acupuncture, massage, acupressure, yoga, meditation, tai chi, reflexology, guided imagery, and aromatherapy oil (in sequentially). Conclusion: Perception/belief, lack of information, experience and culture affect people's behavior in choosing medical drugs over CAM. Therefore, health care should promote CAM and provide patients with non-pharmacological intervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: It is essential to link the theoretical framework of any neurophysiotherapy approach with a detailed analysis of the central motor control mechanisms that influence motor behavior. Vojta therapy (VT) falls within interventions aiming to modify neuronal activity. Although it is often mistakenly perceived as exclusively pediatric, its utility spans various functional disorders by acting on central pattern modulation. This study aims to review the existing evidence on the effectiveness of VT across a wide range of conditions, both in the adult population and in pediatrics, and analyze common therapeutic mechanisms, focusing on motor control modulation. Aim: The goals of this systematic review are to delineate the existing body of evidence concerning the efficacy of Vojta therapy (VT) in treating a broad range of conditions, as well as understand the common therapeutic mechanisms underlying VT with a specific focus on the neuromodulation of motor control parameters. Methods: PubMed, Cochrane Library, SCOPUS, Web of Science, and Embase databases were searched for eligible studies. The methodological quality of the studies was assessed using the PEDro list and the Risk-Of-Bias Tool to assess the risk of bias in randomized trials. Methodological quality was evaluated using the Risk-Of-Bias Tool for randomized trials. Random-effects meta-analyses with 95% CI were used to quantify the change scores between the VT and control groups. The certainty of our findings (the closeness of the estimated effect to the true effect) was evaluated using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluations (GRADE). Results: Fifty-five studies were included in the qualitative analysis and 18 in the meta-analysis. Significant differences in cortical activity (p = 0.0001) and muscle activity (p = 0.001) were observed in adults undergoing VT compared to the control, as well as in balance in those living with multiple sclerosis (p < 0.03). Non-significant differences were found in the meta-analysis when evaluating gross motor function, oxygen saturation, respiratory rate, height, and head circumference in pediatrics. Conclusion: Although current evidence supporting VT is limited in quality, there are indications suggesting its potential usefulness for the treatment of respiratory, neurological, and orthopedic pathology. This systematic review and meta-analysis show the robustness of the neurophysiological mechanisms of VT, and that it could be an effective tool for the treatment of balance in adult neurological pathology. Neuromodulation of motor control areas has been confirmed by research focusing on the neurophysiological mechanisms underlying the therapeutic efficacy of VT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Hoitotiede is the property of Hoitotieteiden Tutkimusseura HTTS r.y. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of foot reflexology on fatigue and sleep quality in school‑aged children receiving hemodialysis. Methods: A quasi‑experimental pretest–posttest design was utilized. Thirty children of ages 6–12 undergoing in‑center hemodialysis were recruited. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and Inventory of Fatigue Symptom(IFS) scales were administered at baseline. Participants then received 30 min of foot reflexology massage before hemodialysis sessions 3 days per week for 12 weeks. Posttest administration of the sleep and fatigue scales occurred after the intervention period. Results: Reflexology massage led to significant improvements in sleep quality components, including duration (0%–30% normal sleepers), efficiency (0%–50% >85%), latency (50%–0% >60 min), disturbances, and daytime dysfunction. The mean PSQI score decreased from 18.2 to 9.7 (P < 0.05). Fatigue severity substantially decreased, with the mean IFS score improving from 105.7 to 64.1 (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Foot reflexology is an effective nursing intervention for reducing fatigue and improving sleep quality in children on hemodialysis, warranting integration into routine care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS) commonly experience fatigue, discomfort, sleep problems, anxiety, and reduced quality of life. Studies have shown that foot reflexology can help relieve these symptoms. The objective of this current study is to systematically review the effects of foot reflexology on patients with MS. METHODS: We conducted a systematic review of published literature in many databases, including PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library, from January 1, 2000, to January 27, 2022. With language restrictions, we included randomized controlled trials of foot reflexology interventions for MS that had any clinical or psychological symptom measurements as outcomes. The Cochrane risk-of-bias tool was used to assess evidence quality. Two authors independently screened titles and abstracts. Potential eligible articles were retrieved for full-text review. A third author checked for excluded records. All discrepancies were resolved through a discussion among the 4 reviewing authors. RESULTS: A total of 154 studies were identified; 9 studies with 545 MS patients were included in this review. The most frequently reported findings of foot reflexology intervention in individuals with MS were reductions in fatigue, pain, muscle spasms, stiffness, and psychological symptoms and improvement in bowel and bladder functions and quality of life. CONCLUSIONS: The findings suggest that foot reflexology could be a safe and effective modality to reduce the physical and psychological symptoms and also improve the quality of life for individuals with MS; however, well-designed, large-scale trials are required to confirm the effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AIM: The aim of this systematic review is to provide reliable, high-quality data with an evidence-based, up-to-date overview of the use of nonpharmacologic interventions in the management of symptoms in advanced cancer patients with metastatic disease. METHOD: A comprehensive literature search was performed by searching PubMed, EBSCO, Cochrane, and Google Scholar databases. "Nonpharmacologic," "palliative care," and "cancer" were the three main terms combined with the main symptoms of cancer palliative care such as "pain," "fatigue," "nausea and vomiting," "psychosocial distress," "loss of appetite," "dyspnea," "constipation," and "drowsiness," and each symptom was searched separately. RESULTS: Thirteen studies were included in this systematic review with a total of 1975 participants. Three of the studies examined "fatigue," three examined "quality of life," one examined "sleep," three examined "dyspnea," two examined "depression," and one examined "pain." To manage these symptoms, three of the studies included in the systematic review used "patient education," three of the studies used "exercise," three of the studies used "fan therapy," and the remaining studies used "reflexology," "cognitive behavioral therapy," and "occupational therapy." CONCLUSION: Number of studies done regarding the advanced and metastatic cancer patients and their symptom management through nonpharmacological methods are low, which makes it difficult to draw decisive conclusions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Changes to the wound dressing frequently cause pain. Some adverse side effects of pharmacologic pain management may