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Simulation in Healthcare : Journal of... Aug 2017Previous acupressure studies have yielded varying results. This could be due to differences in the amount of pressure applied to the acupressure point (acupoint) by...
INTRODUCTION
Previous acupressure studies have yielded varying results. This could be due to differences in the amount of pressure applied to the acupressure point (acupoint) by study personnel within a study as well as between studies. Standardizing the level of pressure applied at an acupoint could improve clinical care and future research.
METHODS
As part of an ongoing randomized clinical trial of postoperative acupressure, five trainees were asked to perform 2 minutes of acupressure and light touch sessions on a simulator. The applied weight was recorded every minute. Individual skill assessment was performed using cumulative sum analysis. Six pretraining and 20 posttraining measurements in each acupressure and light touch group were compared with an expert's simulation values.
RESULTS
Before training (baseline), there was significant difference in applied weight (grams) between the expert [5705 (636)] and five trainees [2998 (798), P = 0.004]. Four of the five trainees crossed the lower decision limit assessing proficiency in the acupressure group, and all five trainees were successful in the light touch group. The trainees' average number of measurements needed to cross the lower decision limit (H0), that is, defining that an individual failure rate does not statistically differ from the acceptable failure rate, was 21.3 measurements for acupressure. After this feedback simulation, trainees' scores showed no significant difference (P > 0.05) when assessed against the expert.
CONCLUSIONS
Feedback simulation for acupressure training and skill assessment, evaluated by cumulative sum analysis, may help in improving the standardization of acupressure therapy performed during clinical practice or research.
Topics: Acupressure; Clinical Competence; Educational Measurement; Formative Feedback; Humans; Simulation Training; Touch
PubMed: 28609314
DOI: 10.1097/SIH.0000000000000235 -
Explore (New York, N.Y.) 2022The effects of acupressure on sleep quality and insomnia symptoms have been studied in various groups of haemodialysis patients, those undergoing surgery, and those... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE
The effects of acupressure on sleep quality and insomnia symptoms have been studied in various groups of haemodialysis patients, those undergoing surgery, and those living in elderly care homes. The aim of this study is to determine the effect of acupressure on sleep quality in elderly people.
METHODS
This study was conducted with a systematic review and meta-analysis. In this study, electronic databases of PubMed, Science Direct, National Thesis centre, Google Scholar, Web of Science, EBSCO were systematically scanned between December 2020 and February 2021 using the keywords "older, elderly, sleep quality, acupressure". The study included 11 articles published in English and Turkish languages without any year limitation. This systematic review and meta-analysis were done by following the PRISMA reporting system.
RESULTS
The total sample size of 11 randomized controlled trials included in this systematic review and meta-analysis was 722 (experiment: 363 and control: 359), and the mean duration of acupressure interventions applied was 19.65 ± 11.28 days. The sleep quality of the acupressure group in the elderly was significantly increased compared to the control group (MD: -1.71,%95 CI: -2.31 to -1.11, Z = 5.60, p< 0.00001, I = 91%). After the subjects received training for acupressure application and applied acupressure themselves, their sleep quality improved compared to the control group (MD: -0.86, 95% CI: -1.39 to -0.32, p <0.001).
CONCLUSIONS
We have utilized meta-analysis to try to reveal statistical significance by pooling small studies with high quality. This meta-analysis provided a potentially effective intervention on the quality of sleep in elderly people.
Topics: Humans; Aged; Acupressure; Sleep Quality; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders; Sleep
PubMed: 34952800
DOI: 10.1016/j.explore.2021.11.010 -
Complementary Therapies in Medicine Jun 2020This study sought to compare the effects of multi-point ear and body acupressure on labor pain and the duration of labor active phase. (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
OBJECTIVES
This study sought to compare the effects of multi-point ear and body acupressure on labor pain and the duration of labor active phase.
DESIGN
Three-armed randomized controlled trial.
SETTING
Kowsar Hospital, Qazvin, Iran.
