Effect of Reflexology on Pain and Sleep Disorders in Females With Fibromyalgia
Key facts
- Where
- Al Mansurah, EgyptSee the site
Could this be for you?
Answer for yourself. This is not a decision: only the study team can say whether you can take part.
- Are you between 18 and 65 years old?
Source: NCT07614945, who can take part
Where in Egypt
- Dekernis General HospitalAl Mansurah, EgyptContact: Ghada M Mohamed El-Hady Ismaeil, BSc, PTTaking people
Questions to ask the study team
- How often do I need to come in, and for how long each time?
- Are travel costs paid?
- Can I keep my own doctor?
- What happens if I want to stop?
Contact the study team: see the registry record → Contacts and Locations
Print a page for my doctorTrial details
- Who runs it
- Cairo University
- Trial code
- NCT07614945
- Record updated
- 4 June 2026
- Original description
This randomized controlled trial aims to investigate the effect of foot reflexology on pain and sleep disorders in Egyptian female patients with fibromyalgia. Sixty female participants aged 18 to 65 years diagnosed with fibromyalgia will be randomly assigned into two equal groups. The control group will receive conventional physical therapy, including aerobic exercise, resistance training, and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), while the experimental group will receive the same treatment in addition to foot reflexology. Interventions will be delivered twice weekly for six weeks. Pain, sleep quality, psychological distress, and functional activity will be evaluated at baseline and after treatment using validated Arabic assessment tools and pressure pain threshold measurements. The study aims to determine whether reflexology provides additional benefits when combined with conventional physical therapy in women with fibromyalgia.Read full original descriptionShow less
The Effect of Reflexology on Pain and Sleep Disorders in Females With Fibromyalgia: A Randomized Controlled Trial
This randomized controlled trial aims to investigate the effect of foot reflexology on pain and sleep disorders in Egyptian female patients with fibromyalgia. Sixty female participants aged 18 to 65 years diagnosed with fibromyalgia will be randomly assigned into two equal groups. The control group will receive conventional physical therapy, including aerobic exercise, resistance training, and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), while the experimental group will receive the same treatment in addition to foot reflexology. Interventions will be delivered twice weekly for six weeks. Pain, sleep quality, psychological distress, and functional activity will be evaluated at baseline and after treatment using validated Arabic assessment tools and pressure pain threshold measurements. The study aims to determine whether reflexology provides additional benefits when combined with conventional physical therapy in women with fibromyalgia.
Inclusion: Egyptian female participants aged 18 to 65 years; Diagnosis of fibromyalgia according to American College of Rheumatology (ACR) criteria; Moderate pain intensity; Poor sleep quality; Ability and willingness to provide written informed consent.
Exclusion: Previous reflexology treatment within the previous 6 months; Comorbid conditions affecting pain or sleep, including rheumatoid arthritis and related disorders; Any medical condition preventing participation in physical therapy or reflexology intervention; Refusal or inability to comply with study procedures and follow-up requirements.