Effectiveness of footreflexology technique on reducing lower back pain

Low back pain is a common, disabling musculoskeletal disorder in both developing and developed countries. Foot reflexology is referred as “medicine of the soul” as it is able to reach the root of physical or emotional problems. Aim: To assess the effectiveness of foot reflexology technique on reducing lower back pain among adults. Methodology: Study was conducted using True experimental pre-test and post-test control group research design among 50 adults (25 in control group and 25 in experimental group) who were selected using purposive sampling technique at selected villages under Kirumampakkam PHC, Puducherry. Data was collected by interview method using the pre-determined tool-Oswestry low back pain disability questionnaire. Results: Through Mann-Whitney test, It revealed that the difference in median level oflower back pain of adults in experimental group (M=5) was lower in the post-test than in the pre-test (M=18) which is statistically significant (p<0.05). In control group, median level of lower back pain of adults between the pre-test and post-test (M=18, 20) was not statistically significant (p>0.05). Conclusion: The study findings revealed that foot reflexology technique is effective in reducing lower back pain among adults. Hence we recommended that foot reflexology technique can be used as an alternative non-pharmacological therapy for lower back pain.