Foot reflexology treatment for chronic low back pain
A Randomized Controlled Study of Foot Reflexology for the Management of Chronic Low Back Pain
This study is testing whether foot reflexology can help people with chronic low back pain feel better and improve their quality of life.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 90 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 100 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Fu Jen Catholic University Hospital Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (New Taipei City) |
| Trial ID | NCT06828016 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This clinical trial investigates the effects of foot reflexology on patients suffering from chronic low back pain. Over a period of two years, participants will receive either 6 or 12 sessions of weekly foot reflexology, each lasting 45 minutes to 1 hour. The study aims to assess improvements in physical function, pain levels, health-related quality of life, and the elasticity of the plantar fascia. By employing a randomized, double-blinded design, the trial seeks to provide scientific evidence on the effectiveness of foot reflexology as a treatment option for chronic low back pain.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older who have experienced chronic low back pain for more than 12 weeks.
Not a fit: Patients with major injuries, significant comorbidities, or those who have had adverse reactions to foot reflexology may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment could offer a non-invasive and cost-effective option for managing chronic low back pain.
How similar studies have performed: While foot reflexology has been used in various contexts, this specific application for chronic low back pain is novel and has not been extensively tested in clinical trials.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * chronic low back pain for more than 12 weeks Exclusion Criteria: * pregnancy, patients with comorbidities of major injuries or illnesses of National Health Insurance, patients diagnosed with major mental illness according to DSM-V criteria or under the care of mental health services, patients who have had adverse reactions to foot reflexology before, patients with recent surgery or vascular disease of lower extremities, patients who meet contraindications to foot reflexology.
Where this trial is running
New Taipei City
- Fu Jen Catholic University Hospital — New Taipei City, Taiwan (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Ssu-Yuan Chen, MD, PhD, — Fu Jen Catholic University Hospital
- Study coordinator: Ssu-Yuan Chen, MD, PhD,
- Email: ssuyuan@ntu.edu.tw
- Phone: 886-9-05771580
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.