cause problems or even impede wound healing. There is no systematic study of non‐pharmacologic therapies for pain during wound dressing changes, despite the gradual promotion of non‐pharmacologic pain reduction methods. Objective s : To give clinical wound pain management a new direction, locating and assessing non‐pharmacological interventions regarding pain brought on by wound dressing changes are necessary. Method: The researchers conducted a comprehensive literature review on non‐pharmacological interventions for pain during wound dressing changes across five databases: PubMed, Web of Science, Medline, Embase, and the Cochrane Library spanning the period from January 2010 to September 2022. The evaluation of literature and data extraction was carried out independently by two researchers, and in cases of disagreement, a third researcher participated in the deliberation. To assess the risk of bias in the literature, the researchers utilised the Cochrane Handbook for Reviews of Interventions, version 5.1.0. Results: In total, 951 people were involved in 11 investigations covering seven non‐pharmacological therapies. For pain triggered by dressing changes, virtual reality (VR) distraction, auditory and visual distractions, foot reflexology, religious and spiritual care, and guided imaging demonstrated partially positive effects, with hypnosis therapy and jaw relaxation perhaps having a weak effect. Conclusion: The key to managing wounds is pain management. According to our review, there is some indication that non‐pharmacologic interventions can help patients feel less discomfort when having their wound dressings changed. However, the evidence supporting this view is weak. It needs to be corroborated by future research studies with multicentre and large samples. To promote and use various non‐pharmacologic interventions in the future, it is also necessary to build standardised and homogenised paths for their implementation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Many women experience constipation during pregnancy and nowadays, nonpharmacological approaches such as reflexology have gained more attention than pharmaceutical ones when it comes to treating pregnancy-related ailments. Aim of the study: Evaluate the effect of foot reflexology on constipation and fetal movement during pregnancy. Research design: A quasi-experimental (case-control) research design was utilized in this study. Settings: This study was conducted at the El-Helal Maternal and Child Health Centre in Damanhour City, El-Beheira Governorate, Egypt. Subjects: Eighty pregnant women at 28-32 gestational weeks. Data collection tools: Tool I: Socio-demographic and clinical data; Tool II: Constipation Assessment Scale (CAS); and Tool III: Kick-chart. Results: In the reflexology intervention group, there is an improvement in constipation severity more than in the control groups, as it is clear that there are statistically significant differences between both groups in the third, fourth, and fifth weeks after the intervention (P = 0.024, 0.037, and 0.007, respectively). Fetal movement frequency increases in the reflexology intervention group more than in the control group, as there are statistically significant differences between both groups in the fourth and fifth weeks after the intervention (P = 0.001, P = 0.000, respectively). Conclusion: Foot reflexology is a useful technique to relieve pregnancy-related constipation and a powerful way to improve fetal movement. Recommendations: Incorporate foot reflexology into routine antenatal care along with routine care provided by nurses to better manage pregnancy-related constipation and improve fetal movement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: As cancer and its therapy comes with a wide range of negative effects, people look for options to mitigate these effects. Reflexology is among the options of complementary medicine. Method: In March 2022 a systematic search was conducted searching five electronic databases (Embase, Cochrane, PsychInfo, CINAHL and Medline) to find studies concerning the use, effectiveness and potential harm of reflexology on cancer patients. Results: From all 821 search results, 29 publications concerning 26 studies with 2465 patients were included in this systematic review. The patients treated with reflexology were mainly diagnosed with breast, lung, gastrointestinal and hematological cancer. Outcomes were mainly pain, quality of life, anxiety, depression, fatigue. The studies had moderate to low quality and reported heterogeneous results: Some studies reported significant improvements in above mentioned outcomes while other studies did not find any changes concerning these endpoints. Conclusion: Due to the very heterogeneous results and methodical limitations of the included studies, a clear statement regarding the effectiveness of reflexology on cancer patients is not possible. The current evidence indicates that reflexology is superior to passive control groups for pain, quality of life and fatigue, however, more studies with comparable active control groups are needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ongoing war in Ukraine has precipitated a severe mental health crisis. Current rehabilitation programs, which include cognitive behavioural therapy, prolonged exposure therapy, andpharmacotherapy, are bolstered by initiatives such as the Ukrainian Mental Health Alliance and international collaborations. However, these efforts often fall short of addressing the physiological aspects of trauma. Reflex Integration Therapy (RIT), particularly the Reflex Integration of the Organism (RIO) method, offers a promising complementary approach by targeting neurophysiological dysregulation. This method can enhance emotional stability and improve overall well-being. The integration of RIT into Ukraine's mental health care framework could serve as a model for other conflict-affected regions, demonstrating significant sociopolitical benefits by promoting social cohesion, reducing economic burdens on healthcare systems, and aiding in the long-term reintegration of trauma survivors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article is devoted to one of the most urgent problems of neurology - neuropathy of the facial nerve. Often, various diseases, especially those that are aggravated under the influence of psycho-emotional stress and other adverse psychosocial factors, are accompanied by long-term symptoms. Medicinal methods of treatment are not fully effective, so non-medicinal technologies should be resorted to. Combined treatment of neuropathy of the facial nerve by reflexology methods has been used for a long time, mainly when there is a slowdown in the recovery of the functions of the facial nerve, and this is, first of all, its motor functions in relation to the muscles of the face. The article also presents the main theoretical principles of the «Balancing of Hexagrams» method and its practical implementation. A clinical case is also presented: neuropathy of the facial nerve with a delayed course. The methods of acupuncture diagnosis are presented, the acupuncture diagnosis is characterized in detail, the description of acupuncture correction is given, the methods of medical correction used in treatment, the features of the «favorable» hexagram are considered. Thus, patients with neuropathy of the facial nerve with a delayed course are found in the practice of a neurologist and a reflexologist. In the combined of therapeutic measures for neuropathy of the facial nerve with a delayed course, the use of the acupuncture method «balancing hexagrams» is effective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Why you should read this article: • To read about a service evaluation of a clinical foot reflexology service for patients with cancer • To appreciate the importance of evaluating patients' experience of supportive interventions such as reflexology • To recognise the beneficial effects of foot reflexology on symptoms associated with cancer and cancer treatments Reflexology is a complementary therapy that involves applying alternating gentle and firm pressure to the feet or hands to induce relaxation. In the context of cancer care, reflexology treatment aims to provide symptom relief and improve patients' quality of life. Since 2014 a clinical foot reflexology service has been offered at Dorset County Hospital NHS Foundation Trust cancer service for patients receiving cancer treatments. This article describes the foot reflexology service and the treatment offered. It also reports the findings of a service evaluation that involved a retrospective review of patient combined consent/evaluation forms to identify patient concerns (symptoms), to measure patients' self-reported levels of concern before and after reflexology treatment and to capture patients' experience of the service. