The Effect of Foot Reflexology and Acupressure on Gastrointestinal Symptoms in Menopausal Women
试验速览
- 阶段
- 不适用
- 状态
- 已完成
- 入组人数
- 120
- 试验地点
- 1
- 主要终点
- Primary Outcome Measure Change from Baseline in Gastrointestinal Symptom Scores as Measured by the Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale (GSRS)
研究概览
简要总结
This research was planned to evaluate the effects of foot reflexology and acupressure applications on gastrointestinal symptoms in women going through menopause. Menopause is a period in which a woman experiences profound changes in her physiological, psychological, and social life due to the decrease in estrogen and progesterone hormones. Changes in digestive system functions are particularly common during this period; gastrointestinal symptoms such as constipation, bloating, heartburn, indigestion, and abdominal pain significantly reduce the quality of life.
The scope of the study focuses on investigating the manageability of these symptoms that occur during menopause with reflexology and acupressure, which are complementary and alternative medicine methods. Reflexology is a method based on the assumption that specific points on the soles of the feet are connected to the relevant organs in the body, aiming to increase blood circulation and regulate organ functions. Acupressure, based on Chinese medicine, aims to regulate energy flow and reduce symptoms by applying finger pressure to specific acupuncture points. Both methods are increasingly recommended for symptom management during menopause due to their non-invasive nature, low side effects, and ease of application.
This research will be conducted at Osmaniye State Hospital and will be limited to menopausal women who apply to this institution. Participants' demographic characteristics, duration of menopause, health history, and gastrointestinal symptom levels will be assessed using a Demographic Information Form and the Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale (GSRS). The application process will be carried out in accordance with standard reflexology and acupressure protocols, and changes in symptoms will be analyzed using pre-test and post-test measurements. The study also aims to reveal the effects of gastrointestinal symptoms experienced during menopause on women's quality of life; This study aims to provide evidence-based data on complementary methods that can be integrated into nursing care, in addition to pharmacological treatments. The limited number of studies in the literature addressing the effects of complementary medicine practices during menopause makes this research unique from both a clinical and academic perspective.
详细描述
Menopause is a transitional period in which women experience profound changes in their physiological, psychological, and social lives due to the decrease in estrogen and progesterone hormones. During this process, significant changes are observed, particularly in digestive system functions, as a result of hormonal fluctuations. Gastrointestinal symptoms such as constipation, bloating, heartburn, indigestion, and abdominal pain, frequently encountered during menopause, significantly reduce women's daily activities and overall quality of life.
Intervention Methods and Mechanisms of Action
This research deeply examines the effectiveness of non-invasive, low-side-effect, and practically applicable complementary and alternative medicine methods in managing these gastrointestinal symptoms. The theoretical framework of two main interventions to be applied in this study is as follows:
Foot Reflexology: This is based on the principle that specific reflex points on the soles of the feet are directly connected to the relevant organs, glands, and systems in the body. Manipulations performed on these points according to standard protocols aim to increase blood circulation, relax the nervous system, and directly support the normal functions of the gastrointestinal system.
Acupressure: Based on the principles of traditional Chinese medicine, this method involves applying systematic pressure with the fingertips to specific acupuncture points to balance the flow of energy in the body. This stimulation aims to regulate nerve transmission, relieve spasms and blockages in the digestive system, and thus alleviate gastrointestinal complaints.
研究设计
- 研究类型
- Interventional
- 分配方式
- Randomized
- 干预模型
- Parallel
- 主要目的
- Supportive Care
- 盲法
- Single (Participant)
入排标准
- 年龄范围
- 45 Years 至 65 Years（Adult, Older Adult）
- 性别
- Female
- 接受健康志愿者
- 是
入选标准
- •Being between 45 and 60 years of age,
- •Being in menopause,
- •Experiencing gastrointestinal symptoms,
- •Agreeing to participate in the study voluntarily.
排除标准
- •Individuals with chronic gastrointestinal disease,
- •Individuals receiving regular medication will not be included in the study.
研究组 & 干预措施
Acupressure
干预措施: Acupressure (Other)
Foot Reflexology
干预措施: Foot Reflexology (Other)
control
结局指标
主要结局
Primary Outcome Measure Change from Baseline in Gastrointestinal Symptom Scores as Measured by the Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale (GSRS)
时间窗: Baseline and Week 8 (8 weeks)
Gastrointestinal symptoms will be quantified using the Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale (GSRS), a validated, self-administered questionnaire consisting of 15 items grouped into five domains: abdominal pain, reflux, indigestion, diarrhea, and constipation. Each item is rated on a 7-point Likert scale (1 = no discomfort to 7 = very severe discomfort). Domain scores and total GSRS score will be calculated as the mean of item scores, with higher scores indicating greater symptom severity. The primary endpoint is the change in total GSRS score from baseline to Week 8.
次要结局
未报告次要终点
研究者
CANSU AĞRALI
Assistant Professor
Osmaniye Korkut Ata University