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Effect of Reflexology on Pain and Sleep Disorders in Females With Fibromyalgia
Sponsor: Cairo University
Summary
This randomized controlled trial aims to investigate the effect of foot reflexology on pain and sleep disorders in Egyptian female patients with fibromyalgia. Sixty female participants aged 18 to 65 years diagnosed with fibromyalgia will be randomly assigned into two equal groups. The control group will receive conventional physical therapy, including aerobic exercise, resistance training, and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), while the experimental group will receive the same treatment in addition to foot reflexology. Interventions will be delivered twice weekly for six weeks. Pain, sleep quality, psychological distress, and functional activity will be evaluated at baseline and after treatment using validated Arabic assessment tools and pressure pain threshold measurements. The study aims to determine whether reflexology provides additional benefits when combined with conventional physical therapy in women with fibromyalgia.
Official title: The Effect of Reflexology on Pain and Sleep Disorders in Females With Fibromyalgia: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Key Details
Gender
FEMALE
Age Range
18 Years - 65 Years
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
60
Start Date
2026-06-03
Completion Date
2026-10-31
Last Updated
2026-06-04
Healthy Volunteers
No
Conditions
Interventions
Foot Reflexology
Foot reflexology will be delivered twice weekly for six weeks, with each session lasting 30 minutes. Moderate thumb and finger pressure will be applied bilaterally to standardized foot reflex zones associated with fibromyalgia symptom management.
Conventional Physical Therapy
Conventional physical therapy includes aerobic exercise, stretching, and low-load resistance training administered twice weekly for six weeks. Exercise programs will be individualized and progressively adjusted according to participant tolerance.
Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS)
High-frequency TENS will be administered twice weekly for six weeks using conventional settings for pain management in fibromyalgia participants.
Locations (1)
Dekernis General Hospital
Al Mansurah, Dakahlia Governorate, Egypt