Ausanee Wanchai1, Jane M Armer2. 1. Deputy Director for Academic Services and Research, Boromarajonani College of Nursing Buddhachinaraj, Muang, Phitsanulok, Thailand. Electronic address: wausanee@hotmail.com. 2. Sinclair School of Nursing, University of Missouri, T32 Health Behavior Science Research Training Program, Nursing Research, Ellis Fischel Cancer Center, American Lymphedema Framework Project, Columbia, MO, USA, 65211.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Reflexology is one of complementary approaches most used by patients with breast cancer. The purpose of this article was to evaluate the effects of reflexology on managing symptoms and side effects of breast cancer treatment. METHODS: Data sources included PubMed, CINAHL, ScienceDirect, and Scopus. The criteria were applied to 224 articles and only six articles met the criteria. RESULTS: Four studies were randomized control trials and two were quasi-experimental designs. Sample sizes varied from 60 to 385 participants. All reflexology programs were taught by certified reflexologists. The results showed that reflexology is associated with benefits for both psychological and physical aspects. Reflexology was reported to improve quality of life, but not for depression or anxiety. It was also beneficial for reducing fatigue, nausea, and vomiting, but not for peripheral neuropathy. CONCLUSIONS: enough high-level evidence has not been reported to confirm the effectiveness of reflexology on breast cancer symptom management.
BACKGROUND: Reflexology is one of complementary approaches most used by patients with breast cancer. The purpose of this article was to evaluate the effects of reflexology on managing symptoms and side effects of breast cancer treatment. METHODS: Data sources included PubMed, CINAHL, ScienceDirect, and Scopus. The criteria were applied to 224 articles and only six articles met the criteria. RESULTS: Four studies were randomized control trials and two were quasi-experimental designs. Sample sizes varied from 60 to 385 participants. All reflexology programs were taught by certified reflexologists. The results showed that reflexology is associated with benefits for both psychological and physical aspects. Reflexology was reported to improve quality of life, but not for depression or anxiety. It was also beneficial for reducing fatigue, nausea, and vomiting, but not for peripheral neuropathy. CONCLUSIONS: enough high-level evidence has not been reported to confirm the effectiveness of reflexology on breast cancer symptom management.
Authors: Ilaria Durosini; Lucrezia Savioni; Stefano Triberti; Paolo Guiddi; Gabriella Pravettoni Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2021-01-22 Impact factor: 3.390