Effect of Reflexology on Pain and Sleep Disorders in Females With Fibromyalgia

ConditionFibromyalgia
Trial statusRecruiting
Trial phaseNot applicable
Trial typeInterventional
Biological sexFemale
Age18-65
SponsorCairo University

About this trial

This randomized controlled trial aims to investigate the effect of foot reflexology on pain and sleep disorders in Egyptian female patients with fibromyalgia. Sixty female participants aged 18 to 65 years diagnosed with fibromyalgia will be randomly assigned into two equal groups. The control group will receive conventional physical therapy, including aerobic exercise, resistance training, and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), while the experimental group will receive the same treatment in addition to foot reflexology. Interventions will be delivered twice weekly for six weeks. Pain, sleep quality, psychological distress, and functional activity will be evaluated at baseline and after treatment using validated Arabic assessment tools and pressure pain threshold measurements. The study aims to determine whether reflexology provides additional benefits when combined with conventional physical therapy in women with fibromyalgia.

Eligibility criteria

Qualifiers

Egyptian female participants aged 18 to 65 years

Diagnosis of fibromyalgia according to American College of Rheumatology (ACR) criteria

Moderate pain intensity

Poor sleep quality

Disqualifiers

Comorbid conditions affecting pain or sleep, including rheumatoid arthritis and related disorders

Previous reflexology treatment within the previous 6 months

Any medical condition preventing participation in physical therapy or reflexology intervention

Refusal or inability to comply with study procedures and follow-up requirements

Trial design

Treatments tested in this trial

  • Foot Reflexology
  • Conventional Physical Therapy
  • Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS)

Treatment groups

60 Participants
are divided into 2 treatment groups

Locations

1
Dekernis General Hospital35744, Al MansurahDakahlia Governorate, Egypt

Sponsors and collaborators

Cairo University

Lead sponsor