INTERVENTION
Participants in the body acupressure group received acupressure on GB21, GB30, BL32, LI4, and SP6 points, each for two minutes, at cervical dilation of four, six, and eight centimeters. For participants in the ear acupressure group, adhesive auriculotherapy-specific Vaccaria seeds were attached to their auricles on the zero, genitalia, Shen Men, thalamic, and uterine 1 and 2 acupoints. The seeds were compressed every thirty minutes, each time for thirty seconds. Participants in the control group received routine care services.
MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES
Labor pain intensity was assessed using a visual analogue scale at cervical dilation of four and ten centimeters.
RESULTS
While there was no significant difference between mean scores of pain among three groups, mean score of labor pain in both acupressure groups was significantly less than that in the control group (P < 0.001). However, the difference between the acupressure groups was not statistically significant (P = 0.12). Moreover, the duration of labor active phase in the ear acupressure group was significantly less than those in the body acupressure and the control groups (P < 0.001).
CONCLUSION
Ear acupressure was significantly effective in reducing labor pain and shortening labor active phase. However, body acupressure solely reduces labor pain. Therefore, ear acupressure can be used to reduce labor pain and shorten labor active phase.
Topics: Acupressure; Acupuncture Points; Adult; Auriculotherapy; Female; Humans; Labor Pain; Labor, Obstetric; Pain Measurement; Pregnancy
PubMed: 32507430
DOI: 10.1016/j.ctim.2020.102413 -
Journal of Acupuncture and Meridian... Oct 2015Primary dysmenorrhea is the most common gynecological symptom reported by women and constitutes a high health, social, and economic burden. Chemotherapies, along with... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Primary dysmenorrhea is the most common gynecological symptom reported by women and constitutes a high health, social, and economic burden. Chemotherapies, along with their side effects, have not yielded satisfactory outcomes. Alternative nonpharmacological interventions, including acupuncture and acupressure, have been advocated, but evidence regarding their beneficial effect is inconclusive. This study sought to obtain evidence on the effectiveness of acupuncture and acupressure interventions. Twelve electronic databases were searched by using menstrual pain intensity and quality of life as primary and secondary outcomes, respectively, with the PEDro guideline for quality appraisal. Data unsuitable for a meta-analysis were reported as descriptive data. The search yielded 38 citations, from which eight studies were systematically reviewed, four of the eight being eligible for meta-analysis. The systematic review showed moderate methodological quality with a mean of 6.1 out of 10 on the PEDro quality scale. Acupressure showed evidence of pain relief while acupuncture improved both the mental and the physical components of quality of life. In conclusion, physiotherapists should consider using acupuncture and acupressure to treat primary dysmenorrhea, but a need exists for higher quality, randomized, blinded, sham-controlled trials with adequate sample sizes to establish clearly the effects of these modalities.
Topics: Acupressure; Acupuncture Therapy; Adolescent; Adult; Dysmenorrhea; Female; Humans; Quality of Life; Young Adult
PubMed: 26433798
DOI: 10.1016/j.jams.2015.06.010 -
Holistic Nursing PracticeCurrent pharmacological management of allergic rhinitis cannot completely provide relief from the symptoms and is usually accompanied by undesirable side effects.... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
Current pharmacological management of allergic rhinitis cannot completely provide relief from the symptoms and is usually accompanied by undesirable side effects. Complementary and alternative medicine approach has been evaluated and applied for allergic rhinitis frequently. We aim to investigate whether acupressure could be used as daily nursing care practice to reduce the severity of allergic rhinitis symptoms and improve sleep quality in pediatric patients with allergic rhinitis. Patients were divided into the acupressure and control groups randomly. Acupressure on 6 the acupoints was administered at home every night for 4 weeks in the acupressure group after attending a training program. Participants in the control group maintained their daily routine. A questionnaire was used to collect demographic and clinical characteristics, and to assess the symptom scores and sleep quality at baseline, week 2, and week 4 after intervention. Results of the generalized estimating equation model showed there were significant group effects on the total nasal symptom scores, sneezing, nasal congestion, itching of nose and palate, and watery eyes over the study period (all Ps < .05). From baseline to 2 weeks, all the aforementioned symptoms and red eyes, sleep quality, and allergic rhinitis classification more improved in the acupressure group than in the control group and the effect in the acupressure group was maintained through 4 weeks after intervention. Our results showed a significant reduction in the symptoms of allergic rhinitis and improvement in sleep quality after acupressure treatment with no adverse effects. Acupressure could be used as daily nursing care practice for this chronic, lifetime disorder.
