The aim of this study was to examine whether foot reflexology has beneficial
effects on patients with idiopathic detrusor overactivity.

One hundred and nine women with symptomatic idiopathic detrusor overactivity
were randomized into either foot reflexology treatment group or nonspecific foot
massage control group. The primary outcome measure was the change in the
diurnal micturition frequency.

There was significant change in the number of daytime frequency in the
reflexology group when compared with the massage group (-1.90 vs -0.55, p =
0.029).

There was also a decrease in the 24-h micturition frequency in both groups, but
the change was not statistically significant (-2.80 vs -1.04 p = 0.055). In the
reflexology group, more patients believed to have received "true" reflexology (88.9
vs 67.4%, p = 0.012).


Randomized controlled trial of foot reflexology for patients
with symptomatic idiopathic detrusor overactivity.


Mak HL, Cheon WC, Wong T, Liu YS, Tong WM.  International Urogynecology Journal and Pelvic
Floor Dysfunction. 2006 Sep 27