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BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies Aug 2023Allergic rhinitis is a global health problem that can potentially be managed through acupressure. Our clinical observations have identified Allergic Rhinitis Acupressure...
Efficacy and safety of self-administered acupressure on symptoms, quality of life and nasal mucosal function in patients with perennial allergic rhinitis: study protocol for a randomized controlled exploratory trial.
INTRODUCTION
Allergic rhinitis is a global health problem that can potentially be managed through acupressure. Our clinical observations have identified Allergic Rhinitis Acupressure Therapeutic (ARAT) as a novel acupressure treatment acting on specific acupoints, which may enhance the effectiveness of acupressure. Therefore, we propose a three-arm randomized controlled trial will be conducted to investigate the efficacy and safety of ARAT for perennial allergic rhinitis (PAR).
METHODS/DESIGN
In this trial, eligible 111 participants diagnosed with PAR will be randomly assigned to one of three groups: the ARAT group, the non-specific acupoints group, or the blank control group. The primary outcome will be the change in the total nasal symptom score, and the secondary outcomes will include: 1) changes in the scores of the standard version of Rhinoconjunctivitis Quality of Life Questionnaire (RQLQs); 2) acoustic rhinometry and anterior rhinomanometry; 3) changes in the scores of relief medication usage; 4) incidence of adverse events. Additionally, we will measure and compare the changes in cytokine levels (IL-5, IL-13, IFN-γ, and TSLP) in nasal secretions. The RQLQs and primary outcomes will be assessed at the beginning, middle, and end stages of the treatment period, with monthly follow-ups conducted over a total of three months. The secondary outcomes and biomarkers in nasal secretions will be measured at the beginning and end of the treatment period. Any adverse events or need for rescue medication will be carefully noted and recorded.
DISCUSSION
This study may produce a new acupressure treatment prescription that is easy to learn, more targeted, and adaptable. This trial represents the first clinical investigation comparing ARAT treatment for PAR with the non-specific acupoints group and blank control group. Our data is expected to provide evidence demonstrating the safety and efficacy of ARAT for PAR patients, while also exploring the functional mechanism underlying ARAT treatment, moreover, the results offer valuable insights for healthcare professionals in managing PAR symptoms.
TRIAL REGISTRATION
Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR2300072292. Registered on June 08, 2023.
Topics: Humans; Quality of Life; Acupressure; Nasal Mucosa; Rhinitis, Allergic; Acupuncture Points; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 37648989
DOI: 10.1186/s12906-023-04132-3 -
PloS One 2015To explore the commonly utilized sham acupressure procedures in existing acupressure trials, and to assess whether different types of sham interventions yield different... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVES
To explore the commonly utilized sham acupressure procedures in existing acupressure trials, and to assess whether different types of sham interventions yield different therapeutic outcomes, and, as far as possible, to identify directions for the future development of an adequate sham acupressure method.
METHODS
Randomized controlled trials comparing true acupressure with sham interventions were included. Thirteen electronic databases were adopted to locate relevant studies from inception to July 3, 2014. Meanwhile, eight Chinese journals on complementary and alternative medicine were manually searched to locate eligible articles. In addition, eligible studies listed in the reference lists of the included papers and other related systematic reviews on acupressure were also screened to further search any potentially eligible trials. Methodological quality of the included studies was evaluated using the risk of bias assessment tool developed by the Cochrane Back Review Group. Descriptive analysis was adopted to summarize the therapeutic outcomes.
RESULTS
Sixty-six studies with 7265 participants were included. Methodological quality of the included trials was generally satisfactory. Six types of sham acupressure approaches were identified and "non-acupoint" stimulation was the most frequently utilized sham point while an acupressure device was the most commonly used approach for administering sham treatments. Acupressure therapy was a beneficial approach in managing a variety of health problems and the therapeutic effect was found to be more effective in the true acupressure groups than that in the sham comparative groups. No clear association could be identified between different sham acupressure modalities and the reported treatment outcomes.
CONCLUSIONS
A great diversity of sham acupressure controls have been used in clinical practice and research. A solid conclusion whether different sham alternatives are related to different treatment outcomes cannot be derived because of significant clinical heterogeneity among the analyzed trials. Non-acupoints are generally recommended but the definite locations should be identified with caution. For studies using single sham acupoints on hands or legs, it is suggested to apply identical acupressure devices on the same acupoint as in the active intervention without any stimulation. While for studies on pain, stimulation of sham acupoints should be avoided.