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chronic non-specific neck pain (CNSNP), or cervicodynia, is a common pathology that significantly reduces the quality of life of patients. It is believed to be based on degenerative and dystrophic changes in the spine, as well as myofascial pain syndrome. Currently, a comprehensive approach is used in the treatment of CNSNP, including kinesitherapy, ergotherapy, manual therapy, and cognitive-behavioral therapy. In case of ineffectiveness of conservative patient management methods, radiofrequency denervation is used, which is an effective and safe procedure for reducing the severity of pain syndrome. The results of the use of radiofrequency denervation in CNSNP are discussed.

Background: Vojta Therapy is a neurorehabilitation therapy that allows to activate reflex movement patterns. The scientific literature has shown its ability to generate muscle contractions. The activation of brain neural networks has also been proven. However, the relationship between these processes has not yet been demonstrated. For this reason, the aim of this study is to verify brain activation produced by recording with near-infrared spectroscopy and its relationship with muscle activation produced in the abdominal muscles recorded with surface electromyography. Methods: A total sample of 27 healthy subjects over 18 years of age was recruited. An experimental study on a cohort was conducted. Two experimental conditions were considered: stimuli according to the Vojta protocol, and a control non-stimuli condition. Abdominal muscle activation was measured using surface electromyography, and the activation of the motor cortex was assessed with near-infrared spectroscopy. Results: In relation to the oxygenated hemoglobin concentration (HbO), an interaction between the stimulation phase and group was observed. Specifically, the Vojta stimulation group exhibited an increase in concentration from the baseline phase to the first resting period in the right hemisphere, contralateral to the stimulation area. This rise coincided with an enhanced wavelet coherence between the HbO concentration and the electromyography (EMG) signal within a gamma frequency band (very low frequency) during the first resting period. Conclusions: The results underscore the neurophysiological effects on the brain following tactile stimulation via Vojta Therapy, highlighting increased activity in pivotal areas essential for sensory processing, motor planning, and control. This activation, particularly evident in the Vojta stimulation group, aligns with previous findings, suggesting that tactile stimuli can not only evoke the intention to move but can also initiate actual muscle contractions, emphasizing the therapy's potential in enhancing innate locomotion and rolling movements in patients with neurological disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: In this systematic review, we aim to evaluate the effectiveness of foot reflexology in reducing labor pain intensity. Material-Method: The study was done in the second half of 2019. PubMed (MEDLINE), CINAHL (EBSCO), Scopus, Science Citation Index, Science Direct, ULAKBIM (Turkish National Databases) databases were searched using terms and keywords including 'labor pain' 'vaginal delivery' 'normal delivery' 'pregnancy and delivery' 'reflexology' 'foot massage' 'pain and reflexology' in three languages. 3292 articles (English, Turkish and Persian languages) reached by using keywords and scanning electronic databases (between 2009 and 2019). Nine descriptive cross-sectional studies were evaluated that involving provide only quantitative results and descriptive designs quantitative elements of mixed (qualitative and quantitative) method studies. Results: Out of the 3292 articles found in the databases, only 9 met the inclusion criteria and were included in the study. Studies have shown that foot reflexology during labor reduces the severity of labor pain. Conclusion: Performing foot reflexology can be an effective and low-cost method of pain relief, reducing both pain and the duration of labor. It is recommended that further studies with sufficient statistical power be conducted in this field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Reflexology is a popular non-invasive complementary medicine technique to enhance anxiety, pain, and fatigue among patients undergoing coronary angiography. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the effect of hand reflexology in ameliorating anxiety, pain, and fatigue among patients undergoing coronary angiography. Methods: A quasi-experimental research design was used on 60 patients undergoing coronary angiography at Alexandria Main University Hospital's cardiology department (30 patients in each study and control group). Four tools were used to collect data: the socio-demographic and clinical data assessment sheet, the visual analogue scale, the Rhoten fatigue scale, and the Beck anxiety inventory. Results: Scores of moderate anxiety, intractable pain, and severe fatigue among the study group significantly decreased after 2 h and three days of applying hand reflexology. Conclusion: The current study findings showed that hand reflexology is a simple, non-invasive nursing intervention that is effective and useful for managing pain, fatigue, and anxiety in patients undergoing coronary angiography as it resulted in a significant reduction in the severity of pain, fatigue, and anxiety after coronary angiography in the study group compared to the control group. Trial registration: The study was registered in the clinical trial.gov database (Clinicaltrials.gov NCT05887362, 23/05/2023). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article explores the impact of reflexology massage on the mental health of elderly individuals. The study involved interviewing participants before and after receiving reflexology massage, using measures such as the Geriatric Depression Scale and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Screener. The results indicated a decrease in depression scores and a mixed response in anxiety levels. Reflexology massage was found to have a positive influence on the mental health of the elderly. Previous research has also shown that reflexology can reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety, making it a beneficial complementary therapy for mental health. [Extracted from the article]

