Recent Research

The effect of reflexology on baroreceptor reflex sensitivity, blood pressure and sinus arrhythmia

B. S. M. Frankel

University of Leeds

Complementary Therapies in Medicine (1997) 5.80-84

Summary:The objective of the study is to identify if reflexology and foot massage (FM) affect the physiology of the body by measuring baroreceptor reflex sensitivity (BRS) using phase IV of the Valsalva manoeuvre, blood pressure (BP) and sinus arrhythmia (SA). The reflexology (n=10 and the FM group (n=10) showed significantly greater reductions in BRS compared to the control group (n=4). Analysis of the mean differences between groups showed a greater difference in BRS between reflexology or FM and the control group than between reflexology and FM.The study found no significant difference in resting BP after intervention. The frequency of SA after reflexology and FM increased by 43.0% and 34.1 % respectively. Further thoughts from the results of this study suggest a 'neuro theory' whereby reflexology and FM alter BRS by stimulating the sensory nervous system in the feet.