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Foot reflexology improves sleep quality and reduces restless legs syndrome in female patients with multiple sclerosis

In a randomized, double-blind clinical trial of 64 female MS patients, foot reflexology performed for 4 weeks (3 times/week, 26 min/session) significantly improved sleep quality (p < 0.001) and reduced restless legs syndrome (p < 0.001) compared to a sham group. The sham group showed no significant change in sleep quality (p = 0.30) and an increase in restless legs syndrome (p < 0.001). Between-group differences were significant at both immediate and 1-month follow-ups (p < 0.0001).

Last updated: Jul 23, 2026•1 RCTs•📖 Read as article →

Evidence Score

Evidence Score42/100
Human RCT★★☆☆☆
Meta-analysis☆☆☆☆☆
Mechanism★★★★★
Safety★★★★☆
Confidencelow

Study Evidence

Study 1. Effect of Foot Reflexology on Restless Legs Syndrome and Sleep Quality in Female Patients With Multiple Sclerosis: A Randomized, Double-Blind Clinical Trial.

observational

Harandi F, Tirgari B, Jahani Y, Tajadini H · Neurology research international (2026)

Participants: N/A
Duration: 4 weeks intervention, with follow-up at 1 month
Intervention: Foot reflexology applied to standard reflexology points for 26 minutes per session, three times per week for 4 weeks, performed by a trained researcher in the morning and by patients themselves in the afternoon
Outcome: Sleep quality (measured via Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index or similar) and restless legs syndrome severity
Effect Size: N/A
Population: 64 female patients with multiple sclerosis

Result:

PubMed: 42466006DOI: 10.1155/nri/5579094

Mechanism Graph

Application of pressure to specific reflexology points on the feet
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Stimulation of neural pathways and potential release of endorphins
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Improved circulation and relaxation response
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Reduction in RLS symptoms and enhancement of sleep quality

Limitations

  • ⚠Only female patients were included, limiting generalizability to male MS patients
  • ⚠The study relied on self-reported outcomes, which may be subject to bias
  • ⚠No blinding of patients was possible due to the nature of the intervention, though a sham group was used

Frequently Asked Questions

What is foot reflexology and how is it performed in this study?▼

Foot reflexology involves applying pressure to specific points on the feet believed to correspond to body organs. In this study, it was performed for 26 minutes per session, three times a week for 4 weeks, by a trained researcher and later by patients at home.

Did the sham group show any improvement in sleep quality?▼

No, the sham group (which received nonspecific foot massage without pressure on reflexology points) showed no significant change in sleep quality (p = 0.30).

How long did the benefits of foot reflexology last?▼

Significant improvements in both sleep quality and restless legs syndrome were observed immediately after the intervention and were maintained at the 1-month follow-up.

Is foot reflexology recommended for all MS patients with restless legs syndrome?▼

The study suggests it is effective in female MS patients, but further research is needed to confirm efficacy in male patients and broader populations.

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References

  1. 1.Harandi F, Tirgari B, Jahani Y, Tajadini H. "Effect of Foot Reflexology on Restless Legs Syndrome and Sleep Quality in Female Patients With Multiple Sclerosis: A Randomized, Double-Blind Clinical Trial.." Neurology research international, 2026. PMID: 42466006 DOI: 10.1155/nri/5579094
Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Evidence scores reflect the quality and quantity of available research, not clinical recommendations. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement or intervention.