Reflexology Socks and Opioid-induced Constipation

Summary

Opioids are one of the most commonly used treatment approaches in the treatment of severe pain due to cancer and non-cancer causes. The most commonly reported side effect by patients related to opioid use is constipation. Opioid-related constipation, with an overall incidence of between 17% and 88%, requires a reduction in the treatment dose or drug rotation in some patients. It also makes it difficult for patients to comply with treatment. However, if the constipation due to opioid use is not managed properly and continues for a long time, many problems such as hemorrhoids and perforation, rectal pain and burning, intestinal rupture, anal fissure, diarrhea due to partial obstruction, urinary incontinence may develop.

It is known that reflexology application applied to the foot increases parasympathetic activity while inhibiting sympathetic activity. Peristalsis and bowel movements are reduced in patients with opioid-related constipation. Reflexology practice; It is thought that an increase in motility can be achieved by increasing parasympathetic activity. However, it is thought that the development of reflexology socks will be more effective due to the difficulties of finding a reflexology specialist, the difficulty of reaching a reflexology specialist and the difficulty of having them applied at home. Thanks to the insoled reflexology socks, which have silicone balls that apply pressure to the stomach, liver, small intestine, large intestine and solar plexus points, patients will be able to wear them easily at home and perform their daily life activities at the same time. It is thought that reflexology stockings can be effective in reducing opioid-related constipation, together with being inexpensive and easy to apply.

The aim of this study is to examine whether reflexology stockings are an effective approach in reducing opioid-related constipation.

Conditions

• Opioid Use
• Constipation
• Reflexology

Interventions

OTHER

Reflexology socks+walking

Patients should wear reflexology socks; Wearing clothes and walking 30 minutes after breakfast and dinner for 30 minutes 3 days a week (Monday, Wednesday and Friday)

OTHER

Just walking

Patients will be instructed to walk for 30 minutes, 3 days a week (Monday, Wednesday, and Friday), 30 minutes after breakfast and dinner. Patients will be asked to continue the application for 4 weeks.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Muğla Sıtkı Koçman University

  lead OTHER

Principal Investigators

• Ferda AKYÜZ ÖZDEMİR · Mugla Sıtkı Koçman University Fethiye Faculty of Health Sciences

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

SUPPORTIVE_CARE

Masking

SINGLE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age

18 Years

Max Age

85 Years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2020-10-30

Primary Completion

2022-07-07

Completion

2022-07-07

Countries

• Turkey (Türkiye)

Study Locations