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JMIR Research Protocols Jun 2024Curcuminoids and acupressure have beneficial effects in reducing pain and inflammation in patients with osteoarthritis. However, only a few clinical trials are... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
BACKGROUND
Curcuminoids and acupressure have beneficial effects in reducing pain and inflammation in patients with osteoarthritis. However, only a few clinical trials are investigating biomarkers to prove this objectively.
OBJECTIVE
This study aims to investigate the effect of acupressure and curcuminoids on inflammatory markers and pain in older people with osteoarthritis genu.
METHODS
A randomized controlled trial (RCT) was conducted among older people with osteoarthritis. All participants were randomized to a group that received 30 mg of curcuminoids in turmeric extract capsules and acupressure (group 1) or a group that received a placebo and sham acupressure (group 2) for 3 weeks.
RESULTS
The study was approved by the research ethics board; ClinicalTrials.gov reviewed this protocol. The extracts were manufactured from May 2023 to June 2023. Participant recruitment was conducted in September and October 2023; a total of 72 participants aged 60 years or older participated, of whom 75% (n=54) were female. Data were analyzed in April 2024, and dissemination of results is expected by the end of 2024.
CONCLUSIONS
Primary outcomes were assessed at baseline and after the intervention. Relationships were assessed with inflammatory markers, endorphin hormones, and blood level of cycloxygenase-2 hormone. Additionally, secondary outcomes included pain, ability to perform activities of daily living, and quality of life. The beneficial effects that may be found in this trial may be exceptionally relevant in clinical practice, justifying this scientific inquiry. The benefits of herbs and acupressure can be helpful as additional options in treating inflammation and pain in patients with osteoarthritis.
TRIAL REGISTRATION
ClinicalTrials.gov NCT06105840; https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06105840.
INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID)
DERR1-10.2196/54970.
Topics: Humans; Female; Aged; Male; Osteoarthritis; Acupressure; Inflammation; Middle Aged; Pain Management; Combined Modality Therapy
PubMed: 38771152
DOI: 10.2196/54970 -
Complementary Therapies in Clinical... Aug 2023To investigate the effect of auricular acupressure on the severity of postpartum blues. (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
AIM
To investigate the effect of auricular acupressure on the severity of postpartum blues.
METHODS
A randomized sham controlled trial was conducted from February to November 2021, with 74 participants who were randomly allocated into two groups of either routine care + auricular acupressure (n = 37), or routine care + sham control (n = 37). Vacaria seeds with special non-latex adhesives were used to perform auricular acupressure on seven ear acupoints. There were two intervention sessions with an interval of five days. In the sham group, special non-latex adhesives without vacaria seeds were attached in the same acupoints as the intervention group. Severity of postpartum blues, fatigue, maternal-infant attachment, and postpartum depression were assessed.
RESULTS
Auricular acupressure was associated with significant effect in reduction of postpartum blues on 10th and 15th days after childbirth (SMD = -2.77 and -2.15 respectively), postpartum depression on the 21st day after childbirth (SMD = -0.74), and maternal fatigue on 10th, 15th and 21st days after childbirth (SMD = -2.07, -1.30 and -1.32, respectively). Also, maternal-infant attachment was increased significantly on the 21st day after childbirth (SMD = 1.95).
CONCLUSION
Auricular acupressure was effective in reducing postpartum blues and depression, reducing maternal fatigue, and increasing maternal-infant attachment in the short-term after childbirth.
TRIAL REGISTRATION
Registered prospectively in Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (ID: IRCT20180218038789N2).
Topics: Female; Humans; Acupressure; Depression, Postpartum; Iran; Fatigue; Postpartum Period
PubMed: 37060791
DOI: 10.1016/j.ctcp.2023.101762 -
Archives of Physical Medicine and... Jan 2024To evaluate the effectiveness of rehabilitation interventions for adults with COVID-19 and post COVID-19 condition (PCC) in all settings. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the effectiveness of rehabilitation interventions for adults with COVID-19 and post COVID-19 condition (PCC) in all settings.
DATA SOURCES
PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, Scopus, Web of Science, and Physiotherapy Evidence Database were searched from inception to December 31st, 2021. PROSPERO registration number: CRD42021258553.
