Effects of Foot Reflexology Massage in Migraine

NCT07028684 | Completed

• 1 other identifier: KBU-FTR-2025-2178
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 22
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

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.

Conditions

Migraine Disease

Keywords

Migraine; Massage; Headache

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (1)

• Visual Analog Scale

  Pain intensity will be assessed with a visual analog scale. The patient marks his/her own pain on a 10 (represents "worst pain imaginable") cm ruler with painlessness 0 (represents "no pain") at one end and the most severe pain possible at the other end.

  5 weeks

Secondary Outcomes (4)

• Headache Impact Test

  Five weeks

• Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index

  Five weeks

• Migraine disability assessment

  Five weeks

• 24-h Migraine Quality of Life Questionnaire

  Five weeks

Study Arms (2)

Control

NO INTERVENTION

No treatment other than medication will be given for migraine.

Experimental

EXPERIMENTAL

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

Other: Reflexology Massage

Interventions

Reflexology Massage 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.

Experimental

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 18 Years - 45 Years
• Sex: female
• Healthy Volunteers: No
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64)

You may qualify if:

• 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

You may not qualify if:

• 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

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Karabuk University: lead

Study Sites (1)

Karabuk University

Karabük, Turkey (Türkiye)

Location

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Migraine Disorders; Headache

Interventions

Musculoskeletal Manipulations

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Headache Disorders, Primary; Headache Disorders; Brain Diseases; Central Nervous System Diseases; Nervous System Diseases; Pain; Neurologic Manifestations; Signs and Symptoms; Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms

Intervention Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Complementary Therapies; Therapeutics; Physical Therapy Modalities; Rehabilitation

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: RANDOMIZED
• Masking: NONE
• Purpose: TREATMENT
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Professor

Model Details: The study includes two groups with massage and control group.

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: June 11, 2025
• First Posted: June 19, 2025
• Study Start: June 1, 2025
• Primary Completion: December 15, 2025
• Study Completion: March 15, 2026
• Last Updated: April 15, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-04

Locations

TU (1)