Effects of Foot Reflexology Massage in Migraine

Karabuk University

Status: Enrolling

Conditions: Migraine Disease

Treatments: Other: Reflexology Massage

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT07028684

KBU-FTR-2025-2178

Details and patient eligibility

About

Migraine is a primary headache type that usually manifests itself with unilateral, moderate to severe throbbing headaches, often accompanied by symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound. The prevalence and impact of headaches are more pronounced, especially among women, and this condition is among the top five causes of disability in women. Reflexology, one of the complementary treatment methods, is an alternative medical practice that produces beneficial effects on the human body by applying pressure to specific points or areas called "reflex areas" on the feet, hands, and ears.The aim of this randomized controlled trial was to evaluate the effects of foot reflexology massage on pain, sleep, and quality of life in women with migraine. All patients included in this study will be evaluated with the following tests and scales three times: before, after, and 2 weeks after the end of the 5-week (10 sessions in total) treatment. After the initial evaluations of the study, migraine patients will be divided into 2 groups using a simple random sampling method in the computer randomization program. The first group will receive a foot reflexology massage. The second group will be the control group.

Full description

Migraine is a primary headache type that usually manifests itself with unilateral, moderate to severe throbbing headaches, often accompanied by symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound. The prevalence and impact of headaches are more pronounced, especially among women, and this condition is among the top five causes of disability in women. Reflexology, one of the complementary treatment methods, is an alternative medical practice that produces beneficial effects on the human body by applying pressure to specific points or areas called "reflex areas" on the feet, hands, and ears. Reflexology can be used as a complementary or supportive method of treatment because it is a massage form that regulates complex body functions and has relaxing and loosening effects. In studies; It has been found that foot reflexology reduces patients' pain and improves their sleep quality. The aim of this randomized controlled trial was to evaluate the effects of foot reflexology massage on pain, sleep, and quality of life in women with migraine. All patients included in this study will be evaluated with the following tests and scales three times: before, after, and 2 weeks after the end of the 5-week (10 sessions in total) treatment. After the initial evaluations of the study, migraine patients will be divided into 2 groups using a simple random sampling method in the computer randomization program. The first group will receive a foot reflexology massage. The second group will be the control group.

Enrollment: 20 estimated patients

Sex: Female

Ages: 18 to 45 years old

Volunteers: No Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• Being between the ages of 18-45
• Being diagnosed with migraine by a neurologist according to the International Headache Society (IHS) criteria
• Volunteering to participate in the study
• Being able to read and write
• Not having entered menopause

Exclusion criteria

• Any neurological or musculoskeletal disease other than migraine
• History of cervical or cranial surgery
• Irritation or ulceration on the skin area to be reflexologized
• Receiving non-drug migraine treatment (acupuncture, dry needle, etc.)
• Those who have received physiotherapy at least 6 months ago
• Presence of diabetic foot
• Open wounds on the foot
• Pregnant individuals or individuals who become pregnant during the study

Trial design

Primary purpose: Treatment

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Parallel Assignment

Masking: None (Open label)

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20 participants in 2 patient groups

Control

No Intervention group

Description:

No treatment other than medication will be given for migraine.

Experimental

Experimental group

Description:

Reflexology massage will be applied twice a week for 30 minutes per session, for a total of 10 sessions.

Treatment:

Other: Reflexology Massage