STUDY SELECTION
We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and non-randomized studies of interventions (NRSI) according to the University of Alberta Evidence-based Practice Center.
DATA EXTRACTION
One author extracted data using a predetermined Excel form.
DATA SYNTHESIS
The meta-analysis indicates uncertain evidence about the effect of pulmonary rehabilitation and self-activities on exercise capacity (MD 65.06, 95% CI 42.87 to 87.25), respiratory function (forced expiratory volume in the first second [FEV1]: MD 0.16, 95% CI 0.05 to 0.28; FEV1/forced vital capacity [FVC]: MD 0.05, 95% CI 0.01 to 0.09; FVC: MD 0.19, 95% CI -0.03 to 0.42) and anxiety (MD -12.03, 95% CI -21.16 to -2.90) in mild COVID-19 and PCC patients. According to the narrative synthesis, including RCTs and NRSI, prone positioning seems to show improvements in vital parameters in severe COVID-19 post intensive care unit (ICU) discharge, pulmonary rehabilitation in activities of daily living, and qigong exercise and acupressure rehabilitation program, and "twist and raise" walking technique in reducing dyspnea and weakness in any degree of severity of COVID-19 and PCC. Functional electrical stimulation-cycling or early rehabilitation programs seem to support a faster recovery in patients with moderate COVID-19 after ICU discharge. Yoga and naturopathy, Mandala coloring, and respiratory exercise seem to reduce anxiety and depression in patients with moderate and mild COVID-19. Cognitive motor training seems to improve cognitive function in PCC patients.
CONCLUSIONS
There is very uncertain evidence about the effect of pulmonary rehabilitation on exercise capacity and respiratory function in patients with mild COVID-19 and PCC. Further high-quality research is required to improve the certainty of evidence available to support rehabilitation's crucial role in managing COVID-19.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Anxiety; Breathing Exercises; Chronic Disease; COVID-19; Quality of Life; Yoga; Exercise; Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome; Cognition
PubMed: 37802177
DOI: 10.1016/j.apmr.2023.08.023 -
Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine 2023Subsequent to coronary angiography, procedures performed to prevent bleeding may cause pain in the patient. In this study, we aimed to determine the effect of...
BACKGROUND
Subsequent to coronary angiography, procedures performed to prevent bleeding may cause pain in the patient. In this study, we aimed to determine the effect of acupressure on pain level and hemodynamic parameters in patients undergoing coronary angiography.
METHOD
In this prospective, a two-arm (1:1), randomized controlled trial was conducted, with 124 patients undergoing coronary angiography included. The randomly assigned study group ( = 62) received acupressure on the LI4 (on the dorsum of the hand, between the 1st and 2nd metacarpal bones), PC6 (three fingers above the wrist), and LI11 (at the lateral end of the transverse cubital crease) points for 15 min 2 h after angiography, while the control group ( = 62) received no acupressure. Data were collected using the visual pain scale (VAS) and hemodynamic parameters [systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), heart rate (HR), respiratory rate (RR), and peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO)], monitoring form before, immediately after, and at 10, 20, and 30 min after acupressure.
RESULTS
In the study, it was found that patients had moderate pain after coronary angiography (study group: 5.02 ± 2.27; control group: 3.98 ± 1.82). When the groups were compared, it was found that the VAS score of the study group before angiography was significantly higher than that of the control group, but lower than the control group immediately after acupressure, and at 10, 20, and 30 min after acupressure. In addition, it was determined that acupressure was significantly higher in DBP and RR in the study group compared to the control group at 20 and 30 min; it was not effective in terms of SBP, HR, and SpO values.
CONCLUSION
The results of the study indicated that patients reported moderate pain after coronary angiography, and that acupressure was effective in reducing the pain level, but affected only the DBP and RR hemodynamic parameters. Since the study was single-centered and followed for a short time, it is recommended to conduct new studies with a longer duration.
PubMed: 37522084
DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2023.1173363 -
Alternative Therapies in Health and... Feb 2024Labor pain is considered one of the most well-known types of severe pain. For this reason, non-pharmacological methods employed for managing labor pain are necessary to... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
CONTEXT
Labor pain is considered one of the most well-known types of severe pain. For this reason, non-pharmacological methods employed for managing labor pain are necessary to help pregnant women cope with labor pain and increase their childbirth comfort.
