The Effect of St. John's Wort Oil (Hypericum Perforatum L.) in Knee Osteoarthritis: A Randomized Controlled and Qualitative Study.

BACKGROUND: Reducing pain and improving physical function are critical in the treatment of osteoarthritis. Although individuals use St. John's Wort oil to relieve pain due to osteoarthritis, no scientific research has been found investigating its effectiveness. AIM: This study investigated the effect of St. John's Wort oil on pain intensity and physical functions in people with knee osteoarthritis. METHODS: This study adopted a single-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, and qualitative mixed design. The sample consisted of 60 patients randomized into intervention (n = 30) and placebo control (n=30) groups. The experimental group participants were treated with topically St. John's Wort oil three times a week for 3 weeks, and the placebo control group participants were treated with olive oil three times a week for 3 weeks. Quantitative data were collected using a patient identification form, the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), and the Visual Analogue Scale. Qualitative data were collected through semi-structured interviews. RESULTS: The experimental group had a significantly lower mean Visual Analog Scale score in the first, third, and fourth follow-ups than the control group. The experimental group had significantly lower mean WOMAC-pain, WOMAC-stiffness, and WOMAC-physical function subscale scores in the last follow-up than in the first follow-up. The qualitative data agreed with the quantitative data. CONCLUSIONS: The results show that St. John's Wort oil helps people with knee osteoarthritis feel less pain and become physically more active. Additional research is warranted to better understand the effect of St. John's Wort oil on pain intensity and physical functions in people with knee osteoarthritis.

The effect of back massage with frankincense and myrrh oil before the cardiac electrophysiological procedure on back pain intensity and comfort: A single-blind randomized controlled trial.

CONTEXT: Back pain is one of the most common problems experienced by patients after the cardiac electrophysiological study procedure. In addition, limitation of movement after the procedure negatively affects the comfort and satisfaction of patients. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to determine the effect of back massage with frankincense and myrrh oil on back pain severity and comfort in patients who were to undergo cardiac electrophysiological study. METHODS: This is a randomized controlled study with a pretest-posttest design. This study was conducted from October 2020 to March 2021, at the angio unit of a heart hospital at a university in Turkey. The study was completed with 30 patients in each group, a total of 90 people. Data were collected using a patient information form, a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and the General Comfort Questionnaire (GCQ). The intervention group and the placebo group received back massage with frankincense and myrrh essential oil and with jojoba fixed oil respectively. No intervention was applied to the control group. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference between the post-procedure VAS values according to the groups. Except for sociocultural comfort, there were significant differences between the groups in terms of GCQ total scores and subscales at the first and last follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Back massage with frankincense and myrrh oil increased overall comfort, physical comfort, the psychospiritual comfort. Additional research with a rigorous design is needed to determine its effect on pain.

The effect of acupressure on constipation symptoms and quality of life among older people: a mixed-methods study.

PURPOSE: This study aims to evaluate the effect of acupressure on constipation symptoms and quality of life in older people. METHODS: The study was a double-blind, randomized, sham-controlled, qualitative and quantitative mixed-method study. Individuals in the acupressure group received acupressure for 21 min per day for a total of 12 sessions. The other group received sham acupressure for the same duration. Constipation Assessment Scale (CAS), Constipation Quality of Life Scale (PAC-QOL), Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and individual follow-up form were used to evaluate quantitative data, and semi-structured interview form was used to evaluate qualitative data. RESULTS: A total of 81 participants were randomized to acupressure (n = 41, mean age: 70.56 ± 4.76, 70.7% female) or sham acupressure (n = 40, mean age: 71.17 ± 5.19, 67.5% female). Repeated measurements of the participants showed that CAS scores differed significantly between acupressure applications (p < 0.001). There were also statistically significant differences between the two groups in PAC-QOL and VAS after the application, number of defecations and laxative use (p < 0.001). Compared to the placebo group, the acupressure group had significantly lower mean post-test scores in all constipation rating scales. Qualitative findings from the study also support the quantitative findings. CONCLUSION: For older people seeking evidence-based alternative therapy, acupressure may be a solution to reduce the constipation symptoms. Future studies with larger sample sizes are needed to confirm our study findings. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT05506397, 17 August 2022, retrospectively registered.

