The effect of foot reflexology applied to women aged between 40 and 60 on vasomotor complaints and quality of life

Purpose: This study aims to identify the effects of foot reflexology applied to women on their vasomotor complaints and quality of life.

Methods: A randomised controlled study was conducted with 120 women. The experimental group received foot reflexology treatment, while the control group received nonspecific foot massage.

Results: The mean scores for hot flashes, sweats, and night sweats, were lower in the reflexology group than the control group after the practice; and the difference between the groups was statistically significant (p < 0.001). The mean scores for the sub-groups of the MENQOL demonstrated improvements in both groups after the application (p < 0.001). As for the sexual domain, there was a significant improvement in the reflexology group (p < 0.05), but no improvements were found in the control group (p > 0.05).

Conclusion: Results showed that reflexology might be effective in decreasing vasomotor problems and increasing quality of life in women in the menopausal period.