Foot rubs may tune up your diaphragm, scientists say
NCT ID NCT04661774
First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study tested whether foot reflexology—a type of massage on specific foot zones—can affect how the diaphragm works. Thirty healthy adults received both reflexology and a sham massage while researchers measured brain activity, breathing rate, and heart rate. The goal was to find measurable signs (biomarkers) that reflexology has a specific effect on the diaphragm, which could lead to new non-drug treatments for breathing problems.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- reflexology massage
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this could help identify biomarkers for reflexology's effect on breathing, potentially guiding future non-drug therapies for diaphragm dysfunction.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, early-stage study in 30 healthy adults, not patients. Results may not apply to people with diaphragm problems, and the effect may be no better than a regular foot massage.
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As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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PAYOUX
Toulouse, France
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