Reflexology and bronchial asthma
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Reflexology and bronchial asthma. / Brygge, T; Heinig, J H; Collins, P; Ronborg, S; Gehrchen, P M; Hilden, J; Heegaard, S; Poulsen, Lars K.
In: Respiratory Medicine, Vol. 95, No. 3, 03.2001, p. 173-9.Research output: Contribution to journal › Journal article › Research › peer-review
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TY - JOUR
T1 - Reflexology and bronchial asthma
AU - Brygge, T
AU - Heinig, J H
AU - Collins, P
AU - Ronborg, S
AU - Gehrchen, P M
AU - Hilden, J
AU - Heegaard, S
AU - Poulsen, Lars K.
PY - 2001/3
Y1 - 2001/3
N2 - Many asthma patients seek alternative or adjunctive therapies. One such modality is reflexology, whereby finger pressure is applied to certain parts of the body. The aim of the study was to examine the popular claim that reflexology treatment benefits bronchial asthma. Ten weeks of active or simulated (placebo) reflexology given by an experienced reflexologist, were compared in an otherwise blind, controlled trial of 20+20 outpatients with asthma. Objective lung function tests (peak flow morning and evening, and weekly spirometry at the clinic) did not change. Subjective scores (describing symptoms, beta2-inhalations and quality of life) and also bronchial sensitivity to histamine improved on both regimens, but no differences were found between groups receiving active or placebo reflexology. However, a trend in favour of reflexology became significant when a supplementary analysis of symptom diaries was carried out. It was accompanied by a significant pattern compatible with subconscious unblinding, in that patients tended to guess which treatment they had been receiving. No evidence was found that reflexology has a specific effect on asthma beyond placebo influence.
AB - Many asthma patients seek alternative or adjunctive therapies. One such modality is reflexology, whereby finger pressure is applied to certain parts of the body. The aim of the study was to examine the popular claim that reflexology treatment benefits bronchial asthma. Ten weeks of active or simulated (placebo) reflexology given by an experienced reflexologist, were compared in an otherwise blind, controlled trial of 20+20 outpatients with asthma. Objective lung function tests (peak flow morning and evening, and weekly spirometry at the clinic) did not change. Subjective scores (describing symptoms, beta2-inhalations and quality of life) and also bronchial sensitivity to histamine improved on both regimens, but no differences were found between groups receiving active or placebo reflexology. However, a trend in favour of reflexology became significant when a supplementary analysis of symptom diaries was carried out. It was accompanied by a significant pattern compatible with subconscious unblinding, in that patients tended to guess which treatment they had been receiving. No evidence was found that reflexology has a specific effect on asthma beyond placebo influence.
KW - Adolescent
KW - Adult
KW - Asthma
KW - Bronchial Provocation Tests
KW - Double-Blind Method
KW - Female
KW - Forced Expiratory Volume
KW - Humans
KW - Male
KW - Massage
KW - Middle Aged
KW - Peak Expiratory Flow Rate
KW - Quality of Life
KW - Regression Analysis
KW - Treatment Outcome
KW - Vital Capacity
U2 - 10.1053/rmed.2000.0975
DO - 10.1053/rmed.2000.0975
M3 - Journal article
C2 - 11266233
VL - 95
SP - 173
EP - 179
JO - Respiratory Medicine
JF - Respiratory Medicine
SN - 0954-6111
IS - 3
ER -
ID: 50845926