Nancy A Hodgson1, Susan Andersen. 1. Center for Applied Research on Aging and Health, Thomas Jefferson University Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA. nancy.hodgson@jefferson.edu
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: This experimental, repeated-measures, crossover design study with nursing home residents examined the efficacy of reflexology in individuals with mild-to-moderate stage dementia. Specifically, the study tested whether a weekly reflexology intervention contributed to the resident outcomes of reduced physiologic distress, reduced pain, and improved affect. SETTING: The study was conducted at a large nursing home in suburban Philadelphia. SAMPLE: The sample included 21 nursing home residents with mild-to-moderate stage dementia randomly assigned to two groups. INTERVENTIONS: The first group received 4 weeks of weekly reflexology treatments followed by 4 weeks of a control condition of friendly visits. The second group received 4 weeks of friendly visits followed by 4 weeks of weekly reflexology. OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary efficacy endpoint was reduction of physiologic distress as measured by salivary alpha-amylase. The secondary outcomes were observed pain (Checklist of Nonverbal Pain Indicators) and observed affect (Apparent Affect Rating Scale). RESULTS: The findings demonstrate that when receiving the reflexology treatment condition, as compared to the control condition, the residents demonstrated significant reduction in observed pain and salivary alpha-amylase. No adverse events were recorded during the study period. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides preliminary support for the efficacy of reflexology as a treatment of stress in nursing home residents with mild-to-moderate stage dementia.
RCT Entities:
OBJECTIVE: This experimental, repeated-measures, crossover design study with nursing home residents examined the efficacy of reflexology in individuals with mild-to-moderate stage dementia. Specifically, the study tested whether a weekly reflexology intervention contributed to the resident outcomes of reduced physiologic distress, reduced pain, and improved affect. SETTING: The study was conducted at a large nursing home in suburban Philadelphia. SAMPLE: The sample included 21 nursing home residents with mild-to-moderate stage dementia randomly assigned to two groups. INTERVENTIONS: The first group received 4 weeks of weekly reflexology treatments followed by 4 weeks of a control condition of friendly visits. The second group received 4 weeks of friendly visits followed by 4 weeks of weekly reflexology. OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary efficacy endpoint was reduction of physiologic distress as measured by salivary alpha-amylase. The secondary outcomes were observed pain (Checklist of Nonverbal Pain Indicators) and observed affect (Apparent Affect Rating Scale). RESULTS: The findings demonstrate that when receiving the reflexology treatment condition, as compared to the control condition, the residents demonstrated significant reduction in observed pain and salivary alpha-amylase. No adverse events were recorded during the study period. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides preliminary support for the efficacy of reflexology as a treatment of stress in nursing home residents with mild-to-moderate stage dementia.
Authors: Alison R Anderson; Jie Deng; Robert S Anthony; Sebastian A Atalla; Todd B Monroe Journal: Crit Care Nurs Clin North Am Date: 2017-09-27 Impact factor: 1.326
Authors: Adam L Gordon; Phillipa A Logan; Rob G Jones; Calum Forrester-Paton; Jonathan P Mamo; John R F Gladman Journal: BMC Geriatr Date: 2012-06-25 Impact factor: 3.921
Authors: Rogelio A Coronado; Hannah E Albers; Jessica L Allen; Rebecca G Clarke; Victoria A Estrada; Corey B Simon; Rebecca V Galloway; Steve R Fisher Journal: J Geriatr Phys Ther Date: 2020 Jul/Sep Impact factor: 3.190
Authors: J E M McCullough; S D Liddle; M Sinclair; C Close; C M Hughes Journal: Evid Based Complement Alternat Med Date: 2014-05-05 Impact factor: 2.629