Acupressure for Cancer-Related Fatigue in Elderly Cancer Patients: A Randomized Controlled Study.

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.

The Effect of Body Acupressure on Blood Pressure and Fatigue Levels in Individuals Suffering From Hypotension During Hemodialysis: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Since hypotension is one of the most common complications experienced during hemodialysis (HD), and there are studies indicating that stimulation of the P6 (Neiguan) acupuncture point affects blood pressure, this study examines the effect of acupressure performed on this point on blood pressure regulation as well as its effect on symptoms such as hypotension-associated fatigue and pain. This randomized controlled trial was conducted in order to determine the effect of 12-session body acupressure, performed by electrostimulation device, on blood pressure, headache, and fatigue level in individuals suffering from hypotension during hemodialysis. METHODS: The study was conducted with a total of 135 patients, including 67 patients in the intervention group and 68 patients in the placebo group at four hemodialysis centers located in two city centers. The data were gathered using a questionnaire, visual analog scale (VAS) for pain and fatigue, and the Piper fatigue scale. The forms were administered at the beginning of the application (first follow-up) and four weeks later (second follow-up). In the intervention group, the electrostimulation device was attached to the Neiguan (p6) acupuncture point and operated at the third hour of each dialysis session three times a week for one month. In the placebo group, the device was attached to the same acupuncture point but its batteries were removed and it was not operated. At the end of the four-week application, the forms were administered again. One-way analysis of variance, t test, Student-Newman-Keuls test, Pearson correlation analysis, Chi-square, McNemar test and McNemar Bowker test were used to assess the data. RESULTS: It was found that systolic and diastolic blood pressure levels were higher in all sessions in the intervention group compared to the placebo group (P < .05). In the first follow-up, no difference was observed between the groups in terms of the scores of VAS pain, VAS fatigue, and Piper fatigue scale (P > .05); whereas, in the second follow-up, it was determined that VAS pain scores, VAS fatigue scores, and affective, sensory, and total scores of the Piper fatigue scale decreased in the intervention group compared to the placebo group (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: As a conclusion; it was found that body acupressure, which was performed on the Neiguan (P6) acupuncture point using electrostimulation device, provided the systolic and diastolic blood pressure regulation and decreased VAS pain severity, VAS fatigue severity, and total score and subscale mean Piper fatigue scale scores.

Effect of massage therapy with lavender oil on severity of restless legs syndrome and quality of life in hemodialysis patients.

PURPOSE: This study assessed the effects of massage therapy using 5% lavender oil on the severity of restless legs syndrome (RLS) and the quality of life (QoL) of patients on hemodialysis (HD). DESIGN AND METHODS: This is a randomized placebo-controlled study with a pretest-posttest design. This study was conducted from January 30, 2019, to May 6, 2019, at HD centers in Turkey, and it includes 58 participants-31 study patients and 27 controls. Data were collected using patient identification form, RLS severity rating scale, Kidney Disease Quality of Life Scale (KDQOLTM -36) and patient follow-up charts. As per the massage therapy protocol, the patients in the study and control groups received massage therapy with lavender oil and baby oil, respectively. FINDINGS: RLS severity significantly decreased in all follow-up weeks in the study group and in the first, second, and third follow-up weeks in the control group. There were significant differences between the groups in terms of KDQOLTM -36 subscales and total scores at the initial and final follow-ups. CONCLUSION: In HD patients, massage with lavender oil lessened the severity of RLS and improved the QoL. Accordingly, this therapy can be recommended to HD patients. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Massage therapy during HD sessions is easy, inexpensive, and patient-friendly with no side effects. It is known to reduce symptoms and enable the patients to easily perform daily activities of living. Massage therapy with lavender oil is effective and can be easily applied to patients with RLS by nurses. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This study was registered under the Clinical Trials protocol registration system (NCT04630470) upon completion.

