Foot reflexology for managing gestational diabetes

The Effects of Reflexo Therapy of Sole on Gestational Diabetes Mellitus

This study is testing if foot reflexology can help pregnant women with gestational diabetes manage their blood sugar levels better alongside regular prenatal care.

Quick facts

• Phase: Not applicable
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 36 (estimated)
• Ages: 20 Years to 35 Years
• Sex: Female
• Sponsor: Kafrelsheikh University (Academic / other)
• Locations: 2 sites (Cairo and 1 other locations)
• Trial ID: NCT06976164 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to evaluate the effects of foot reflexology therapy on women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). GDM is a condition characterized by glucose intolerance during pregnancy, which can lead to complications for both the mother and fetus. The study will involve standard antenatal care combined with foot reflexology sessions to assess changes in fasting plasma glucose, post-prandial glucose, and HbA1c levels. Participants will be monitored throughout their pregnancy to determine the effectiveness of this intervention.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are pregnant women aged 20 to 35 years, between 24 and 36 weeks of gestation, with a BMI not exceeding 30 kg/m2.

Not a fit: Patients with high-risk pregnancies or those with medical conditions that could interfere with participation may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could provide a non-invasive method to manage blood sugar levels in pregnant women with gestational diabetes.

How similar studies have performed: While the use of reflexology in managing diabetes is less common, similar studies have shown promising results in other populations, suggesting potential for success in this novel application.

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

1. They were maternally aged between 20 and 35 years.
2. The gestational age ranged from between 24 and 36 weeks.
3. Their BMI didn't exceed 30 kg/m2.
4. A singleton live fetus and not under stressful event.

Exclusion Criteria

1. They had high-risk pregnancies.
2. Bad obstetric situations.
3. Diseases that could interfere with participation.
4. Smoking.
5. Oral sedative administration.

Where this trial is running

Cairo and 1 other locations

• The Outpatient Clinics, Faculty of Physical Therapy Kafrelsheikh University. — Cairo, Egypt (Recruiting)
• The Outpatient Clinics, Faculty of Physical Therapy Kafrelsheikh University. — Cairo, Egypt (Recruiting)

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Yomna E Ghanem, M.Sc.

Conditions Physical Therapy; Gestational diabetes mellitus; Foot reflexology; Fasting plasma glucose; 2-h post-prandial glucose; HbA1c