Research Projects

Menopause is a natural aging process that occurs between 45 and 55 years of age, leading to an increase in circulating follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) levels and a decrease in estrogen production, resulting in menopausal symptoms. These symptoms can be divided into short and long-term sequelae, such as vasomotor symptoms, somatic symptoms, urinary problems, psychological problems, and long-term complications like cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis. A study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of Yogic Mudras and Reflexology on climacteric symptoms, sleep, stress, bio-physiological parameters, fatigue, and quality of life among 40-55 years of women in selected areas of Udupi Taluk, Karnataka. The research approach was quantitative, using a simple three arm parallel randomized control trial. After screening eligible women, they were assigned equally to the yogic-mudra group, reflexology group, and control group by using block randomization. The study aimed to test the effectiveness of Yogic Mudras and Reflexology on climacteric symptoms, sleep, stress, physiological parameters, fatigue, and quality of life among 40-55 years of women. The sample size was 120, with the Yogic Mudra group receiving mudra practice for 10 days and then weekly once for 6 months. Participants were asked to perform the mudra every day and maintain a diary. Exclusion criteria included women with thyroid disease, skin infections, varicose veins, hormonal replacement therapy, herbal medicine, or drugs causing sleep disorders or on drugs for sleep problems. Bio-physiological measures were collected using various instruments, including the baseline Proforma, Menopause rating scale, Perceived stress scale, Piper fatigue scale, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, Utian quality of life questionnaire, pulse oximeter, sphygmomanometer, Weighing scale, and Inch tape. Data collection tools will be translated into Kannada, and content validity will be done by five experts from Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical surgical, and Psychology. A pilot study will be conducted on 30 samples, with the Yogic Mudra group receiving 10 sessions, the Reflexology group receiving 10 sessions, and the Control group receiving 10 sessions. Participants will be reminded to perform self reflexology daily and maintain a diary.