Effect of Reiki on the stress level of caregivers of patients with cancer: Qualitative and single-blind randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of Reiki on stress levels of individuals caring for patients with cancer. METHODS: The study was conducted a pretest-posttest, single-blind randomized controlled trial and qualitative study using a semi-structured in-depth interview. In this study, women who were primary caregivers of patients with cancer treated in a university hospital were randomized to Reiki and sham Reiki groups. The Reiki group received Reiki to nine main points for 45 min, once a week for 6 weeks, while the sham Reiki group received the same points during the same period without starting energy flow. CSI scores and salivary cortisol levels were evaluated at baseline and at the end of the study, whereas systolic and diastolic blood pressure and pulse rate were evaluated before and after application every week. After the study, the opinions of the Reiki group on Reiki experience were collected by using a questionnaire consisting of semi-structured questions. RESULTS: The study was completed with a total of 42 caregivers. The sample size was calculated based on the difference in Caregiver Strain Index (CSI) scores before and after the intervention. According to the power analysis, with α = 0.05 and ß = 0.20, the effect size was 1.71 and the power 99 %. Post-intervention CSI scores declined in the Reiki group compared with that in the sham Reiki group (p < 0.05). No significant difference was found between the groups in terms of saliva cortisol levels (p > 0.05). According to the results of the general linear model repeated measure and Friedman tests, which were conducted to evaluate the change in systolic and diastolic blood pressure and pulse rate over a 6-week period, the values of these parameters decreased before and after each application compared with the caregivers in the sham Reiki group (p < 0.05). All caregivers stated that they found the caring process less stressful after the Reiki sessions and felt relieved compared with the pre-therapy period, and some of their physical complaints decreased. CONCLUSION: Reiki reduces the stress levels of caregivers, is effective in regulating blood pressure and pulse rate, does not cause a significant change on saliva cortisol level, and provides relief to caregivers.

The Effect of Acupressure on Blood Pressure Level and Pulse Rate in Individuals With Essential Hypertension: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

A total of 91 people including 47 in the intervention group and 44 in the placebo group were included to a randomized controlled study. It can be asserted that acupressure, applied to the Neiguan (PC 6) acupuncture point in individuals with essential hypertension, provides blood pressure regulation and is effective for management of numerous hypertension-related symptoms.

The Effect of Acupressure Applied to Individuals Receiving Hemodialysis Treatment on Severity of Thirst and Quality of Life.

OBJECTIVE: This study was conducted to determine the effect of acupressure on the severity of thirst and quality of life of patients receiving hemodialysis treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was carried out in a randomized-controlled way to define the effect of acupressure performed on CV-23, SJ-17, Kid-1 acupuncture points for 15 min three times a week for six weeks on the intensity of thirst and quality of life in patients on hemodialysis. The second phase of the study was carried out as a qualitative study using an individual interview technique and a semi-structured questionnaire form before and after the acupressure with the intervention group patients in the study. The study was completed with 60 patients. RESULTS: The weekly increase in the amount of saliva and the weekly decrease in the Visüel Analog Scala (VAS)-VAS thirst level in the individuals in the intervention group compared to those in the placebo group were found to be significant (P < .05). In the 1st and the 6th week assessments the difference between the intervention group and the placebo group in terms the mental component sub-dimension of the Quality of Life scale was found to be significant (P < .05), but difference between all other sub-dimensions and total averagescores was not found to be significant (P < .05). CONCLUSION: It was determined that acupressure applied to the CV-23, SJ-17, Kid-1 acupuncture points with an acupressure device increased the amount of saliva, decreased the severity of VAS thirst and affects positively of quality of life except the mental component sub-dimension.

The Effects of Peppermint Oil on Nausea, Vomiting and Retching in Cancer Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy: An Open Label Quasi-Randomized Controlled Pilot Study.

