Effects of Foot Reflexology Massage in Migraine

NCT ID: NCT07028684

Last Updated: 2025-08-28

Basic Information

• Recruitment Status: RECRUITING
• Clinical Phase: NA
• Total Enrollment: 20 participants
• Study Classification: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Start Date: 2025-06-01
• Study Completion Date: 2025-10-15

Brief Summary

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.

Detailed Description

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.

Conditions

Migraine Disease

Study Design

• Allocation Method: RANDOMIZED
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Primary Study Purpose: TREATMENT
• Blinding Strategy: NONE

Study Groups

Control

No treatment other than medication will be given for migraine.

Group Type: NO_INTERVENTION

No interventions assigned to this group

Experimental

Reflexology massage will be applied twice a week for 30 minutes per session, for a total of 10 sessions.

Group Type: EXPERIMENTAL

Reflexology Massage

Intervention Type: OTHER

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.

Interventions

Reflexology Massage

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.

Intervention Type: OTHER

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion Criteria

• Being between the ages of 18-45
• Being diagnosed with migraine by a neurologist according to the International Headache Society (IHS) criteria
• Volunteering to participate in the study
• Being able to read and write
• Not having entered menopause

Exclusion Criteria

• Any neurological or musculoskeletal disease other than migraine
• History of cervical or cranial surgery
• Irritation or ulceration on the skin area to be reflexologized
• Receiving non-drug migraine treatment (acupuncture, dry needle, etc.)
• Those who have received physiotherapy at least 6 months ago
• Presence of diabetic foot
• Open wounds on the foot
• Pregnant individuals or individuals who become pregnant during the study

• Minimum Eligible Age: 18 Years
• Maximum Eligible Age: 45 Years
• Eligible Sex: FEMALE
• Accepts Healthy Volunteers: No

Sponsors

Karabuk University

OTHER

Sponsor Role: lead

Responsible Party

Tarik Ozmen

Professor

Responsibility Role: PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR

Locations

Karabuk University

Karabük, , Turkey (Türkiye)

Site Status: RECRUITING

Countries

Turkey (Türkiye)

Central Contacts

Tarik Ozmen, Professor

Role: CONTACT

tarikozmen@karabuk.edu.tr

903704189029

Muattarkhon Mamatova

Role: CONTACT

muattarkhonmamatova@gmail.com

903704189029

Other Identifiers

KBU-FTR-2025-2178

Identifier Type: -

Identifier Source: org_study_id