Topics: Acupressure; Acupuncture Therapy; Control Groups; Humans; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 26177378
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0132989 -
European Journal of Obstetrics,... Jun 2022Labour pain is a constantly increasing pain. This study thus aims to determine the effects of acupressure and shower on labour pain and postpartum comfort. (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE
Labour pain is a constantly increasing pain. This study thus aims to determine the effects of acupressure and shower on labour pain and postpartum comfort.
METHODS
In this randomized controlled trial (RCT), the control group consisted of 40 pregnant women, while the experimental groups consisted of 80 pregnant women in total. The experimental groups received routine labour care and either acupressure or showers upon reaching three cervical dilations (4-5, 6-7 and 8-10 cm). The control group only received routine labour care. A maternal information form (MIF), the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and the Postpartum Comfort Questionnaire (PPCQ) were used to collect data.
RESULTS
Pain was significantly reduced in both of the experimental groups, in contrast to the control group, in all periods of the study (p < 0.001). Postpartum comfort also significantly increased in the experimental groups compared to the control group (p < 0.05).
CONCLUSION
Acupressure and showering are effective in reducing labour pain and increasing postpartum comfort. Midwives and nurses can therefore apply them as inexpensive and easy to administer methods for labour pain relief.
Topics: Acupressure; Female; Humans; Labor Pain; Labor Stage, First; Labor, Obstetric; Postpartum Period; Pregnancy
PubMed: 35552080
DOI: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2022.04.018 -
European Journal of Anaesthesiology May 2020
Topics: Acupressure; Humans; Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 32265398
DOI: 10.1097/EJA.0000000000001172 -
Medicine Oct 2023To compare the effect of different noninvasive external therapies of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) on the prevention of postpartum urinary retention (PUR) using a... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
To compare the effect of different noninvasive external therapies of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) on the prevention of postpartum urinary retention (PUR) using a network meta-analysis (NMA).
METHODS
A search of the China National Knowledge Infrastructure, WanFangDate, VIP, China Biomedical Literature Database, PubMed, The Cochrane Library, Embase, and Web of Science databases were reviewed for related randomized controlled trials dated between database inception and December 31, 2022, on the prevention of PUR by noninvasive TCM. Two researchers independently screened the literature, extracted the data, and assessed the risk of bias in the included studies; then, a NMA was performed using Revman5.3 software, State13.1 software, and frequency methodology.
RESULTS
In total, 16 studies involving 3637 cases of parturients and 9 types of noninvasive TCM external treatments were incorporated into the NMA. The NMA results show that based on routine nursing, in terms of reducing the incidence of urinary retention, acupoint compressing combined with auricular acupressure is ranked first, followed by acupoint hot compress, acupoint massage combined with auricular acupressure, Yin-Yang therapy, acupoint massage, auricular acupressure, acupoint compressing, and routine nursing. In terms of urination time, acupoint compressing combined with auricular acupressure ranked first, followed by acupoint massage combined with auricular acupressure, acupoint electrical stimulation, acupoint compressing, TCM heating therapy, acupoint massage, auricular acupressure, and routine nursing. In terms of reducing residual urine volume after the first urination, acupoint compressing combined with auricular acupressure was ranked first, followed by auricular acupressure, acupoint compressing, acupoint massage, TCM heating therapy, and routine nursing.
CONCLUSION
Current evidence shows that acupoint compressing combined with auricular acupressure may be the best noninvasive TCM treatment for preventing PUR based on routine nursing; however, further high-quality clinical randomized controlled trials are needed for validation and support.
Topics: Humans; Female; Pregnancy; Medicine, Chinese Traditional; Network Meta-Analysis; Urinary Retention; Acupuncture Therapy; Acupressure; Delivery, Obstetric
PubMed: 37832117
DOI: 10.1097/MD.0000000000035399 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Oct 2017This is one of a series of reviews of methods of cervical ripening and labour induction. The use of complementary therapies is increasing. Women may look to... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
This is one of a series of reviews of methods of cervical ripening and labour induction. The use of complementary therapies is increasing. Women may look to complementary therapies during pregnancy and childbirth to be used alongside conventional medical practice. Acupuncture involves the insertion of very fine needles into specific points of the body. Acupressure is using the thumbs or fingers to apply pressure to specific points. The limited observational studies to date suggest acupuncture for induction of labour has no known adverse effects to the fetus, and may be effective. However, the evidence regarding the clinical effectiveness of this technique is limited.
