The contribution of foot reflexology in functional intestinal disorders

16 Oct 2024
09:00 - 18:00

The contribution of foot reflexology in functional intestinal disorders

INTRODUCTION
Functional intestinal disorders (FID) refers to all presumed functional intestinal manifestations with a chronic evolution.
Reflexology is a manuel relaxation practice based on the postulate that each organ, each part of the body or physiological function, matches a specific zone or point (reflex zone) projected on the feet, hands, face or ears.
METHOD
Multicenter, «  »open » » study.
Evaluation of the contribution of reflexology according to the FRANCIS SCORE. It evaluates abdominal pain and distension, bowel movement frequency, and general lif disruption.
Evaluation of the evolution of frequent digestive symptomes not taken into account by the Francis Score (gaz, digestion, aerophagia, diarrhea or constipation).
1 check every 2 weeks for 10 weeks (D0, D14, D28, D56, D70).
RESULTATS
The goal of this study is to verify whether the regular practice of the foot reflexology protocol (Elisabeth Breton method) considerably reduces the symptomes linked to functional intestinal disorders and improves the quality of life of the people concerned.
Main endpoint : reduction in functional intestinal disorders of the Francis Score between D0 and D70 greater than 30%. A statistical analyses will be carried out during the 2nd half of 2024 to assess the statistical significance of these variations.
CONCLUSION
The results of the observations completed on around forty subjects are very encouragingbut it is too early to conclude : awaiting statistical analysis.
This study seems fully justified to us because demonstrated effectiveness (statistically significant) would indicate that foot reflexology is an original and interesting contribution in terms of the well-being of these subjects. This study would also respond to the shortage of multicenter studies concerning Non-Pharmacological Interventions. If it were proven that the degree of intensity of FID is decreasing, this study would be of social and economic interest.

1|Dr Alain JACQUET|Bordeaux|Pharmacologie|France|