OBJECTIVES
The aim of this study was to determine the effect of cold and warm acupressure applied to the LI4 acupressure point on childbirth comfort in primiparous women during labor.
DESIGN
This study was designed as a randomized controlled experimental trial.
SETTING
The study was conducted between August 2020 and March 2021 at 2 hospitals in northern Turkey offering similar maternity services.
PARTICIPANTS
The sample consisted of 129 healthy pregnant women: 44 in the warm acupressure group, 44 in the cold acupressure group and 41 in the control group.
INTERVENTION
Participants were randomly assigned to one of the three groups. The researcher applied cold or warm acupressure pouches, respectively, on the women in the 2 experimental groups on the LI4 acupressure point for 10 minutes during the active and transition phases of labor. The application was suspended for 1 hour, and then repeated 3 more times. No acupressure was administered in the control group.
OUTCOME MEASURES
The Personal Information Form (PIF), Labor Monitoring Form (LMF), Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and Childbirth Comfort Questionnaire (CCQ) were used to gather study data.
RESULTS
There was a statistically significant difference between both the intergroup and intra-group pain scores in the experimental and control groups (P < .05) and childbirth comfort scores in the experimental and control groups in terms of groups and timing (P < .05).
CONCLUSION
In this study, both warm and cold acupressure were found to alleviate labor pain. The warm acupressure, in particular, had a more positive effect on childbirth comfort. Thus, warm and cold acupressure can be recommended to relieve labor pain and increase childbirth comfort.
Topics: Female; Pregnancy; Humans; Acupressure; Labor Pain; Labor, Obstetric; Pain Management; Pain Measurement
PubMed: 38430172
DOI: No ID Found -
Integrative Cancer Therapies 2024Chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) is one of the most prevalent and distressing side effects of chemotherapy among patients with cancer worldwide. Despite... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) is one of the most prevalent and distressing side effects of chemotherapy among patients with cancer worldwide. Despite continuing advances in antiemetic medicines, nausea and vomiting associated with cancer chemotherapy remain a substantial therapeutic concern for many patients. However, P6 and Auricular acupressure (AA) have been recognized as potential therapy for managing chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting.
AIM
This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of P6 and Auricular acupressure (AA) in reducing chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting among patients with cancer. And to explore a prominent and effective evidence-based protocol for implementing acupressure to treat chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting.
METHOD
This systematic review was conducted according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). Several databases were used to search for eligible studies using specific keywords. Only systematic reviews and clinical trials on acupressure for managing CINV among adults with cancer were included. This review covered articles published in English from 2015 to 2022.
RESULTS
A total of 14 published studies were included in this review study; 10 articles were trial studies, and the other 4 were systematic review and meta-analysis studies. The quality of 10 included clinical trials were assessed using the Effective Public Health Practice Project (EPHPP) Quality Assessment Tool for quantitative studies, the overall result showed that 40% of study rated with moderate quality, no study was rated with low quality, and (60%) studies rated as high-quality study. As well as the quality assessment of all review studies showed that the majority of included systematic reviews and meta-analysis with a low risk of bias and high to moderate power of evidence. In all included studies the acupressure was utilized as a primary complementary intervention for chemotherapy induced nausea and vomiting. The result of this extensive and comprehensive review the P6 and auricular acupressure is an effective complementary therapy in reducing and controlling chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting among participants with various types of cancer and receiving various types of chemotherapy.
CONCLUSION
The successful and effective application of acupressure in managing CINV for certain types of cancer had been supported in previous literature as a safe, affordable, and non-invasive alternative to pharmaceutical medications. However, standardization guidelines regarding the use of acupressure independently or in combination with other pharmacological therapies to address CINV in various cancers require immediate attention.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Acupressure; Antineoplastic Agents; Vomiting; Nausea; Antiemetics; Neoplasms
PubMed: 38488197
DOI: 10.1177/15347354241239110 -
Medicine Sep 2023This retrospective study investigated the effect of auricular acupressure combined with acupuncture for juvenile pseudomyopia (JPM). In this retrospective study, we...