OBJECTIVES
To determine, from the best available evidence, the effectiveness and safety of acupuncture and acupressure for third trimester cervical ripening or induction of labour.
SEARCH METHODS
We searched the Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group's Trials Register (30 November 2016), PubMed (1966 to 25 November 2016), ProQuest Dissertations & Theses (25 November 2016), CINAHL (25 November 2016), Embase (25 November 2016), the WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Portal (ICTRP) (3 October 2016), and bibliographies of relevant papers.
SELECTION CRITERIA
Randomised controlled trials comparing acupuncture or acupressure, used for third trimester cervical ripening or labour induction, with placebo/no treatment or other methods on a predefined list of labour induction methods.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Two review authors independently assessed trials for inclusion and risk of bias, extracted data, and checked them for accuracy. The quality of the evidence was assessed using GRADE.
MAIN RESULTS
This updated review includes 22 trials, reporting on 3456 women. The trials using manual or electro-acupuncture were compared with usual care (eight trials, 760 women), sweeping of membranes (one trial, 207 women), or sham controls (seven trials, 729 women). Trials using acupressure were compared with usual care (two trials, 151 women) or sham controls (two trials, 239 women). Many studies had a moderate risk of bias.Overall, few trials reported on primary outcomes. No trial reported vaginal delivery not achieved within 24 hours and uterine hyperstimulation with fetal heart rate (FHR) changes. Serious maternal and neonatal death or morbidity were only reported under acupuncture versus sham control. Acupuncture versus sham control There was no clear difference in caesarean sections between groups (average risk ratio (RR) 0.80, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.56 to 1.15, eight trials, 789 women; high-quality evidence). There were no reports of maternal death or perinatal death in the one trial that reported this outcome. There was evidence of a benefit from acupuncture in improving cervical readiness for labour (mean difference (MD) 0.40, 95% CI 0.11 to 0.69, one trial, 125 women), as measured by cervical maturity within 24 hours using Bishop's score. There was no evidence of a difference between groups for oxytocin augmentation, epidural analgesia, instrumental vaginal birth, meconium-stained liquor, Apgar score < 7 at five minutes, neonatal intensive care admission, maternal infection, postpartum bleeding greater than 500 mL, time from the trial to time of birth, use of induction methods, length of labour, and spontaneous vaginal birth. Acupuncture versus usual care There was no clear difference in caesarean sections between groups (average RR 0.77, 95% CI 0.51 to 1.17, eight trials, 760 women; low-quality evidence). There was an increase in cervical maturation for the acupuncture (electro) group compared with control (MD 1.30, 95% CI 0.11 to 2.49, one trial, 67 women) and a shorter length of labour (minutes) in the usual care group compared to electro-acupuncture (MD 124.00, 95% CI 37.39 to 210.61, one trial, 67 women).There appeared be a differential effect according to type of acupuncture based on subgroup analysis. Electro-acupuncture appeared to have more of an effect than manual acupuncture for the outcomes caesarean section (CS), and instrumental vaginal and spontaneous vaginal birth. It decreased the rate of CS (average RR 0.54, 95% CI 0.37 to 0.80, 3 trials, 327 women), increased the rate of instrumental vaginal birth (average RR 2.30, 95%CI 1.15 to 4.60, two trials, 271 women), and increased the rate of spontaneous vaginal birth (average RR 2.06, 95% CI 1.20 to 3.56, one trial, 72 women). However, subgroup analyses are observational in nature and so results should be interpreted with caution.There were no clear differences between groups for other outcomes: oxytocin augmentation, use of epidural analgesia, Apgar score < 7 at 5 minutes, neonatal intensive care admission, maternal infection, perineal tear, fetal infection, maternal satisfaction, use of other induction methods, and postpartum bleeding greater than 500 mL. Acupuncture versus sweeping if fetal membranes One trial of acupuncture versus sweeping of fetal membranes showed no clear differences between groups in caesarean sections (RR 0.64, 95% CI 0.34 to 1.22, one trial, 207 women, moderate-quality evidence), need for augmentation, epidural analgesia, instrumental vaginal birth, Apgar score < 7 at 5 minutes, neonatal intensive care admission, and postpartum bleeding greater than 500 mL. Acupressure versus sham control There was no evidence of benefit from acupressure in reducing caesarean sections compared to control (RR, 0.94, 95% CI 0.68 to 1.30, two trials, 239 women, moderate-quality evidence). There was no evidence of a clear benefit in reduced oxytocin augmentation, instrumental vaginal birth, meconium-stained liquor, time from trial intervention to birth of the baby, and spontaneous vaginal birth. Acupressure versus usual care There was no evidence of benefit from acupressure in reducing caesarean sections compared to usual care (RR 1.02, 95% CI 0.68 to 1.53, two trials, 151 women, moderate-quality evidence). There was no evidence of a clear benefit in reduced epidural analgesia, Apgar score < 7 at 5 minutes, admission to neonatal intensive care, time from trial intervention to birth of the baby, use of other induction methods, and spontaneous vaginal birth.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
Overall, there was no clear benefit from acupuncture or acupressure in reducing caesarean section rate. The quality of the evidence varied between low to high. Few trials reported on neonatal morbidity or maternal mortality outcomes. Acupuncture showed some benefit in improving cervical maturity, however, more well-designed trials are needed. Future trials could include clinically relevant safety outcomes.
