Migraine is a primary headache type that usually manifests itself with unilateral, moderate to severe throbbing headaches, often accompanied by symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound. The prevalence and impact of headaches are more pronounced, especially among women, and this condition is among the top five causes of disability in women. Reflexology, one of the complementary treatment methods, is an alternative medical practice that produces beneficial effects on the human body by applying pressure to specific points or areas called "reflex areas" on the feet, hands, and ears.The aim of this randomized controlled trial was to evaluate the effects of foot reflexology massage on pain, sleep, and quality of life in women with migraine. All patients included in this study will be evaluated with the following tests and scales three times: before, after, and 2 weeks after the end of the 5-week (10 sessions in total) treatment. After the initial evaluations of the study, migraine patients will be divided into 2 groups using a simple random sampling method in the computer randomization program. The first group will receive a foot reflexology massage. The second group will be the control group.
Migraine is a primary headache type that usually manifests itself with unilateral, moderate to severe throbbing headaches, often accompanied by symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound. The prevalence and impact of headaches are more pronounced, especially among women, and this condition is among the top five causes of disability in women. Reflexology, one of the complementary treatment methods, is an alternative medical practice that produces beneficial effects on the human body by applying pressure to specific points or areas called "reflex areas" on the feet, hands, and ears. Reflexology can be used as a complementary or supportive method of treatment because it is a massage form that regulates complex body functions and has relaxing and loosening effects. In studies; It has been found that foot reflexology reduces patients' pain and improves their sleep quality. The aim of this randomized controlled trial was to evaluate the effects of foot reflexology massage on pain, sleep, and quality of life in women with migraine. All patients included in this study will be evaluated with the following tests and scales three times: before, after, and 2 weeks after the end of the 5-week (10 sessions in total) treatment. After the initial evaluations of the study, migraine patients will be divided into 2 groups using a simple random sampling method in the computer randomization program. The first group will receive a foot reflexology massage. The second group will be the control group.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
20
Reflexology massage will be applied twice a week for 30 minutes per session, for a total of 10 sessions. The treatment will begin by relaxing the ankle with a few passive movements. Reflexology massage will be applied to the right foot first and then to the left foot. Target Areas to be Applied to the Right Foot: Brain, Pineal, Hypophysis, Hypothalamus and Thalamus, Temples, Eye area and Optic nerve, Ear area, Middle ear and Balance point, Neck. Other areas to be applied to the right foot: Thyroid and Parathyroid, Lung, Liver, Face area, Speech center and Thymus, Teeth, Diaphragm, Vertebra, Extremities. Areas to be applied to the left foot: Kidney, Diaphragm, Intestines, Neck, Vertebra, Extremities. The session is completed from the left foot by applying to the lymph inlet, lymph channel and diaphragm from both feet.
Karabuk University
Karabük, Turkey (Türkiye)
RECRUITINGVisual Analog Scale
Pain intensity will be assessed with a visual analog scale. The patient marks his/her own pain on a 10 (represents "worst pain imaginable") cm ruler with painlessness 0 (represents "no pain") at one end and the most severe pain possible at the other end.
Time frame: 5 weeks
Headache Impact Test
It will be used to measure the impact of headache on participants' quality of life. Items in this test assess areas such as vitality, pain and psychological distress, as well as sociability, role and cognitive functioning. Each item is answered on a 5-point Likert scale. The final score is determined by summing the scores on the six items, ranging from 36 to 78 points, with a higher score indicating a greater effect.
Time frame: Five weeks
Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index
Sleep quality will be assessed with a scale consisting of 24 questions and 7 categories. Each item is evaluated with a score between 0 and 3, with 0 being no problems and 3 being serious problems. The total score is between 0-21. A high total score indicates poor sleep quality.
Time frame: Five weeks
Migraine disability assessment
It is a questionnaire that has proven to be reliable and valid in determining the degree of disability caused by migraine. MIDAS assesses the degree of disability from 1 to 4 based on the number of days (score). Grade I: Little or no disability (0-5 days), Grade II: Mild disability (6-10 days), Grade III: Moderate disability (11-20 days) and Grade IV (21+ days): Indicates severe disability.
Time frame: Five weeks
24-h Migraine Quality of Life Questionnaire
The 24-hour quality of life scale will be used to evaluate the changes in the quality of life of the patients within 24 hours after the first dose of migraine medication. The scale has 3 sections and a total of 15 items covering quality of life areas under the headings of Migraine symptoms, Emotions, Worries, Work Functionality, Social Functionality, Energy-Vitality. The total score is minimum 15 and maximum 105. The higher the scores the individual receives from the scale, the higher the quality of life of the individual, and the lower the score, the lower the quality of life.
Time frame: Five weeks
This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.