Aim: The aim of the study was to compare the effects of massage interventions on sleep quality among patients in the adult critical care unit. Background: Massage interventions have positive effects when applied to manage sleep quality in critical care units. However, research identifying the effect of massage intervention is limited. Design: This study adhered to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Methods: Five databases were searched from their inception to 15 April 2022 (the last search was conducted on 15 November 2022, but it yielded no additional eligible studies). The literature search was conducted using Embase, MEDLINE, the Cochrane Library, CINAHL, PsycINFO and additional sources such as Google Scholar. The Cochrane risk of bias tool for randomised trials (RoB 2.0) was used to assess the risk of bias. The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) system assessed the certainty of evidence and recommendations. Results: In total, ten randomised controlled trials comprising 569 participants were used in the systematic review, and eight trials were included in the meta‐analysis. Subgroup analysis revealed significant effects of foot reflexology massage on subjective sleep quality. Massage therapy for a two‐night duration in cardiac care unit patients exhibited a significant effect on subjective sleep quality. The overall GRADE certainty of evidence was low. Conclusion: Massage intervention, particularly foot reflexology massage, with a two‐night duration showed improvement in subjective sleep quality among critically ill patients. Although evidence quality was low, the results suggest that massage interventions provide a non‐invasive, low‐cost and effective way to promote sleep quality in critically ill adult patients. Relevance to clinical practice: Massage interventions can enable nurses to recommend and implement strategies promoting and improving sleep quality among critically ill patients. Study registration: The review protocol was registered a priori and published online in the PROSPERO database of systematic reviews (www.crd.York.ac.uk/Prospero with the registration number # CRD42022332371). Patient or public contribution: No patient or public contribution if such details are not necessary or do not apply to your work and state why. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Pyoderma gangrenosum currently lacks standardized therapy. New safer and more efficacious therapies are welcome. Aims: To present two new PG cases treated with JAK inhibitors, adding to the small existing experience Methods & Methods: Two case reports of PG patients successfully treated with tofacitinib and baricitinib. Results: Both patients were cured and presented no relapse. Patient # 1 used baricitinib 2 mg bid for 39 days while patient # 2 was treated with tofacitinib 5 mg bid for 120 days. No adverse reactions were seen. Discussion: The increasing usage of JAKi to treat inflammatory diseases had a positive reflex on PG therapy. Fifteen PG cases treated with these drugs had been found in literature and the two new cases here described add to the limited existing experience. Conclusion: This is a novel use of tofacitinib and baricitinib beyond the approved indications. JAKi are a welcome addition to our options to manage patients with PG. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the attitudes of students continuing their education in the medical and dental faculties, as well as the nursing and physiotherapy and rehabilitation departments of the Faculty of Health Sciences at Afyonkarahisar Health Sciences University, towards traditional and complementary medicine (T&CM) practices. Materials-Methods: The study population consisted of students enrolled in the medical, dental, nursing, physiotherapy, and rehabilitation departments of the Faculty of Health Sciences. To reach more participants, the questionnaires and scales were transferred to the Google Forms application, and the survey link was sent to the students via platforms such as email, WhatsApp, and Telegram. The statistical data analysis was performed using the SPSS 25.0 package program, and a significance level of p<0.05 was determined. Results: In our study, which included 1085 students, 64.1% (n=695) were female and 35.9% (n=390) male. The best-known T&CM methods among the participants were reflexology (n=374, 34.5%), osteopathy (n=214, 19.7%), mesotherapy (n=204, 18.8%), hypnosis (n=203, 18.7%), cupping therapy (n=196, 18.1%), chiropractic (n=196, 18.1%), music therapy (n=194, 17.9%), apitherapy (n=188, 17.3%), herbal therapy (n=176, 16.2%), prolotherapy (n=175, 16.1%), and ozone therapy (n=160, 14.7%). Leech therapy (n=153, 14.1%), homeopathy (n=149, 13.7%), and maggot therapy (n=110, 10.1%) were found to be less known. Conclusion: It was observed that students lack sufficient knowledge about T&CM practices but are interested in receiving education on the subject. Adjustments to the current curriculum of medical, dental, nursing, physiotherapy, and rehabilitation departments would positively contribute to students' attitudes and approaches toward T&CM practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Given the negative effect of postoperative pharmacological pain control on breastfeeding, the present study aimed to compare the effects of reflexology and Benson relaxation methods on pain, breastfeeding, and infant weight gain in women undergoing a cesarean section (C/S). Methods: This randomized clinical trial was conducted on 135 women undergoing a C/S in the Gynecology Ward of Bushehr Persian Gulf Martyrs Hospital in Bushehr, Iran, in 2020. The participants were selected using convenience sampling, and randomly divided into three groups of foot reflexology, Benson relaxation, and control. The interventions were performed two hours postoperation and six hours after the first intervention. The pain score was measured and recorded immediately, and 30 and 60 minutes after each intervention. Breastfeeding frequency and duration were also assessed in the first 18 hours of birth. The infants' weight was assessed at birth and 10 days later. Data analysis was performed using inferential statistics, chi-square or Fisher's exact test, Kruskal-Wallis test, Mann-Whitney U or one-way ANOVA, Wilcoxon test and logistic regression analysis. Results: There was a larger decrease in the pain score of the reflexology and Benson relaxation (P < 0.01) groups after the first and second interventions, compared to the control group. The breastfeeding frequency was higher in the two intervention groups, compared to the control group (P < 0.001). Furthermore, the rate of return to the birth weight in ten days of birth was higher in the reflexology (P < 0.01) and Benson groups (P < 0.05) than the control group. Conclusion: Both the reflexology and the Benson relaxation methods effectively decreased pain and increased breastfeeding frequency and the infant's weight gain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of foot reflexology, a complementary and supportive method on anxiety in patients scheduled to receive cardiac implantable electronic devices. This randomised controlled study was conducted between April 2022 and October 2022 at the cardiology clinic of a university health research and application centre in Turkey. The study was conducted with 64 patients--32 in the experimental and 32 in the control group. Data were collected using a patient information form and the Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI). A significance level of p < 0.05 was accepted. The results showed that the mean scores of the State Anxiety Inventory were significantly higher in the experimental group than in the control group, and the mean scores of the Trait Anxiety Inventory were significantly lower in the experimental group than in the control group (both p < 0.001). These findings indicate that the intervention in the experimental group led to a significant decrease in anxiety levels. This study demonstrated that foot reflexology significantly affected anxiety in patients planning for cardiac implantable electronic devices. The participants in the experimental group had significantly higher state anxiety