Topics: Acupressure; Child; Chronic Disease; Complementary Therapies; Humans; Rhinitis, Allergic; Sleep Quality
PubMed: 32282564
DOI: 10.1097/HNP.0000000000000377 -
Frontiers in Endocrinology 2022Auricular acupressure (AA) is widely used in treatment of dysmenorrhea, but the safety and efficacy of auricular acupressure on dysmenorrhoea are still lack of... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Auricular acupressure (AA) is widely used in treatment of dysmenorrhea, but the safety and efficacy of auricular acupressure on dysmenorrhoea are still lack of evidence-based basis.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of meta-analysis was to evaluate the effects of auricular acupressure on dysmenorrhea.
DATA SOURCES
A systematic search was conducted in six electronic databases, including PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CINAHL), Weipu (CQVIP), China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), and Wanfang databases, to retrieve studies published from the inception dates to June 10, 2022.
STUDY SELECTION
Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that investigated the effectiveness of AA on dysmenorrhea were identified.
DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS
The data extraction and quality assessment of the included studies were performed by two reviewers independently. Outcomes were abstracted to determine the effect measure by using mean differences (MD), standardized mean differences (SMD), or odds ratio (OR) from a random effects model.
MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES
Cure rate, total effective rate, and visual analogue scale (VAS) were described as primary outcomes; Short-form Menstrual Distress Questionnaire (MDQs), symptom scores, serum nitric oxide (NO) level, and adverse events were recorded as secondary outcomes.
RESULTS
Thirty-five RCTs involving 3960 participants were included in this study. Our findings indicated that, overall, AA was associated with a significant benefit in cured rate (OR = 1.95, 95%CI: [1.34, 2.83], P=0.0004, I = 75%), total effective rate (OR = 3.58, 95%CI: [2.92, 4.39], P<0.00001, I = 67%), VAS score (MD = -1.45, 95%CI: [-1.73, -1.17], P<0.00001, I = 67%), and symptom scores compared to the control group (SMD = -0.85, 95%CI: [-1.28, -0.43], P<0.0001, I = 91%). However, no difference in serum NO (SMD = 0.77, 95%CI: [-0.39, 1.92], P = 0.19, I = 89%) and MDQs (SMD = -0.58, 95%CI: [-1.26, 0.10], P = 0.10, I = 79%) was found between the two groups. Furthermore, subgroup analysis results indicated that AA showed significant superiorities in increasing cured rate and total effective rate, and reducing VAS score and symptom scores when compared to analgesics and non-intervention. Moreover, AA presented the same superiorities when used as an adjunctive strategy to other therapy. However, these benefits were not detected in AA used alone when compared to the therapies, including Chinese herbs, acupuncture, external application of Chineseherbal medicine, moxibustion, auricular needle, and health education.
CONCLUSIONS
Overall, AA, as a potential safety therapy, is effective for the management of dysmenorrhea, such as increasing cured rate, total effective rate, VAS, and symptom scores. Nevertheless, AA showed no significant improvement in serum NO and MDQs. It is furtherly found that AA used alone is superior to analgesics and non-intervention regarding cured rate, total effective rate, VAS, and symptom scores. Furthermore, the same superiorities are observed when AA serves as an adjunctive strategy to other therapy. However, AA alone has little effect on them compared to other therapies, and there is no definite conclusion on the benefits of AA compared to placebo for patients with dysmenorrhea. Rigorous RCTs with blind method and placebo control are warranted to confirm these findings.
SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION
https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/, identifier CRD42022338524.
