Journal article
The effectiveness of reflexology on mental health in cancer patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials
Complementary therapies in clinical practice, Vol.50, pp.1-16
02/2023
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Source: InCites
Abstract
Background and purpose
The current body of research examining the effectiveness of reflexology in patients with cancer have predominantly focused on managing physical symptoms and treatment side effects. This review aimed to synthesise evidence from randomised controlled trials (RCTs) examining the effectiveness of reflexology on mental health outcomes in people with cancer.
Methods
RCTs published in English and measuring stress, anxiety, depression or quality of life (QoL) were included. Eligible RCTs were identified through search of MEDLINE, Embase, Emcare, PsycINFO, Scopus, the Cochrane Library, OTseeker, PEDro (18 June 2021) and Google and Google Scholar (21 June 2021). The Critical Appraisal Skills Programme Randomised Controlled Trials Checklist was used to assess risk of bias. Meta-analysis and narrative synthesis were undertaken. The certainty of evidence was assessed by using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations (GRADE) framework.
Results
Fifteen RCTs (1356 adult participants) were included. Evidence for stress and anxiety (primary outcomes), as well as depression and QoL (secondary outcomes), were mixed and conflicting. The certainty of the evidence was low to very low.
Conclusion
An unequivocal recommendation supporting reflexology cannot be made. Greater utilisation of well-established reporting guidelines, together with increased investment in well-designed, high-quality clinical research are required.
Details
- Title
- The effectiveness of reflexology on mental health in cancer patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials
- Creators
- Esther Jie Tian (Author) - University of South AustraliaYasamin Veziari (Author) - University of South AustraliaMatthew Leach (Author) - Southern Cross UniversitySaravana Kumar (Author) - University of South Australia
- Publication Details
- Complementary therapies in clinical practice, Vol.50, pp.1-16
- Publisher
- Elsevier
- Grant note
- This work was supported by Reflexology Association of Australia. The funding body had no involvement in study design, data extraction, data analysis and synthesis, preparation of the manuscript, or the decision to publish.
- Identifiers
- 991013063411902368
- Copyright
- © 2022 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
- Academic Unit
- National Centre for Naturopathic Medicine
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Journal article