COMPARATIVE EFFECTIVENESS OF PLANTAR MASSAGE AND REFLEXOLOGY FOOT MASSAGE ON PAIN, BALANCE AND FUNCTIONAL REACH AMONG PATIENTS WITH PERIPHERAL NEUROPATHY

Abstract

Peripheral neuropathy is a prevalent disease that is linked to numerous systemic disorders. Peripheral neuropathy affects around 2.4% of the population. In elderly population groups, the frequency rises to 8. Peripheral neuropathies can have different causes such as systemic, metabolic, or toxic factors. It frequently results in discomfort, numbness, and weakness, generally in the hands and feet. The study’s objective is to compare the effects of plantar massage and reflexology foot massage on pain, balance and functional reach in grade-II peripheral neuropathy. A randomized clinical trial was conducted from the physical therapy OPD of Allied Hospital Faisalabad. Patients were selected according to the selection criteria. Participants were randomly assigned to two groups using computer generated method. Group A received plantar massage with sensory brush, while group B received reflexology foot massage. Baseline treatment including balance exercises were given to both groups. S-LANSS, BBS and FRT were used to measure pain, balance and functional reach respectively in the patients. The outcomes were analyzed through SPSS version 27. Group A and B both showed sugnificant results in pain, balance and functional reach (p<0.05). Inter-group analusis showed that there was no significant difference (p>0.05) between the both groups in balance and functional reach, however there was significant difference in pain values (p<0.05). The study findings suggests that plantar massage and reflexology foot both are effective in reducing pain and improving balance and functional-reach among peripheral neuropathy patients. However, it was observed that reflexology foot massage exhibited greater reduction in neuropathic pain in comparison to plantar massage.