Effect of Reflexo Therapy of Sole on Gestational Diabetes Mellitus: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Background and aim: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) represents a critical disorder affecting many women and their fetuses. The aim of this study was to detect the effects of reflexo therapy of sole on GDM.

Materials and Methods: Thirty-six pregnant women, maternally-aged between 20-35 years old and body mass index not exceeding 30 kg/m². They were randomly assigned to one of two groups; Group A received the reflexo therapy of sole combined with the standard antenatal care and group B that received the standard antenatal care only. The treatment protocol was applied for three sessions a week for four consecutive weeks. The main outcome measures were assessed pre- and post-intervention and included first, the 75 g oral glucose tolerance test in two occasions; fasting plasma glucose and 2-h post-prandial glucose. Second, the Hemoglobin A1C test.

Results: Post-treatment analysis revealed significant differences between both groups in oral glucose tolerance test and HbA1c (p= < 0.05) in favor of group A as compared to group B.

Conclusions: Reflexo therapy of sole combined with the standard antenatal care is more effective than the standard antenatal care alone in reducing fasting plasma glucose, 2-h post-prandial glucose, and HbA1c for women with GDM.