The Effect of Foot Reflexology in Women With Migraine

The Effect of Foot Reflexology on Pain, Disability, Anxiety, Kinesiophobia, and Postural Control in Women With Migraine

This prospective randomized controlled study aims to investigate the effects of foot massage on pain, anxiety, kinesiophobia, and postural control in women aged 18-45 years diagnosed with migraine who attend the Neurology Outpatient Clinic of Karabük University Karabük Training and Research Hospital. Participants who meet the inclusion and exclusion criteria will be randomly allocated into either a foot massage group or a control group using a simple randomization method. The foot massage group will receive a total of 10 sessions of foot massage over 5 weeks, with two sessions per week, while no massage intervention will be applied to the control group. All participants will be assessed at baseline, immediately after the intervention period, and two weeks following the completion of treatment. The findings of this study are expected to provide evidence regarding the effectiveness of foot massage in the management of symptoms in women with migraine.

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. Reflexology can be used as a complementary or supportive method of treatment because it is a massage form that regulates complex body functions and has relaxing and loosening effects. In studies; It has been found that foot reflexology reduces patients' pain and improves their sleep quality. 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 3 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. The third group will be the sham group.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Being a woman between the ages of 18 and 47
• Having been diagnosed with migraine by a neurologist according to the International Headache Society (IHS) criteria
• Volunteering to participate in the study
• Being literate
• Not having entered menopause

Exclusion Criteria:

• Having any neurological disease other than migraine
• Having a psychiatric illness
• Smoking
• Having a musculoskeletal disease affecting the head and neck area
• Having a history of cervical or cranial surgery
• Having irritation or ulceration in the skin area to be massaged
• Receiving migraine treatment other than pharmacological treatment (acupuncture, dry needling, cupping, etc.)
• Having diabetic foot
• Having open wounds on the foot
• Pregnant individuals or individuals who become pregnant during the study period