The Effect of Reflexology on Neuropathic Pain and Quality of Life in Diabetic Individuals: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Study

Objective

Neuropathic pain is one of the most common complications of diabetes. Pain limits the ability of individuals to perform their daily activities and negatively affects their quality of life. In this respect, the importance of neuropathic pain in public health is gradually increasing. This study was carried out to evaluate the effect of reflexology applied for neuropathic pain in diabetic individuals on pain severity and quality of life and the relationship between them.

Design

This research is a prospective, randomized, controlled experimental study with a pretest–post‐test design.

Methods

The randomized controlled clinical study was completed with 80 individuals forming the experimental (40) and control groups (40). A total of 10 sessions of reflexology, each lasting approximately 45 min, were applied to the experimental group twice a week. As data collection tools, Personal Information Form, VAS, DN4, LANSS, NePIQoL, and SWMI tests were used.

Results

In the first follow‐up of the experimental group, the VAS, DN4, and LANSS scale scores were significantly higher. In the third follow‐up of the experimental group, the SWMI test score was significantly higher in the right and left feet. It was determined that the NePIQoL scale score was significantly higher in the experimental group’s first follow‐up and the control group’s third follow‐up. In the first follow‐up of the experimental group and the second and third follow‐ups of the control group, it was determined that the NePIQoL scale score increased significantly as the DN4 scale score increased. However, it was found that the positive changes observed in pain intensity and quality of life during the first follow‐up of the experimental group did not persist at a statistically significant level during the second and third follow‐ups.

Conclusion

The effectiveness of reflexology for neuropathic pain in diabetic patients was evaluated using the DN4 and LANSS neuropathic pain assessment scales, and a reduction in pain intensity was observed. Quality of life was assessed using the NePIQoL scale, and an improvement in quality of life was observed following reflexology treatment. Additionally, an evaluation using the SWMI revealed that reflexology improved the protective sensory properties of the foot. A reduction in pain intensity was observed with reflexology; however, this improvement did not result in a statistically significant increase in quality of life.

Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT04564131.