Assessing the Impact of Walking on a Foot Reflexology Path on Autonomic Function: A Feasibility Study.
Year: 2025
Type: article
Study designs: Randomized Controlled Trial, Clinical Trial
Abstract: Background: Traditional foot reflexology impacts autonomic function by applying pressure to the foot. However, evidence of walking on foot reflexology path and its influence on autonomic function was limited. Primary study objective: The study aimed to ascertain whether walking on a foot reflexology path was feasible and how this would affect autonomic function. Methods: This was a randomized, counterbalanced, open-label crossover trial. 24 healthy volunteers recruited, aged 18 - 26 years, were randomly assigned into 2 groups (n = 12 in each). After a washout period of 2 days, they switched to receive the opposite phase of intervention. Setting: A holistic health centre in southern India. Intervention: Walking on a foot reflexology path or walking on a plain surface for 15 minutes. Outcome measures: Measures include feasibility, blood pressure, and heart rate variability. Participants were assessed at baseline, during walking, and 5 minutes after intervention. Results: < .05). Conclusion: The findings indicate that walking on foot reflexology path is feasible and potentially helps to regulate cardiac vagal tone by reducing blood pressure and increasing heart rate variability compared to walking on plain surface.
Source: PubMed
Language: English
Subfield: Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W4409119290