Topics: Acupressure; Acupuncture Therapy; Cervical Ripening; Cesarean Section; Female; Humans; Labor, Induced; Oxytocics; Oxytocin; Pregnancy; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 29036756
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD002962.pub4 -
Alternative Therapies in Health and... May 2023Fatigue is the most common symptom experienced by elderly cancer patients. It negatively affects their daily functioning and quality of life. Integrative approaches such... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
CONTEXT
Fatigue is the most common symptom experienced by elderly cancer patients. It negatively affects their daily functioning and quality of life. Integrative approaches such as acupressure can be used to treat cancer-related fatigue in elderly patients.
OBJECTIVES
The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of acupressure on the severity and level of cancer-related fatigue in elderly patients with cancer.
DESIGN
This study was carried out in two stages comprising a quantitative study (pretest, posttest, randomized controlled) and a qualitative study (in-depth interview).
SETTING
The study was conducted at the hematology and medical oncology clinic in a university hospital in Turkey.
PARTICIPANTS
The study included 31 cancer patients aged 65 and over, who were experiencing cancer-related fatigue.
INTERVENTION
Participants were randomly assigned to the acupressure group (intervention group) or the control group. The intervention group was administered acupressure on three acupuncture points on the hands and legs (LI4, SP6, ST36) by caregivers or the patients themselves for three minutes twice daily, for a period of four weeks. The acupressure group was examined before and after the four-week intervention. The control group was similarly examined though no intervention was applied.
OUTCOME MEASURES
Data were collected using Patient Information Form, Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Piper Fatigue Scale (PFS), and Acupressure Experience Patient Opinion Form.
RESULTS
In the follow-up examination of individuals in the acupressure group, there was a significant reduction in the severity and level of fatigue compared to the first examination. However, there was no significant difference between the first and second examination of individuals in the control group. The qualitative findings obtained during the in-depth interview support the quantitative findings of the study.
CONCLUSION
Acupressure can be recommended as an integrative treatment for cancer-related fatigue because it is effective, easy to use, tolerable and does not cause serious side effects.
Topics: Aged; Humans; Acupressure; Quality of Life; Neoplasms; Acupuncture Therapy; Fatigue
PubMed: 33891570
DOI: No ID Found -
Revista Gaucha de Enfermagem Jun 2016To describe responses issued by pregnant women, and the improvement of the gravidic discomforts after the use of the acupressure technique.
OBJECTIVE
To describe responses issued by pregnant women, and the improvement of the gravidic discomforts after the use of the acupressure technique.
METHOD
Qualitative and descriptive study conducted with 15 pregnant women between November 2013 and February 2014 in a Basic Health Unit in Natal, RN, Brazil. The data were collected through unstructured interviews and depositions that were then transcribed and treated according to Minayo's operative proposal, carefully read, compared and organized into two groups.
RESULTS
The categories that resulted were: Positive effects of acupressure, and the recommended use of acupressure. According to pregnant women, the discomforts of pregnancy cramps, fatigue in the legs, lower back pain and headaches decreased with the use of acupressure.
CONCLUSIONS
Based on the results, acupressure should be introduced by the nurse in pre-natal care as a therapeutic resource for the pregnant woman's well-being.