Topics: Female; Humans; Dysmenorrhea; Acupressure; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Acupuncture Therapy; Analgesics; Nitric Oxide
PubMed: 36686444
DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.1016222 -
Explore (New York, N.Y.) 2023Laparoscopic surgery is one of the most commonly performed surgeries in general surgery, with fewer side effects and rapid recovery. Postoperative nausea and vomiting... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE
Laparoscopic surgery is one of the most commonly performed surgeries in general surgery, with fewer side effects and rapid recovery. Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) remains the main challenge that confronts the prognosis of this minimally invasive surgery. We aimed to evaluate the effect of acupressure, a nonpharmacological non-invasive method, on the incidence of nausea and vomiting following laparoscopic surgery within the early phase (first six hours postoperatively) and the extended phase (for at least 24 h postoperatively).
METHODS
We searched PubMed, Cochran, Scopus, Web of Science, Google scholar, and Wiley for randomized controlled trials that evaluated the effect of acupressure on PONV in patients undergoing laparoscopy. Data were extracted and analyzed in a random model, and pooled risk ratios (RRs) with their respective 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated.
RESULTS
Eleven trials were included in the meta-analysis, comprising 941 patients. Most of the included patients were females undergoing gynecological laparoscopy or laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Acupressure significantly lowered the incidence of nausea and vomiting, within the early phase (RR = 0.62, 95% CI [0.44 to 0.88]; p = 0.008), (RR = 0.5, 95% CI [0.30 to 0.84]; p = 0.008), and the extended phase (RR = 0.65, 95% CI [0.52 to 0.83]; p = 0.0003), (RR = 0.44, 95% CI [0.32 to 0.61]; p < 0.00001), respectively. Moreover, acupressure significantly reduced the need for rescue antiemetic drugs in both phases (p < 0.05).
CONCLUSION
Acupressure is an effective procedure for reducing nausea, vomiting, and the need for antiemetic drugs after laparoscopic surgery.
Topics: Female; Humans; Male; Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting; Antiemetics; Acupressure; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Laparoscopy
PubMed: 36319586
DOI: 10.1016/j.explore.2022.10.015 -
Journal of Integrative Medicine Jan 2023Low-back pain (LBP) in nurses is a major health concern that affects their quality of life and ability to work, with consequences for their economic status. (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
BACKGROUND
Low-back pain (LBP) in nurses is a major health concern that affects their quality of life and ability to work, with consequences for their economic status.
OBJECTIVE
This study evaluates the effect of low-level laser acupuncture combined with auricular acupressure (LAA) on pain intensity, pain interference and quality of life in nurses with LBP.
DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS AND INTERVENTIONS
This randomized controlled trial recruited a convenience sample of hospital-based nurses from one teaching hospital in Taiwan, China. Participants were randomly assigned to the LAA group (n = 38) receiving low-level laser acupuncture and auricular acupressure for 4 weeks, and the control group (n = 38) receiving only sham laser acupuncture treatment without laser energy output.
MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES
Data were collected for the primary pain outcome using the Short Form of the Brief Pain Inventory, while the secondary outcome, quality of life, was evaluated using the Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire. Both primary and secondary outcomes were scored before the intervention, and after 2-week and 4-week intervention. The rate of LBP recurrence was evaluated at the 4th week and 8th week after the end of intervention.
RESULTS
After controlling for prior pain, the result of linear mixed model analysis showed trends in significant between-group differences in the level of current pain occurring in week 4 (P < 0.001), worst pain in week 2 (P < 0.001) and week 4 (P < 0.001), least pain in week 2 (P = 0.032) and week 4 (P < 0.001), pain interference in week 2 (P = 0.009) and week 4 (P < 0.001), and in the life dysfunction in week 2 (P < 0.001) and week 4 (P < 0.001). Recurrence rates of LBP at the 4th and 8th weeks after the end of intervention were 0% and 36.89% in the LAA group, and 69.44% and 36.11% in the control group.
CONCLUSION
This study shows that 4-week LAA intervention reduced pain intensity and pain interference, and improved quality of life for hospital-based nurses with LBP. These effects were maintained continuously for at least 4 weeks after the intervention. The nonpharmacological intervention, LAA, may be another efficacious, feasible, noninvasive, analgesic intervention for LBP.
TRIAL REGISTRATION
This study is registered at Clinicaltrials.gov (registration number NCT04423445).