levels than those in the control group after the intervention, but their trait anxiety levels were significantly lower than those in the control group after the reflexology application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This randomized experimental study was conducted to determine the effect of foot massage on peripheral edema and sleep quality in patients with heart failure. The study sample comprised 60 adult patients (30 intervention and 30 control groups) who met the inclusion criteria and agreed to participate in the study. In the intervention group, foot massage was applied once a day for 10 minutes on each foot for a total of 7 days and then peripheral edema and sleep quality were evaluated. No application was made to the control group. Data were collected using a personal information form, a foot measurement record form for monitoring peripheral edema, and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. Forms were completed at the beginning of administration and at the follow-up at the end of 7 days (baseline and last follow-up). Statistically significant improvements were found in peripheral edema and sleep quality levels of the intervention group compared with the control group, starting from the fourth session of the foot massage application (P <.001). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE There is rare evidence of the effects of foot reflexology on quality of life (QoL) in patients with chemotherapy-induced neurotoxicity, this study aimed to determine the effects of foot reflexology on the QoL in colorectal cancer patients receiving neurotoxic chemotherapy. METHODS Eighty patients with chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy Grade II-IV were randomly divided into two experimental and control groups (40 patients in each group). The experimental group participated in four reflexology sessions for 20 min once a week and the control group received only routine care and medical treatment as directed by a doctor. Data were collected using the sociodemographic characteristics form, EORTC QLQ-C30, and EORTC QLQ-CIPN20. Data were analyzed by SPSS version 25 using descriptive and inferential statistical methods. RESULTS A comparison of the difference between the mean total score of QoL before and after 4 weeks' reflexology sessions between the experimental and control groups revealed a significant statistical difference (p<0.05). The mean total score of QoL 4 weeks after the intervention was higher in the experimental group (48.3±19.5) than in the control group (26.2±15.2). With reflexology sessions, improvement of sensory (p=0.01), motor (p=0.031), and autonomic (p=0.034) function were more prominent in the experimental group. CONCLUSION The result of this study showed that foot reflexology relieved neurotoxicity associated with chemotherapy which improved the QoL in colorectal cancer patients. Hence, this low cost and easy procedure can be recommended as an effective technique. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Carpal Tunnel Syndrome occurs when median nerve is compressed as it travels through the wrist. The syndrome is characterized by pain in the hand, numbness, and tingling in the distribution of the median nerve and leads to reduction in grip strength and hand function. Stage II Carpal Tunnel Syndrome occurs when patient is involved in activities of repetitive movement of wrist during day. The study aimed to compare functional improvement in results after treating with Extinguishing manual therapy techniques and Upcoming manual therapy techniques. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study 30 dentists having Stage II Carpal Tunnel Syndrome were treated first with extinguishing manual therapy techniques (Phase I) for 10 days and then there was a gap of 1 week to decondition the effects of Phase I. After deconditioning same group of patients were treated with Upcoming manual therapy techniques for 10 days. In both the Phases Conservative therapy was also included. Patient specific activity scoring scheme and Boston scale were used to compare the results. Conclusion: The study concluded that Upcoming manual therapy are more effective than extinguishing manual therapy techniques in treating dentists having Stage II Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Primitive reflexes, originating in the brainstem, develop in utero and vanish within six months post-birth, aiding infant motor milestones. Integration relies on cortical maturation inhibiting them via basal ganglia pathways. Persistence may indicate neurological issues lead to motor, balance, and learning difficulties. were assessed. The intervention of Group A consisted of Power training exercises, Group B consisted of Plyometric drills and the control group performed regular training exercises. The intervention was given for 3 days a week for 6 weeks. All the outcome variables were recorded for baseline and after 6 weeks. Results: Within group analysis for both experimental groups were found to be statistically significant for Rectus femoris and Vastus Lateralis muscles whereas between group analysis revealed general power training group to offer statistically significant improvement with p-value <0.05. Conclusion: There was a significant improvement in in both the groups in terms of muscle activation; however, General Power training shows effective outcome than the Plyometric training. Keywords: Electromyography, General power training, Lateralis muscle. Aim: This scoping review explored the persistence of primitive reflexes and determined the problems associated with their persistence in healthy school-going children. Materials and Methods: A total of 3988 full-text published articles were identified from PubMed, Ovid-SP and Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) from 2004-2024 year. Only full text prevalence/ incidence and observational studies on children between 4-12 years are included. After duplicate deletion 3614 articles were left at abstract level, finally 63 full text articles related to research topic were further analysed and only nine articles were included in review for analysis. Results: Within group analysis for both experimental groups were found to be statistically significant for Rectus femoris and Vastus Lateralis muscles whereas between group analysis revealed general power training group to offer statistically significant improvement with p-value <0.05. Conclusion: Majority of articles show that persistence of ATNR (Asymmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex) reflex shows neurological impairments like attention and reading difficulties while persistence of spinal galant may lead to scoliosis. In articles assessing the persistence of all primitive reflexes like ATNR/STNR (Symmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex)/TLR (Tonic Labyrinthine Reflex) may cause gait impairments and development delay. Boys exhibit higher reflex activity and attention deficits, correlating with diminished reading proficiency, emphasising the link between neuromotor maturity and academic achievement. Conclusion: The prevalence of primary reflexes like ATNR and TLR in preschoolers, impact attention, neuromotor development and gait. Early detection of persisting primitive reflex, and managing them with reflex integration therapy in children can help mitigate neurological development delay. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Surgical patients experience both postoperative pain and anxiety, as they try to cope with pain. Despite technological advances, pharmacological methods are inadequate for decreasing postoperative pain and anxiety. Reflexology has been implemented and considered effective in these areas in many countries. