A three-arm randomized controlled trial of self-foot massage and reflexology combined with aromatherapy in individuals with hypertension: Effects on physiological parameters, sleep quality, and quality of life

Abstract Study aims Chronic hypertension (HT) poses a significant health challenge as it substantially elevates the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events. Currently, there is a lack of research investigating the combined effects of self-administered aroma foot massage and reflexology on physiological parameters, sleep quality, and overall quality of life in individuals with HT. Material and methods Forty-eight hypertensive patients, aged between 30 and 60 years, were randomly assigned to one of three groups: a combination of self-foot massage and reflexology with aromatherapy (SFM), foot massage only (FM), and a control group (CON), each consisting of 16 participants. Each intervention session lasted 15 min and was conducted three times a week. The primary outcomes measured included heart rate (HR) and blood pressure, while secondary outcomes encompassed sleep quality and quality of life, evaluated using the Thai versions of the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and the World Health Organization Quality of Life-BREF. Assessments were carried out before and after a 4 week experimental period. Results Significant improvements were noted in the SFM group, with reductions recorded in systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), HR, and PSQI score ( p p Conclusion This study suggested that the intervention combining self-foot massage, reflexology, and aromatherapy effectively improved BP, HR, and sleep quality in hypertensive patients.