Topics: Humans; Acupressure; Quality of Life; Treatment Outcome; Low Back Pain; Acupuncture Therapy; Nurses
PubMed: 36402666
DOI: 10.1016/j.joim.2022.10.004 -
Journal of Pediatric... 2022Acupressure is known to be a nursing intervention used to prevent chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting in children. This study was conducted to evaluate and... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
Acupressure is known to be a nursing intervention used to prevent chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting in children. This study was conducted to evaluate and compare the effectiveness of manual and wristband acupressure in the prevention of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting in children. This double-blinded and placebo-controlled study was conducted with 44 children aged between 5 and 18 years receiving chemotherapy in a university hospital's pediatric oncology clinic. Children were randomized into groups using a 2 × 2 factorial design: (a) The child who was given manual acupressure before the first chemotherapy was given placebo manual acupressure before the next chemotherapy; (b) the same child who was administered wristband acupressure before the first chemotherapy was administered placebo wristband acupressure before the next chemotherapy. After all interventions, the severity and number of episodes of nausea and vomiting and additional antiemetic needs in the children were monitored for 24 h. In both groups, the severity and number of nausea and vomiting were lower according to their own placebo groups. Manual and wristband acupressure were effective in reducing the severity and number of nausea and vomiting, but manual acupressure was more effective in reducing the severity and number of nausea and vomiting in comparison to wristband acupressure ( < .05). No statistically significant difference was found between the groups regarding additional antiemetic drug use. In this study, manual and wristband acupressure were determined to be effective in reducing the severity and number of nausea and vomiting related to chemotherapy.
Topics: Child; Humans; Child, Preschool; Adolescent; Acupressure; Antiemetics; Nausea; Vomiting; Antineoplastic Agents
PubMed: 35611515
DOI: 10.1177/27527530221092324 -
Integrative Cancer Therapies 2023The study aimed to (1) examine the feasibility of providing a training course on auricular point acupressure (APA) for clinical oncology nurses to integrate APA into...
PURPOSE
The study aimed to (1) examine the feasibility of providing a training course on auricular point acupressure (APA) for clinical oncology nurses to integrate APA into real-world nursing care settings, and (2) examine the effectiveness of APA on cancer-related pain (CRP) under usual inpatient oncology ward conditions.
METHODS
This was a 2-phase feasibility study. Phase 1, an in-person, 8 hour training program was provided to oncology nurses. Phase 2, a prospective and feasibility study was conducted to evaluate the integration of APA into nursing care activities to manage CRP. Oncology patients were included if their pain was rated at ≥4 on a 0 to 10 numeric rating scale in the past 24 hours. Patients received 1 APA treatment administered by the nurses and were instructed to stimulate the points for 3 days. Study outcomes (pain intensity, fatigue, and sleep disturbance), pain medication use, and APA practice were measured by a phone survey daily.
RESULTS
Ten oncology nurses received APA training in phase 1. APA had been added to the hospital's electronic health records (EHRs) as a pain treatment. In phase 2, 33 oncology patients received APA treatment with a 100% adherence rate (pressing the seeds 3 times per day, 3 minutes per time based on the suggestion). The side effects of APA were minimal (~8%-12% felt tenderness on the ear). After 3 days of APA, patients reported 38% pain relief, 39% less fatigue, and 45% improvement in sleep disturbance; 24% reduced any type of pain medication use and 19% reduced opioid use (10 mg opioids using milligram morphine equivalent). The major barrier to integrating APA into routine nursing practice was time management (how to include APA in a daily workflow).
CONCLUSION
It is feasible to provide 8-hour training to oncology nurses for mastering APA skill and then integrating APA into their daily nursing care for patients with CRP. Based on the promising findings (decreased pain, improved fatigue and sleep disturbance, and less opioid use), the next step is to conduct a randomized clinical trial with a larger sample to confirm the efficacy of APA for oncology nurses to treat CRP in real-world practice.ClinicalTrial.gov identifier number: NCT04040140.
Topics: Humans; Acupressure; Analgesics, Opioid; Cancer Pain; Fatigue; Feasibility Studies; Neoplasms; Prospective Studies; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 37706457
DOI: 10.1177/15347354231198086