Single-blind trial addressing the differential effects of two reflexology techniques versus rest, on ankle and foot oedema in late pregnancy. Clinical study on the efficacy of O-(beta-hydroxyethyl)rutoside (HR) in varicosis of pregnancy. Leg volume changes with EPIC and posturing in dependent pregnancy edema.
This single-blind randomised controlled trial explored the differential effects of two different foot reflexology techniques with a period of rest on oedema-relieving effects and symptom relief in healthy pregnant women with foot oedema. Fifty-five women in the third trimester were randomly assigned to one of the three groups: a period of rest, 'relaxing' reflexology techniques or a specific 'lymphatic' reflexology technique for 15 min with pre- and post-therapy ankle and foot circumference measurements and participant questionnaire. There was no statistically significant difference in the circumference measurements between the three groups; however, the lymphatic technique reflexology group mean circumference measurements were all decreased. A significant reduction in the women's symptom mean measurements in all groups (p<0.0001) was apparent. A 'perceived wellbeing' score revealed the lymphatic technique group (p<0.0001) significantly increased their wellbeing the most, followed closely by relaxing techniques (p<0.001) and then the control rest group (p<0.03). Lymphatic reflexology techniques, relaxing reflexology techniques and a period of rest had a non-significant oedema-relieving effect. From the women's viewpoint, lymphatic reflexology was the preferred therapy with significant increase in symptom relief. In a double-blind trial involving 69 patients, the effect of O-(beta-hydroxyethyl) rutoside (HR)* in the treatment of varicosis of pregnancy has been investigated. The number of patients subjectively improving in the active drug group was significantly greater than in the placebo group; patients receiving HR also showed a small but significant decrease in leg circumference. Throughout the eight-week period of the trial, there were only minimal side-effects and healthy babies were delivered with good Apgar-scores. This study explored the differential effects of external pneumatic intermittent compression (EPIC) and posturing on leg volume changes in healthy pregnant women with dependent leg edema. Thirty-five healthy pregnant women with severe pedal edema were randomly assigned to one of two treatment groups. The experimental group (n = 17) received EPIC for 30 minutes at 40 torr while in the left lateral recumbent position. Control women (n = 18) were similarly positioned, but received no EPIC. Both groups walked for 10 minutes following left lateral posturing. Circumference measures required for leg volume estimates were made: prior to posturing (Time 1), immediately after posturing (Time 2), and following the ambulation period (Time 3). Volume losses for the experimental group were greater than for the control group at Time 2. Although volume losses for the experimental group had reversed somewhat at Time 3, they remained greater than control group losses, which did not change from Time 2 to Time 3. Analysis of covariance revealed significant mean volume losses for both experimental and control groups, with ponderal index the only significant covariate.