OBJECTIVES: The current study evaluated the effects of peppermint oil on the frequency of nausea, vomiting, retching, and the severity of nausea in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. DESIGN: A quasi-randomized controlled study. SETTING: Patients were recruited from the ambulatory chemotherapy unit of a public hospital located (Batman, Turkey) between September 2017 and September 2018. INTERVENTIONS: The participants in the intervention group applied one drop the aromatic mixture on the spot between their upper lip and their nose, three times a day for the five days following chemotherapy administration, in addition to the routine antiemetic treatment. Participants in the control group underwent only the routine antiemetic treatment. Main outcome measures VAS-the severity of nausea and the Index of Nausea, Vomiting, and Retching. RESULTS: The VAS nausea score was significantly lower after peppermint oil applying in the patients receiving Folfirinox (treatment effect (mean dif.): 4.00±2.28; P<0.001), Paclitaxel-Trastuzumab (treatment effect (mean dif.): 1.70±0.90; P=0.014), Carboplatin-Paclitaxel (treatment effect (mean dif.): 3.71±1.41; P<0.001), and Cyclophosphamide-Adriamycin (treatment effect (mean dif.): 1.41±0.73; P=0.005) excluding cisplatin scedule (treatment effect (mean dif.): 0.56±2,18; P=0.642). We detected a statistical significant difference in the change in frequency of nausea, vomiting, retching in the other all schedules excluding cisplatin schedule (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The peppermint oil was significantly reduced the frequency of nausea, vomiting, retching and the severity of nausea in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. Therefore, usage of peppermint oil together with antiemetics after chemotherapy with moderate and low emetic risk may be recommended to cope with CINV.

The effect of acupressure on upper extremity pain and quality of life in patients hemodialysis treatment: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Acupressure is a commonly used method to reduce the severity of pain. This study was conducted to determine the effect of acupressure on pain severity and quality of life in patients with upper extremity pain due to hemodialysis. METHOD: The study was completed with a total of 50 patients, consisting of 25 intervention group and 25 control group patients. In the intervention group, acupressure was applied to five acupressure points on the arms and shoulders in the first half of the dialysis sessions carried out for six weeks and for three days per week. RESULTS: There was a significant decrease (p < .05) between the VAS pain score median values of the preliminary monitoring of patients in the intervention group and their VAS pain score median values recorded six weeks later. CONCLUSIONS: Acupressure reduces extremity pain and increases the quality of life in dialysis patients.

Effect of pranayama breathing technique on asthma control, pulmonary function, and quality of life: A single-blind, randomized, controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated the effect of pranayama on asthma control, pulmonary function, and quality of life in people with asthma. METHODS: Pranayama was applied to the pranayama group for 20 min once daily for 1 month, and relaxation was applied to the relaxation group similarly in addition to the standard treatment. The outcome measurement tools used were the Asthma Control Test (ACT), Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire (AQLQ), pulmonary function test (PFT), and patient observation chart. RESULTS: The pranayama group had significantly higher ACT score, overall AQLQ score, and subscale scores than the relaxation group (p < 0.05). However, there was no significant difference between the groups in terms of PFT parameters and peak expiratory flow values (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Pranayama improved asthma control and asthma-related quality of life in people with asthma, but it did not show a significant difference in PFT values.

The Effects of Acupressure on Quality of Life and Dyspnea in Lung Cancer: A Randomized, Controlled Trial.

CONTEXT: Dyspnea is the most common symptom of lung cancer. Acupressure is an important application in the management of dyspnea for lung cancer patients. High-powered, well-planned work is needed on the topic. OBJECTIVES: The study was conducted to determine the effects of acupressure on quality of life and dyspnea level for individuals with lung cancer. DESIGN: The study was a randomized, controlled, single-blinded trial. SETTING: The study took place in the Oncology Day Treatment Unit of a university hospital in Turkey. PARTICIPANTS: Participants were patients in the unit who were receiving chemotherapy and had experienced dyspnea. INTERVENTION: Patients were divided into 2 groups: (1) an intervention group receiving acupressure, and (2) a control group receiving standard care. The P6-Lu1-Lu10 acupuncture points in the hand, forearm, and chest were used, with acupressure being applied 2 times per day for 4 wk, for a total of 56 sessions. OUTCOME MEASURES: Data were collected at baseline and postintervention. Sociodemographic and disease-related data were collected using the Patient Identification Form. Quantitative data were collected with the Modified Borg Dyspnea Scale (Borg scale) and the St George's Respiratory Questionnaire and through measurements of participants' heart rates, respiratory rates, oxygen saturation, and walking distance before and after the 6-mile walk test. Qualitative data were collected using the semistructured "Patients' Views Form on Acupressure Experience." RESULTS: The 4-wk acupressure intervention demonstrated a significant reduction in the participants' levels of dyspnea, and at the same time, significant increases in their quality of life. The quantitative findings of this study were supported with qualitative findings. CONCLUSIONS: Acupressure can be a helpful adjunct treatment that enhances the quality of life and reduces dyspnea in individuals with lung cancer. It is an easily applicable method without serious side effects.

