The Effect of Foot Reflexology in Women With Migraine

Summary

This prospective randomized controlled study aims to investigate the effects of foot massage on pain, anxiety, kinesiophobia, and postural control in women aged 18-45 years diagnosed with migraine who attend the Neurology Outpatient Clinic of Karabük University Karabük Training and Research Hospital. Participants who meet the inclusion and exclusion criteria will be randomly allocated into either a foot massage group or a control group using a simple randomization method. The foot massage group will receive a total of 10 sessions of foot massage over 5 weeks, with two sessions per week, while no massage intervention will be applied to the control group. All participants will be assessed at baseline, immediately after the intervention period, and two weeks following the completion of treatment. The findings of this study are expected to provide evidence regarding the effectiveness of foot massage in the management of symptoms in women with migraine.

Conditions

• Migraine
• Reflexology
• Pain
• Anxiety
• Kinesiophobia
• Postural Control

Interventions

PROCEDURE

foot reflexology

Before the treatment program begins, participants will be informed about the treatment procedure. The intervention will be administered by a physiotherapist certified as a Reflexology Practitioner, who has received formal training in reflexology. The treatment will consist of 10 sessions delivered over 5 weeks, with two 30-minute sessions per week. Each session will begin with several passive ankle movements to promote relaxation of the foot and ankle region. Reflexology treatment will be applied first to the right foot and then to the left foot. Target areas on the right foot: Brain, pineal gland, pituitary gland, hypothalamus and thalamus, temples, eye region and optic nerve, ear region, middle ear and balance point, and neck. Additional areas treated on the right foot: Thyroid and parathyroid glands, lungs, liver, facial region, speech center, thymus gland, teeth, diaphragm, vertebral column, and extremities. Areas treated on the left foot: Kidneys, diaphragm, intestines, n

OTHER

Sham massage

The sham group received a superficial massage on the soles of the feet, avoiding targeting reflexology points.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Karabuk University

  lead OTHER

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

NONE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age

18 Years

Max Age

47 Years

Sex

FEMALE

Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2026-06-15

Primary Completion

2026-07-31

Completion

2026-07-31

Countries

• Turkey (Türkiye)

Study Locations