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of reflexology on decreasing postoperative pain and anxiety after a hysterectomy. The study was an intervention randomized study. The population of the investigation is all patients who had a hysterectomy between February 2012 and December 2014 in the Istanbul University Obstetrics and Gynecology service. The sample was 100 women chosen after a power analysis (minimum: 74) (experimental: 54, control: 46) within the population of the investigation who agreed to participate in the study. Using a table of random numbers, patients in the sample were divided into groups. Data was collected using the patient information and vital signs form, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI-I), Visual Analog Scale (VAS) Pain and Anxiety Scales, and BRIEF pain inventory. All women in the groups had similar sociodemographic, obstetric, and pain characteristics, past experience of illness, and characteristics related to their hysterectomy. All of the patients in the reflexology group stated that reflexology helped them feel better. The reflexology group compared with the control group had lower than the average VAS pain and VAS and STAI anxiety at all assessment times. Reflexology is effective in reducing anxiety and pain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Obesity hypoventilation syndrome is one of the most serious outcomes of obesity-related respiratory difficulties, resulting in higher healthcare costs as well as increased cardio-respiratory morbidity and mortality. Sixty-two males who had a high risk of obstructive sleep apnea according to the STOP-BANG Sleep Apnea Questionnaire were enrolled in the study. Their age is 50–60 years old, and they have a BMI of 35–40 kg/m2, daytime hypercapnia, and sleep breathing problems. The patients were divided into two equal groups at random reflexology fasting-mimicking diet groups. Weight, height, waist, and neck circumference were assessed at the beginning of the study and after two months of the intervention. Sleep quality was measured using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), which is used to evaluate sleep quality. The Maugeri Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome (MOSAS) questionnaire was used to assess a patient's quality of life. There was a significant change in the MOSAS and PSQI questionnaires for both groups post-intervention, as the p-value was less than 0.05. The percentage change in the MOSAS questionnaire score and PSQI questionnaire was higher in the mimic diet group than in the reflexology group. Also, the mimic diet group's weight and neck circumference were considerably reduced after the intervention, with no change in the reflexology group. Reflexology and a fasting-mimicking diet were found to have a substantial impact on enhancing the quality of life and sleep in people with obesity hypoventilation syndrome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In palliative care, the relief of discomfort is sought by an overall approach, combining prescribed medication and additional therapies, such as foot reflexology (FR). The main objective of this study was to assess the feasibility of FR in a population of inpatients in a palliative care unit (PCU).The precariousness of the patients led us to perform a feasibility study and not a cohort study from the outset. Its secondary objective was to assess the impact of an FR session on some symptoms of discomfort (anxiety, pain, troubled sleep, and psychological distress). Methods: This is a feasibility study designed as a randomized controlled two-arm therapeutic trial. One arm tested FR, the other an active control, massage therapy (MT). The evaluators were blinded. Results: FR was feasible for 14 patients out of the 15 included in the FR group (95% CI [68%; 100%]). These patients were in the palliative care phase of cancer, motor neuron disease, or terminal organ failure. Concerning the symptoms of discomfort, ESAS sleep quality score was on average 3.9 (± 2.5) before a session in the FR group. It was improved to an average of 3 (± 2.3) on the day after the session (effect-size = 0.38 [0.03; 0.73]). Conclusion: This study confirms the feasibility of an FR session for patients hospitalized in a PCU. It resulted in a slight improvement in sleep quality. For other discomfort symptoms such as anxiety, pain and distress, FR yielded a non-significant improvement. Significant results would have needed a larger cohort. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This randomized controlled study aimed to determine the effects of acupressure and foot reflexology on procedural pain during heel-lancing in newborns. This study was conducted with 105 neonates (35 foot reflexology group, 35 acupressure group, and 35 control group) who met the inclusion criteria and who were delivered by cesarean section between October 2017 and March 2018 at a state hospital in Turkey. A "Newborn Information Form" and a "Neonatal Pain, Agitation, and Sedation Scale" (N-PASS) were used to collect data. The study found a significant intergroup difference between pain scores of neonates during the procedures (p <.05). Advanced analyses found that the pain scores in the acupressure and foot reflexology groups were similar, whereas the pain scores in the control group were higher than in the other two groups. Acupressure and foot reflexology administered during heel lancing in newborns are effective methods for reducing pain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: this meta-analysis study analyzed the effect of foot reflexology on fatigue in hemodialysis patients by combining the results of independent studies on this subject. Method: meta-analysis study. A literature search was conducted in seven databases. The methodological quality of the included studies was assessed using tools proposed by the Joanna Briggs Institute. Comprehensive Meta-Analysis v3 was used for meta-analysis. Results: eight studies were included in the meta-analysis. The result of the meta-analysis standardized mean difference = 1.580 (95% Confidence Interval = 1.075 -- 2.085 p = 0.000). The result of the subgroup analysis performed based on the number of foot reflexology sessions standardized mean difference = 1,478 (95% Confidence Interval = 1,210 -- 1,747, p = 0.000). Conclusion: it was concluded that foot reflexology can be used to reduce fatigue in hemodialysis patients. No information was provided in the investigated studies about the possible side effects and negative effects of foot reflexology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Migraines are one of the leading causes of disability globally and in South Africa. There is a paucity of local empirical literature regarding the psychosocial impact of migraines on women. Although there are a variety of treatment approaches, many women prefer alternative and holistic treatment for their migraines. Aim: The aim of this study was to explore the psychosocial impact of migraines on women and their use of complementary and alternative therapies for migraine pain management. Setting: The study was conducted in the eThekwini region of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Methods: The study adopted a qualitative descriptive design. Purposive sampling was used to recruit participants for the study. Data were collected through 12 semi-structured interviews and subsequently analysed using thematic analysis. Results: Theme 1 related to the psychological and cognitive effects experienced by the participants. Theme 2 focused on the effects migraines had on personal, family and social relationships. Theme 3 discussed the self-management of migraines. Conclusion: The pertinent psychological effects of migraines were depression, anxiety, feelings of hopelessness and withdrawal, fear-avoidance behaviour, lifestyle changes, and acceptance of migraines. The participants experienced a