The Effect of Acupressure on Cardiac Rhythm and Heart Rate Among Patients With Atrial Fibrillation: The Relationship Between Heart Rate and Fatigue.

OBJECTIVES: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common arrhythmia among rhythm disturbances causing symptoms such as dyspnea, palpitation, and fatigue. Various methods are used for control and treatment of the disease. This randomized controlled study was conducted to determine the effect of acupressure applied to patients with AF on their cardiac rhythm and heart rate, as well as relationship between heart rate and fatigue. DESIGN: The study was conducted with 60 individuals (30 in the intervention group and 30 in the placebo group) who met the inclusion criteria of the study in cardiology service. The data in the study were collected using a questionnaire, patient observation form, and brief fatigue inventory. In the study, ethics committee approval, institutional permission, and written informed consent from individuals were obtained. INTERVENTIONS: In addition to standard medical treatments, the individuals in the intervention group were applied with acupressure on their acupuncture points (PC-6, HT-7, CV-17), which were specified by using a specially developed acupressure device, twice per day (minimum 2 and maximum 4 sessions). The individuals in the placebo group were attached to the acupressure device in addition to their standard medical treatments, but the pressure was not applied. All the patients were connected to holter, their pulse and blood pressure were monitored and followed up by being before, during, and after the acupressure. The value of P < .05 was accepted as significant in comparisons. RESULTS: After the acupressure administration, heart rate and systolic/diastolic blood pressures of the individuals in the intervention group decreased (P < .05), whereas only diastolic blood pressure of the individuals in the placebo group decreased at the first administration (P < .05), and the decrease in systolic blood pressure and heart rate was not significant (P < .05). In all patients in sample group, rhythm was not sinus and acupressure did not have a different effect on fatigue. CONCLUSION: As a result of the study, it was determined that the acupressure decreased heart rate in patients with AF, it was effective in decreasing systolic and diastolic blood pressure at repeated administrations, and this decrease was not effective in reducing fatigue. According to these results, it could be recommended to perform the repeated acupressure administration along with pharmacological treatment for reducing heart rate and blood pressure in AF.

The Effect of Classical Turkish Music on Pain Severity and Anxiety Levels in Patients Undergoing Bone Marrow Aspiration and Biopsy.

BACKGROUND: Bone marrow aspiration is a painful procedure. In addition, the anxiety experienced during the procedure can affect the pain felt during the procedure. This study was conducted as a randomized controlled study to determine the effect of classical Turkish music on pain severity and anxiety levels in patients undergoing bone marrow aspiration and biopsy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was performed in an oncology hospital with a total of 30 patients, of whom 14 were in the intervention group and 16 were in the control group. All underwent bone marrow aspiration and biopsy for the first time. Ethics committee approval, institutional permission, and the study participants' written informed consent were obtained. Data were collected using patient information forms and follow-up charts, the Visual Analog Scale, and the State Anxiety Inventory. It was determined that the scores gathered from the State Anxiety Inventory during the first follow-up increased in the second follow-up in both the intervention and control groups, and this increase was statistically significant in the intervention group (p < .05). The mean pain severity scores of the patients undergoing the procedure were significantly lower in the intervention group than in the control group (p < .05). CONCLUSION AND SUGGESTIONS: This study found that classical Turkish music reduced the severity of pain but increased the levels of anxiety in patients undergoing bone marrow aspiration and biopsy.

