The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of complementary and alternative therapies, specifically alternate nostril breathing and foot reflexology, on intraocular pressure in patients with ocular hypertension.
11 patients were recruited from Temple Ophthalmology between 2014 and 2016. Patients had ocular hypertension and were between the ages of 48-74. Patients were excluded if they currently performed ANB or FR, were unable to perform the task, had previous eye surgery or laser, were receiving other CAM for ocular hypertension, or were unable to complete a washout period. After a 30-day drug washout, patients completed either ANB or FR. After instruction, the assigned task was performed for 5 minutes. FR was done on a commercially available foot reflexology board (JAPAN TSUBO HH-700) focused at the base of the second and third toes of both feet. Two weeks later, patients completed the alternate task. IOP was measured before the task, immediately after the task and then every 30 minutes for two hours. Sign rank tests were used to evaluate IOP changes within and between each group.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
11
Change From Baseline in Intraocular Pressure (mmHg)
Measurement of intraocular pressure after each treatment for 30min intervals for total of 2hours. Time points used in the calculation include baseline, 30 mins, 60 mins, 90 mins, and 120 mins.
Time frame: 2 hours
Change From Baseline in Intraocular Pressure (mmHg)
Measurement of intraocular pressure after each treatment for 30min intervals for total of 2hours. Time points used in the calculation include baseline, 30 mins, 60 mins, 90 mins, and 120 mins. This is after the 2 week washout period. Participants have switched interventions
Time frame: 2 hours
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