The Analysis of Research Trends about Reflexology in Korea

Shin, Kyung Rim; Ha, Ju Young

Abstract

PURPOSE: This study was to analyze the research trends centering on the theses and articles related to reflexology released in Korea. METHOD: This study is a descriptive study in which the researcher collected the academic degrees and theses published on the book of the academic society from 1983 to August 2005, and examined 52 domestic dissertations and articles on reflexology.
RESULTS
By academic department, the result were: the nursing theses 25(48.1%), and public health and physical education each 4(7.7%). In the type of reflexology, the result were: single therapy like hand acupuncture or hand moxibustion 27(61.4%), combined therapy 17(38.6%). As for the research design, the experimental research was most frequent (84.6%). As for the subject, the result were: healthy people 31(59.6.%), patient 11(21.1%), medical staff 7(14.9%) in order. In the theme of the theses, the effect of therapy were most frequent(84.6%).
CONCLUSION
Researches about reflexology should be conducted and extend into interdisciplinary fields and medical areas. On the basis of preceding results, qualitative studies and international and cross-sectional comparison studies are needed to apply in practice with scientific background.