Thesis (M.Sc.) - Cairo University - Faculty of Physical Therapy - Department of Physical Therapy for Gynecology and Obstetrics

Background: Hypertension after menopause sets women up for an increased risk of negative cardiovascular outcomes. Reflexology is a systematic practice of applying some pressure to specific points on the feet and hands give impacts on the health of related parts of the body. A variety of relaxation techniques exist, which aim to relive stress and reduce blood pressure. Purpose: The present study was conducted to compare between the effects of relaxation exercises versus foot reflexology on decreasing hypertension in postmenopausal women. Subjects and Methods: Thirty women diagnosed with postmenopausal hypertension, their age ranged from 50 - 65 years participated in this study. They were selected from the Out-Patient Clinic of Misr Elhorra Hospital and Outpatient clinic at Faculty of Physical therapy, Deraya University in AlMenia Governate, Egypt. They were assigned randomly into groups equal Number (A and B). Group (A) consisted of 15 patients, they received foot reflexology while group (B) consisted of 15 patients,theywere treated by relaxation exercises.The treatment program for both groups was applied 3 times per week for six weeks. Assessment of all participants was carried out before and after the treatment program through measurement of systolic and diastolic blood pressure as well as blood cortisol level. Results: revealed significant decrease in systolic and diastolic blood pressure and cortisol in both groups A&B after 6 weeks of treatmentcompared to pre- treatment results in favor of the group (B)

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