This retrospective study investigated the effect of auricular acupressure combined with acupuncture for juvenile pseudomyopia (JPM). In this retrospective study, we collected and analyzed a total of 66 eligible records of subjects with JPM. They were allocated into a treatment group (n = 33) and a control group (n = 33). All participants in both groups received auricular acupressure. Additionally, children in the treatment group also underwent acupuncture. The primary outcome was naked visual acuity (VA). It was performed using a standard E visual acuity chart. The secondary outcome was visual fatigue symptoms, as assessed by the College of Optometrists in Vision Development Quality of Life (COVD-QoL) questionnaire. All outcomes were analyzed before and after treatment. There were no significant differences regarding the naked VA and COVD-QoL scores before and after treatment between the 2 groups. However, there were significant differences regarding on naked VA (P < .01) and COVD-QoL scores (P < .01) within 2 groups compared before and after treatment. The findings of this study showed that both APP plus acupuncture and APP alone benefit children with JPM.
Topics: Child; Humans; Quality of Life; Acupressure; Retrospective Studies; Acupuncture Therapy; Control Groups
PubMed: 37713874
DOI: 10.1097/MD.0000000000035018 -
BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders Mar 2024Chronic low back pain (CLBP) is a prevalent and debilitating condition, leading to significant challenges to both patients and the governmental healthcare system....
BACKGROUND
Chronic low back pain (CLBP) is a prevalent and debilitating condition, leading to significant challenges to both patients and the governmental healthcare system. Non-pharmacologic interventions have received increasing attention as potential strategies to alleviate chronic low back pain and improve patient outcomes. The aim of this systematic review was to comprehensively assess the changes in blood inflammatory biomarkers after non-pharmacologic interventions for CLBP patients, thus trying to understand the complex interactions between non-pharmacologic interventions and inflammatory biomarker changes in CLBP.
METHODS
A thorough search (from January 1st, 2002 to October 5th, 2022) of PubMed, Medline (platform Web of Science), and the Cochrane Library (platform Wiley Online Library) were conducted, and inclusion criteria as well as exclusion criteria were refined to selection of the studies. Rigorous assessments of study quality were performed using RoB 2 from Cochrane or an adaptation of the Downs and Black checklist. Data synthesis includes alterations in inflammatory biomarkers after various non-pharmacologic interventions, including exercise, acupressure, neuro-emotional technique, and other modalities.
RESULTS
Thirteen primary studies were included in this systematic review, eight randomized controlled trials, one quasi-randomized trial, and four before-after studies. The interventions studied consisted of osteopathic manual treatment (one study), spinal manipulative therapy (SMT) (three studies), exercise (two studies), yoga (two studies) and acupressure (two studies), neuro-emotional technique (one study), mindfulness-based (one study) and balneotherapy study (one study). Four studies reported some changes in the inflammatory biomarkers compared to the control group. Decreased tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) after osteopathic manual treatment (OMT), neuro-emotional technique (NET), and yoga. Decreased interleukin (IL)-1, IL-6, IL-10, and c-reactive protein (CRP) after NET, and increased IL-4 after acupressure. Another five studies found changes in inflammatory biomarkers through pre- and post-intervention comparisons, indicating improvement outcomes after intervention. Increased IL-10 after balneotherapy; decreased TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-8, Interferon-gamma, interferon-γ-induced protein 10-γ-induced protein 10 after exercise; decreased IL-6 after exercise and SMT; decreased CRP and chemokine ligand 3 after SMT.
CONCLUSION
Results suggest a moderation of inflammatory biomarkers due to different non-pharmacologic interventions for CLBP, generally resulting in decreased pro-inflammatory markers such as TNF-α and IL-6 as well as increased anti-inflammatory markers such as IL-4, thus revealing the inhibition of inflammatory processes by different non-pharmacologic interventions. However, a limited number of high-quality studies evaluating similar interventions and similar biomarkers limits the conclusion of this review.
