Abstract

Purpose. to investigate the effect of foot reflexology on perimenopausal mild hypertension. Methods. Fifty perimenopausal women suffering from mild hypertension were selected randomly from the outpatient clinic of the gynecology department in Sayed Galal University Hospital in Cairo, Al Azhar University, shared in this study. Their ages were ranged from 48 to 50 years old. Their body mass index (BMI) did not exceed 30kg/m. The physician diagnosed them as mild hypertensive patients (stage 1). Patients with bronchial asthma, history of hypertension before the 4th decade, diabetes mellitus and mental health problems such as depression and anxiety are excluded from the study. The design of the study was an experimental study (two groups pre-test post-test design). The patients were divided randomly into two equal groups (A&B): Group A (Control group); consisted of twenty-five patients. They performed aerobic exercises only three times per week for 8 weeks. Group B (Study group); consisted of twenty-five patients. They performed aerobic exercises and received foot reflexology three times per week for 8 weeks. Body mass index was assessed using a standard weight and height scale. Blood pressure was assessed using a mercury sphygmomanometer, blood analysis for TC, TG, LDL and HDL for both groups A and B before and after treatment.

Results. showed that, within groups, there was a significant decrease in systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, cholesterol, triglyceride, LDL and a significant increase in HDL in both groups A and B post-treatment in comparison with pre-treatment values. Between groups, pre-treatment there was no significant difference in systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, cholesterol, triglyceride, LDL and HDL. While, post-treatment there was a significant difference between groups A and B in systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, cholesterol, triglyceride, LDL (more decrease in group B) and HDL (more increase in group B).

Conclusion. Foot reflexology is an effective method in treating perimenopausal mild hypertension through decreasing SBP, DBP, cholesterol, TG, LDL and increasing HDL.

Key words:

foot reflexology, perimenopausal, hypertension