The Effects of Foot Reflexology on Vital Signs: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

INTRODUCTION: We evaluated the effects of foot reflexology on bodily vital signs. METHODS: Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating the effects of foot reflexology on vital signs were collected for a meta-analysis. Statistical analysis was conducted using RevMan5.4 software and pooled estimates of the effects were reported as mean differences (MDs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). RESULTS: Thirteen studies, including 819 patients, met our inclusion criteria. Our results showed that systolic blood pressure (SBP) (MD = -4.62, 95% CI: -5.58 to -3.66; P < 0.00001), diastolic blood pressure (DBP) (MD = -3.32, 95% CI: -4.48 to -2.17; P < 0.00001), heart rate (HR) (MD = -4.76, 95% CI: -6.49 to -3.04; P < 0.00001), respiratory rate (RR) (MD = -0.77, 95% CI: -1.50 to -0.48; P < 0.00001), and pulse oxygen saturation (SpO(2)) (MD = 0.95, 95% CI: 0.39 to 1.52; P = 0.0009) showed statistical significance in the foot reflexology group. CONCLUSIONS: Short-term followup results showed that foot reflexology exerted positive effects on vital signs, reduced BP, HR, and RR and increased SpO(2).