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Non-randomised trial, 2017

Does self-foot reflexology help reduce PMS symptoms?

Yes, self-foot reflexology significantly reduced pain, concentration problems, mood changes, and other PMS symptoms. Improvements continued after treatment ended.

Early or limited evidence Female first-year university students at Benha University with PMS

What they did

Quasi-experimental study at a university nursing faculty. Female first-year students with PMS learned and practiced self-foot reflexology. Symptoms were measured before treatment, immediately after, and at follow-up using questionnaires.

What they found

Pain, concentration, behavioral changes, and negative mood all decreased significantly. Pain improvements were larger at follow-up than immediately after treatment.

What it means for you

Foot reflexology may help PMS symptoms, especially pain and mood. The study does not report how many women participated or how long they were followed, making it hard to judge how reliable these results are.

7 symptoms

Symptoms improved

significant

Statistical improvement across all categories

follow-up

Pain reduction greater than post-test

About the study

Original title
Effect of Self-feet Reflexology on Relieving Premenstrual Syndrome
Authors
Ola Afifi, Nadia Fahmy, Amal Omran et al.
Journal
Menoufia Nursing Journal
Year
2017
Study design
Non-randomised trial
What was tested
Self-feet reflexology
Open access
Yes

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