Trial results for a study investigating the effect of foot reflexology in Migraine patients were posted on ClinicalTrials.gov on 2026-03-04, indicating that the intervention significantly reduced pain intensity, fatigue, and improved quality of life. The mean Visual Analog Scale (VAS) score for pain in the experimental group was 4.15 compared to 7.46 in the control group.
Background
Migraine is a debilitating neurological condition characterized by severe headaches, often accompanied by symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound. It significantly impacts patients' quality of life and daily functioning. While various pharmacological treatments are available, many individuals seek complementary and alternative therapies to manage their symptoms and improve overall well-being. Reflexology, a non-invasive therapy involving pressure application to specific points on the feet, is one such approach that has been explored for its potential benefits in pain management and symptom relief.
Trial design
This completed study, identified as Phase NA, enrolled 78 participants. The trial aimed to evaluate the effect of foot reflexology on pain intensity, fatigue, and quality of life in patients with Migraine. Participants were randomized into an experimental group receiving reflexology intervention and a control group. The study specifically investigated the impact on Pain, Fatigue, and Quality of Life.
Key results
The trial results showed notable differences between the experimental (reflexology) and control groups across several key measurements:
- For Visual Analog Scale (VAS), measuring pain intensity (score 0-10): The Experimental Group had a mean score of 4.15 (Standard Deviation 1.63), while the Control Group had a mean score of 7.46 (Standard Deviation 1.48).
- For Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS), measuring fatigue level (score 9-63): The Experimental Group reported a mean score of 32.97 (Standard Deviation 6.74), compared to the Control Group's mean score of 42.28 (Standard Deviation 6.39).
- For 24-Hour Migraine-Specific Quality of Life Questionnaire (24 h MQoLQ), assessing quality of life (score 15-105): The Experimental Group achieved a mean score of 81.05 (Standard Deviation 8.97), whereas the Control Group had a mean score of 69.51 (Standard Deviation 8.99).
What this means
The posted results suggest that foot reflexology may offer a beneficial complementary approach for individuals living with migraine. The observed reductions in pain intensity and fatigue, coupled with improvements in migraine-specific quality of life, indicate that this non-pharmacological intervention could be a valuable addition to existing migraine management strategies. For patients seeking alternative or adjunctive therapies, these findings provide evidence that reflexology can positively impact key symptoms and overall well-being.
Source
The information regarding these trial results was obtained from ClinicalTrials.gov, a public database of clinical studies. The results for the study NCT06828315, titled "the Effect of Reflexology in Migraine Patients", were posted on 2026-03-04 on clinicaltrials.gov.