Effects of Reflexology Massage on Hair Regrowth After Chemotherapy-induced Alopecia Among Women with Cancer: A Randomised Clinical Trial

Abstract

Objective:Chemotherapy-induced alopecia (CIA) is a common unwanted effect related to anti-neoplastic agents. Due to potential CIA, some patients with cancer consider refusing treatment. It negatively affects a patient’s perception of appearance and sexuality. This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of reflexology massage on hair regrowth after CIA.Methods:This randomised clinical trial was conducted in 60 women with cancer with full alopecia due to chemotherapy. They were divided randomly into two groups: the experimental and control groups. The patients in the experimental group received reflexology massage for 15 min, 3 times daily (per 8 h), for 3 months. Those in the control group only received treatment as usual and routine health care. Data were obtained from the patient information and hair measurement forms. Couliss Vernier was used for hair regrowth measurement. The minimum and maximum hair lengths were measured thrice monthly after intervention started in both groups.Results:Considering baseline full alopecia in both groups, hair regrowth in the experimental group significantly improved compared with the control group (p<0.001).Conclusion:In women with CIA, reflexology massage can improve hair regrowth after chemotherapy. This study may be added as evidence to the use of reflexology as a nonpharmacologic symptom management technique.

Keywords

• alopecia
• cancer
• chemotherapy
• hair
• reflexology