INTRODUCTION

We evaluated the effects of foot reflexology on bodily vital signs.

METHODS

Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating the effects of foot reflexology on vital signs were collected for a meta-analysis. Statistical analysis was conducted using RevMan5.4 software and pooled estimates of the effects were reported as mean differences (MDs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

RESULTS

Thirteen studies, including 819 patients, met our inclusion criteria. Our results showed that systolic blood pressure (SBP) (MD = -4.62, 95% CI: -5.58 to -3.66; < 0.00001), diastolic blood pressure (DBP) (MD = -3.32, 95% CI: -4.48 to -2.17; < 0.00001), heart rate (HR) (MD = -4.76, 95% CI: -6.49 to -3.04; < 0.00001), respiratory rate (RR) (MD = -0.77, 95% CI: -1.50 to -0.48; < 0.00001), and pulse oxygen saturation (SpO) (MD = 0.95, 95% CI: 0.39 to 1.52; = 0.0009) showed statistical significance in the foot reflexology group.

CONCLUSIONS

Short-term followup results showed that foot reflexology exerted positive effects on vital signs, reduced BP, HR, and RR and increased SpO.