Topics: Acupressure; Adult; Fatigue; Female; Humans; Nurse-Patient Relations; Pain Management; Patient Satisfaction; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Complications; Qualitative Research
PubMed: 27356804
DOI: 10.1590/1983-1447.2016.02.54699 -
Complementary Therapies in Clinical... May 2021The aim of the study was to examine the effect of Acupressure and Reiki application on patient's pain and comfort level after Laparoscopic cholecystectomy. (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
BACKGROUND
The aim of the study was to examine the effect of Acupressure and Reiki application on patient's pain and comfort level after Laparoscopic cholecystectomy.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
In this prospective, single blinded randomized controlled trial, subjects were 132 adult patients, hospitalized in the General Surgery clinics and underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy of a Training and Research Hospital in Turkey. Subjects were then assigned including a Reiki group of 44 persons, an Acupressure group of 44 persons, and a control group of 44 persons. The pain and comfort levels of all the patients, before and after the Acupressure and Reiki treatments in the experimental group, and without any intervention in the control groups were determined at the 3rd postoperative hour, using Pain on Visual Analogue Scale (Pain on VAS), Perianesthesia Comfort Scale (PCS) and General Comfort Questionnaire (GCQ). The data analyses were performed using descriptive statistics, Shapiro Wilk test, paired samples t-test, Mann Whitney U test, ANOVA and LSD multiple comparison tests, Kruskal Wallis test and Wilcoxon test.
RESULTS
In the patients who received reiki and acupressure treatment, the pain level decreased, comfort level increased and the difference between the groups was found to be significant (p < 0.05).
CONCLUSION
Reiki and Acupressure applied to the patients after Laparoscopic cholecystectomy decreased the pain and increased the comfort level.
Topics: Acupressure; Adult; Cholecystectomy, Laparoscopic; Humans; Pain; Pain, Postoperative; Prospective Studies; Therapeutic Touch; Turkey
PubMed: 33836405
DOI: 10.1016/j.ctcp.2021.101385 -
Journal of Clinical Nursing Mar 2022To systematically evaluate the efficacy of auricular acupressure on sleep disorders, depression, pruritus, xerostomia and daily net weight gain (%) in maintenance... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
OBJECTIVES
To systematically evaluate the efficacy of auricular acupressure on sleep disorders, depression, pruritus, xerostomia and daily net weight gain (%) in maintenance haemodialysis patients.
BACKGROUND
Auricular acupressure has been used for various complications in maintenance haemodialysis patients, such as sleep disorders, depression, pruritus and xerostomia, but the efficacy has not yet been unified.
DESIGN
Systematic review and meta-analysis.
METHODS
Randomised controlled trials comparing auricular acupressure intervention with non-AA intervention in maintenance haemodialysis patients were included. We searched English databases (PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, Web of Science) and Chinese databases (CNKI, WanFang, CBM and VIP database) from the inception to 27 November 2020. The risk of bias was assessed by the Cochrane risk of bias tool. The RevMan 5.3 software was used to perform the meta-analysis. A descriptive analysis was conducted if the data were high of heterogeneity or could not be meta-analysed. The PRISMA statement was used to report systematic review and meta-analysis.
RESULTS
A total of 12 RCTs with 805 MHD patients were included. Meta-analysis showed that auricular acupressure had a significant difference for improving sleep disorders (MD = -1.97 points, 95% CI: -2.62 to -1.32, p < .0001), pruritus (MD = -1.55 points, 95% CI: -2.01 to -1.08, p < .0001), and daily net weight gain (%) (MD = -0.29, 95% CI: -0.37 to -0.21, p < .0001). The efficacy of depression and xerostomia were analysed descriptively due to insufficient data.
CONCLUSIONS
The meta-analysis results indicated that auricular acupressure had a positive efficacy in maintenance haemodialysis patients to improve sleep disorders, pruritus and daily net weight gain (%). But the results should be treated conservatively on account of the low quality of included studies. Future researchers need to conduct more high-quality, large sample, multi-centre randomised controlled studies to provide a solid basis to demonstrate of the efficacy of auricular acupressure in maintenance haemodialysis patients.
RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE
Auricular acupressure has the advantages of low cost, non-invasive and easy to be accepted by patients. This review suggested that auricular acupressure could be considered a non-pharmacological intervention for maintenance haemodialysis patients. Medical staff could teach maintenance haemodialysis patients auricular acupressure to help them self-manage some complications at home.
Topics: Acupressure; Humans; Pruritus; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Renal Dialysis; Sleep Wake Disorders; Xerostomia
PubMed: 34268817
DOI: 10.1111/jocn.15966