Sharp, D.M., Walker, M.B., Chaturvedi, A., Upadhyay, S., Hamid, A., Walker, A.A., … Walker, L.G. (2010). A randomised, controlled trial of the psychological effects of reflexology in early breast cancer. European Journal of Cancer, 46, 312–322.
To evaluate the effects of reflexology compared to the effects of massage or usual care on the cancer-related quality of life, relaxation, mood, and adjustment of women with newly diagnosed early breast cancer
Women were randomized to one of three interventions: reflexology plus self-initiated support (SIS), scalp massage plus SIS, or SIS (treatment-as-usual control group). Patients receiving reflexology or massage received eight one-hour sessions at weekly intervals for eight weeks, beginning seven weeks after surgery. Patients were assessed by a nurse who was blinded to treatment allocation. Assessments occurred before randomization (week 6 after surgery), 18 weeks after surgery, and 24 weeks after surgery.
Phase of care: active treatment
Randomized controlled clinical trial
At the two end points, authors noted no significant differences in depression scores. This indicated that neither intervention had any impact on depression or anxiety.
Findings do not support the effectiveness of reflexology as a means of reducing depression or anxiety.