Scottish Institute of Reflexology
- Asthma
- Irritable bowel
- C.A.M.
- Diabetes
- Reflexology - general
- Headaches
- Lactation
- Menopause
- Midwifery
- Multiple Sclerosis 2
- Multiple sclerosis
- Nausea
- Odema in pregnancy
- PMS
- Renal blood flow
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Sleep
Multiple Sclerosis 2
AN EXPLORATION OF THE THERAPEUTIC OUTCOMES OF REFLEXOLOGY AND RELAXATION INTERVENTIONS FOR PEOPLE WITH MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS by Peter A Mackereth
Supervisors: Drs Ann Caress, Katie Booth & Val Hillier
Funded by: the Multiple Sclerosis Society
ABSTRACT
The study aimed to evaluate the use of reflexology in improving the psychological and physical profile associated with multiple sclerosis. The evaluation was judged against outcomes achieved from supervised progressive muscle relaxation (PMR) training, both provided by nurse therapists.
A crossover design was chosen to compare the interventions, with a four-week break between treatment phases. Short-term measures (pre and post weekly session) of blood pressure, heart rate, state anxiety inventory (SAI) and Salivary cortisol levels were included. Measures of health outcome (SF-36 and GHQ 28) were administered to evaluate change for each treatment phase. A pilot study (n=14) was completed then a larger study (n=50) followed, funded by the Multiple Sclerosis Society.
New information has been obtained from this explorative study, including reduction in anxiety, with greater changes overall for reflexology. The differences observed for some of the demographic variables will also be of interest to future researchers. The analysis of audiotapes identified that reflexology also provided the majority of participants with the time and space to share worries and concerns, and receive additional support and advice from the nurse therapists.
Papers are currently being prepared for publication.
Dr Peter A Mackereth Clinical Lead /