lack of understanding about their migraine severity from co-workers, family and social networks. The alternative therapies that were sought to alleviate migraine symptoms included chiropractic, massage, meditation, reflexology, yoga, cupping and acupuncture. Contribution: The awareness of the effectiveness of complementary and alternative therapies for women may be beneficial for healthcare providers seeking a multidisciplinary approach to migraine management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and aim: Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) and reflexology can be effective in pain, balance and sleep problems in the elderly. Our study aimed to examine the effect of TENS and reflexology on balance and sleep quality in geriatric individuals. Materials and Method: 60 individuals with balance and sleep problems were included in our study and randomly divided into three groups: Reflexology (N=20), TENS (N=20) and control (N=20). All individuals were evaluated with the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Berg Balance Scale (BBS), and Tinetti Balance Test (TBT) method pre-treatment and post-treatment. Results: It was observed that there was a significant increase in BBS in the reflexology group after the treatment compared to the pre-treatment, while a decrease in pain and an increase in sleep quality were observed in the TENS group post-treatment. While the decrease in the risk of falling was seen in all three groups, the improvement in the risk of falling was mostly seen in the reflexology group. There was no statistical difference between the groups post-treatment (p>0.05). Conclusion: We conclude that reflexology practice increased the balance and decreased the risk of falling. We think that reflexology application as an alternative treatment will reduce the symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Limited description of reflexology interventions impacts replicability. • Limited intervention replicability hinders both implementation and follow-on research. • This document provides guidance for the reporting of reflexology interventions. • Guidance was developed using a Delphi process with 43 multi-national panel members. • Guidance use will improve the quality of reflexology research. Reflexology is a holistic, complementary therapy, carried out on the feet, hands, ears, or face. There is no single accepted definition of reflexology, as it encompasses various practices, making it important that research studies articulate exactly what the reflexology intervention entailed. This study sought to produce reflexology-specific guidance for researchers and practitioners, for use with the Template for the Intervention Description and Replication (TIDieR) checklist, to improve the quality of the documentation of reflexology interventions within the research literature. This study used the TIDieR checklist as a framework for a three-round Delphi process to gain agreement on what information authors should consider including in their study report to support replication of their intervention. Following the Delphi process two online consolidation meetings were held to agree the wording and examples for the guidance document. Guidance based on the unique considerations of reflexology interventions was developed for use with the TIDieR checklist. A diverse group of 43 experts from Europe, North America, Asia, and Australasia, including 40 reflexologists, 9 of whom were also study authors, and 2 methodological specialists contributed to the guidance. Each Delphi round was completed by 39 to 42 (91 % to 98 %) of the 43 panel members, and 16 (37 %) participated in the consolidation meetings. Consensus was reached on 46 items via the Delphi rounds (36 to be included in the guidance and 10 to be excluded); 38 items failed to reach consensus. The consolidation meetings informed the final wording of the guidance document, covering all the 12 TIDieR domains. The reflexology-specific guidance strongly advocates for the utilisation of the TIDieR checklist, with elaboration tailored for reflexology as used in various contexts internationally. By serving as a reporting guide for reflexology intervention studies, this tool has the capacity to improve the reporting of reflexology intervention studies, thereby facilitating replicability and promoting greater transparency within the field of reflexology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Inadequate reporting of reflexology intervention studies hinders reproducibility. • Eight areas of deficiency in reflexology intervention reporting were identified. • Four aspects of reflexology interventions were reported well. • This paper benchmarks the comprehensiveness of reflexology intervention reporting. Reflexology is a complementary therapy based on the theory that different points on the feet, hands, face, and ears correspond with areas of the body, each being represented as a reflex. Different reflexology practises exist, and there is not one 'standard' approach. Not all reflexology studies are documented to a sufficiently high standard to allow research studies to be replicated and their data combined within meta-analysis, which would support a move to evidence-based practice for this complementary therapy. To identify specific shortfalls within reflexology intervention reporting, and to provide a benchmark which could be used to measure any future changes in the detail included in reflexology intervention reporting, the Template for Intervention Description and Replication (TIDieR) checklist has been used to assess the current situation. A systematic review was carried out on studies published in 2021 and each study scored using the 12 TIDieR elements for compliance. A total of 420 references were identified, resulting in 41 eligible studies. Amongst the 12 TIDieR elements assessed, four elements (2: Why, 6: How, 7: Where, and 8: When and how much) were consistently addressed satisfactorily by the majority of the studies. Two elements (9: Tailoring and 12: How well actual) exhibited moderate levels of compliance, four TIDieR elements (1: Brief name, 3: What materials, 4: What procedures, and 5: Who) were predominantly addressed inadequately across the studies and two elements (10: Modifications and 11: How well planned) were rarely included in the studies analysed. Many studies did not adequately report the reflexology intervention, which inhibits implementation (and discontinuation), replication, and research synthesis. This systematic review has identified the specific areas of the intervention which are not being documented with sufficient detail in order to highlight areas requiring improvement and produce a benchmark against which the quality of the intervention reporting can be measured in future studies. Data collected as part of this review have been used as input into a follow-up study which has produced reflexology specific guidance to be used with the TIDieR checklist. No funding was received for this project. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Complementary and alternative therapies (CAM) are methods for the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of diseases based on various cultural beliefs and experiences that are not currently considered part of modern medicine. In recent years, the integration of CAM applications into healthcare systems all over the world has led to an increase in their use and frequency, and it has also increased the necessity and expectation of evidence-based practices. In this review, it was aimed to examine the alternative treatment methods that are frequently used in different conditions, their mechanisms of action, and their application within the framework of scientific evidence. For this purpose, popularly used complementary and alternative therapies for musculoskeletal conditions (dry needling, instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization, dry cupping), neurological conditions (acupuncture, reflexology), and other conditions such as cancer and metabolic diseases (yoga) were examined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic neurological autoimmune disease, affecting the psychological and physical health of patients. Manual therapies have been proven to relieve pain, strengthen muscles, and improve bladder and bowel problems with a high safety and low adverse event profile. Previous studies have reported the results of manual therapy in alleviating symptoms associated with MS, but the conclusions were controversial. Objective: The purpose of this meta-analysis is to comprehensively analyze and determine the efficacy and safety of manual therapy in relieving symptoms associated with MS. Methods: Eight electronic databases were searched from inception of the database to April 30, 2021. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) using manual therapy in patients to relieve symptoms associated with MS were considered eligible for this study. Two reviewers independently extracted data using pre-established standards. Results: Finally, 10 eligible RCTs with 631 subjects were included in this meta-analysis. These data establish that massage therapy can significantly ameliorate fatigue, pain, and spasms, while reflexology was only effective in relieving pain in MS patients. No adverse events were reported in eligible RCTs. Conclusions: The present study provides strong evidence that massage therapy could alleviate fatigue, pain, and spasms in MS patients, while reflexology plays a positive role in relieving pain. Physicians could consider massage therapy or reflexology as a safe and effective complementary and alternative treatment. Larger RCTs with higher methodological quality are needed in the future, which aim to provide more meaningful evidence for further proof of efficacy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multiple sclerosis (MS) causes a range of different symptoms. Patients with MS (PwMS) have looked for alternative therapies to control their MS progress and treat their symptoms. Non-invasive therapeutic approaches such as massage can have benefits to mitigate some of these symptoms. However, there is no rigorous review of massage effectiveness for PwMS. The present systematic review aims to examine the effectiveness of different massage approaches on common MS symptoms, including fatigue, pain, anxiety, depression, and spasticity. A systematic search of related trials was conducted in electronic databases including Cochrane Library, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar, using search terms related to Multiple Sclerosis and massage therapy. The PEDro scale was used to evaluate the methodological quality of reviewed studies. A total of 12 studies met the inclusion criteria. We rated 5 studies as fair and 7 studies as good. Fatigue was improved by different massage styles, such as reflexology, nonspecific therapeutic massage, and Swedish massage. Pain, anxiety, and depression were effectively improved by reflexology techniques. Spasticity was reduced by Swedish massage and reflexology techniques. Different massage approaches effectively improved MS symptoms such as fatigue, pain, anxiety, depression, and spasticity. The present review results indicate that massage may have beneficial effects on motor and non-motor symptoms in MS. Massage could be considered a complementary and alternative treatment combined with conventional medicine in people with MS. Pain and fatigue are best improved by Swedish massage, while anxiety and depression are effectively improved by reflexology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Complementary therapies are widely used in palliative care settings. Qualitative research found that people with advanced disease report a range of physical and psychological benefits from complementary therapies, however evidence of their effectiveness from clinical trials is inconclusive. This may be because trials are limited by use of inappropriate outcome measures. Aims: To identify tools which capture the impact of massage, reflexology and aromatherapy in people with advanced disease. We (1) identified multi-domain tools used to evaluate these therapies in populations with any chronic health condition and (2) assessed whether tools were valid and psychometrically robust in populations with advanced disease. Design: A two-stage systematic review was conducted using the COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement INstruments (COSMIN) guidelines (PROSPERO: CRD42020161199). Data sources: Six databases were searched (August 2021). Study methodological quality, tool psychometric properties and evidence quality were assessed. A global comparison score was generated. Results: Stage 1: 66 trials using 40 different multi-domain tools were identified. Stage 2: Of these tools, we identified papers for seven tools regarding development or validation in advanced disease populations. The majority of psychometric data were inconsistent or inconclusive. Data were mostly of low quality due to methodological issues. Conclusion: Of the tools identified, 'Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy – General' appears to be the most suitable alternative tool against COMSIN criteria, for trials of massage, reflexology and aromatherapy in palliative care. Further tool validation is required before firm recommendations can be made. Co-development of a core outcome set could ensure relevant domains are assessed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A high degree of disability in stroke patients, along with severe social and economic losses, determine the enduring urgency of the problem of early rehabilitation for post-stroke patients. Despite the proven effectiveness of the various reflexotherapy techniques in rehabilitation of patients with ischemic stroke, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. The aim of the review was to analyze the mechanisms of the acupuncture intervention effect on the main links of the ischemic stroke pathogenesis, on neurological deficit and the volume of cerebral infarction (based on publications in international databases). The use of acupuncture in the acute period of ischemic stroke can improve the ability to cerebrovascular reserve, reduce the severity of arterial stiffness and endothelial dysfunction, induce neuroprotection, inhibit cell apoptosis and stimulate neuroplasticity, alleviate the inflammatory response in acute cerebral ischemia, regulate mediators of inflammation and oxidative stress etc., thus improving cerebral blood flow. The analysis of literature data has shown that acupuncture induces multilevel regulation through complex mechanisms, and one factor may not be enough to explain the positive effect against cerebral ischemia.

ABSTRACT Objective To present a study protocol to compare glucose and reflexology in pain relief in neonate intensive care during arterial punctures. Methods A randomized, controlled, double-blind clinical trial protocol will be carried out at a teaching hospital maternity, with30 newborns admitted to neonate intensive care who are to undergo blood collection by arterial puncture. They will be randomly assigned to a control group (25% glucose) or an intervention group (foot reflexology). The primary outcome will be neonate pain scores during and after arterial puncture. Secondary outcomes will be crying time and variation in neonates' vital signs during and after the arterial puncture procedure. Registration number RBR-639bff. Discussion The results of this trial will provide new insights into the most appropriate intervention for the relief of neonate pain during painful procedures.