Topics: Humans; Low Back Pain; Interleukin-10; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha; Interleukin-6; Interferon-gamma; Interleukin-4; Biomarkers; Chronic Pain; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 38459458
DOI: 10.1186/s12891-024-07289-1 -
Journal of Integrative and... Nov 2023Gastrointestinal immobility is experienced by many patients who undergo gastric surgery. This complication delays enteral nutrition, prolongs hospitalization, and... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Gastrointestinal immobility is experienced by many patients who undergo gastric surgery. This complication delays enteral nutrition, prolongs hospitalization, and causes discomfort. Acupoint stimulation is a popular alternative nonpharmacological treatment for gastrointestinal immobility. This study aimed to explore the effects of acupoint stimulation on gastrointestinal immobility after gastrectomy. Systematic review and meta-analysis. Databases (PubMed, Cochrane, Joanna Briggs Institute EBP Database, Medline, CINAHL Complete, and Airiti library) were searched from their inception to April 2022 for relevant articles. Articles in Chinese and English were included, without limitations on year, region, or country. The inclusion criteria were studies with participants >18 years of age, postgastric surgery, and hospitalization. In addition, randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included. Data were analyzed using random effects models, and data heterogeneity was investigated using subgroup analysis. Meta-analysis was performed using Review Manager 5.4 software. We included 785 participants from six studies. Invasive and noninvasive acupoint stimulation reduced the time of gastrointestinal mobility better than usual care. In the control group, the time of first flatus was 43.56 ± 9.57 h to 108 ± 19.2 h, and the time of first defecation was 77.27 ± 22.67 h to 139.2 ± 24 h. In the experimental group, the time of first flatus and defecation was 36.58 ± 10.75 h to 79.97 ± 37.31 h and 70.56 ± 15.36 h to 108.55 ± 10.75 h, respectively. Subgroup analysis showed that invasive acupoint stimulation with acupuncture reduced the time of first flatus and defecation to 15.03 h (95% confidence interval [CI] = -31.06 to 1.01) and 14.12 h (95% CI = -32.78 to 4.54), respectively. Noninvasive acupoint stimulation, including acupressure and transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation (TEAS), reduced the time of first flatus and defecation to 12.33 h and (95% CI = -20.59 to -4.06) and 12.20 h (95% CI = -24.92 to 0.52), respectively. Acupoint stimulation improved the gastrointestinal immobility of postgastrectomy. In the included RCT articles, invasive and noninvasive stimulations were effective. However, noninvasive acupoint stimulation, such as with TEAS and acupressure, was more efficient and convenient than invasive stimulation. Overall, health care professionals with adequate training or under the supervision of an acupuncturist can effectively perform acupoint stimulation to improve the quality of postgastrectomy care. They can select commonly used and effective acupoints to enhance gastrointestinal motility. Acupoint stimulation, such as acupressure, electrical acupoint stimulation, or acupuncture, can be included in postgastrectomy routine care to improve gastrointestinal motility and reduce abdominal discomfort.
Topics: Humans; Acupuncture Points; Flatulence; Gastrectomy; Acupuncture Therapy; Gastrointestinal Motility
PubMed: 37379490
DOI: 10.1089/jicm.2022.0752 -
Explore (New York, N.Y.) 2023Postpartum uterus pain while breastfeeding is a situation that can affect mother-infant bonding negatively and is a matter of concern for women. The purpose of this... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
OBJECTIVE
Postpartum uterus pain while breastfeeding is a situation that can affect mother-infant bonding negatively and is a matter of concern for women. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effectiveness of acupressure application in reducing postpartum uterus pain during breastfeeding.
METHODS
This prospective randomized controlled trial was carried out at a maternity hospital in northwestern Turkey between March and August 2022. The sample of the study included 125 multiparous women who were in the 6th to 24th hours after vaginal delivery. The participants were randomly divided into acupressure and control groups. Visual Analog Scale (VAS) was used to evaluate postpartum uterine pain.
RESULTS
While the VAS scores of the acupressure and control groups were similar before breastfeeding, the scores of the acupressure group at the 10th and 20th minutes of breastfeeding were lower (respectively, p = 0.038 and p = 0.011). In the intragroup comparisons, compared to their values before breastfeeding, the pain score of the acupressure group decreased at a statistically highly significant degree at the 20th minute of breastfeeding (p<0.001), whereas the score of the control group increased at a statistically highly significant degree at the 10th and 20th minutes (p<0.001).
CONCLUSION
It was concluded that acupressure can be an effective nonpharmacological method in reducing uterus pain while breastfeeding in the postpartum period.
Topics: Female; Pregnancy; Humans; Acupressure; Breast Feeding; Prospective Studies; Postpartum Period; Pelvic Pain; Uterus
PubMed: 36849298
DOI: 10.1016/j.explore.2023.02.003