Effect of aromatherapy via inhalation on the sleep quality and fatigue level in people undergoing hemodialysis.

The most common problems in hemodialysis patients are sleep disorders and fatigue. This randomized-controlled experimental study was conducted to determine the effect of aromatherapy applied by inhalation on sleep quality and fatigue level in hemodialysis patients. The study was completed in five hemodialysis centers settled in two provinces with 27 intervention group patients and 35 controls, being totally 62 patients, recruited with simple randomization. Ethical approval, informed consent from the individuals and institutional permission were obtained. Data were collected with a questionnaire form and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for fatigue, Piper fatigue scale, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and follow-up forms for the patient and the researcher. Aromatherapy inhalation (sweet orange and lavender oil) was performed before going to bed every day for one month to the intervention group patients. No other application has been made to the control group patients except for standard hemodialysis treatment. All of the forms were performed at baseline and at follow-up at the end of the four weeks (baseline and last follow-up), VAS and Piper fatigue scale were performed during follow-ups at the end of every week (the first, second and third follow-ups). Data were statistically analyzed with Independent Samples t-test, one way analysis of variance, Pearson correlation analysis, chi-square test, Friedman and Mann Whitney U tests and Bonferroni test. p<0.05 was set as statistically significant in comparisons. Mean total and sub-dimension scores of VAS, Piper fatigue scale and PSQI (except for daytime sleepiness dysfunction sub-dimension) of the intervention and control groups at baseline were not significantly different (p>0.05). It was found that mean total and sub-dimension scores of VAS, Piper fatigue scale and PSQI of the intervention group significantly decreased in other follow-ups compared to the control group (p<0.05). Consequently, it was determined that aromatherapy applied by inhalation improved sleep quality, decreased fatigue level and severity in hemodialysis patients. Accordingly, aromatherapy prepared with sweet orange and lavender oil may be recommended to increase sleep quality and to decrease fatigue level of the hemodialysis patients.

Acupressure and Transcutaneous Electrical Acupoint Stimulation for Improving Uremic Pruritus: A Randomized, Controlled Trial.

Context • Uremic pruritus, a frequent and compromising symptom for patients with advanced or end-stage renal disease (ESRD), strongly reduces the patient's quality of life. Pruritus may be extremely difficult to control because therapeutic options are limited. Topical products are frequently used for easing pruritus, but their effects are generally temporary and marginal. Although acupressure and electrical-stimulation methods for the application of acupressure have been evaluated separately in terms of pruritus efficiency in different studies, the existence of any difference between the efficacies of the 2 methods has not been assessed yet. Objective • The study intended to test the effectiveness of acupressure and transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation (TEAS) on uremic pruritus in patients who were receiving the routine hemodialysis treatment. Design • The study was a randomized, controlled trial. Setting • The study took place in hemodialysis units located in hemodialysis centers in Turkey. Participants • Participants were patients in the hemodialysis units who were under hemodialysis treatment and had experienced uremic pruritus. Intervention • Participants were randomly assigned to the acupressure group (intervention group), the TEAS group (intervention group), or the control group. For the 2 intervention groups, the treatment was applied 3 ×/wk during the 4 wk of the study on the large intestine (LI-11) acupuncture points in the arm, for a total of 12 sessions. Outcome Measures • The study measured the severity of participants' pruritus using a patient information form and a visual analogue scale (VAS). The data were collected at baseline and posttreatment. Results • A total of 75 patients participated in the study. The results indicated that patients in the acupressure and TEAS groups had significant reductions from baseline to posttreatment in their levels of discomfort from uremic pruritus compared with patients in the control group. However, no differences existed between the acupressure and the TEAS patients in terms of outcome measures. Conclusions • The research team concluded that both acupressure and TEAS applied to hemodialysis patients was effective in reducing uremic pruritus. The study provided support for an alternative method for health care providers in managing hemodialysis patients with symptoms of uremic pruritus.

The effect of acupressure on the level of fatigue in hemodialysis patients.

BACKGROUND: Fatigue is one problem that is seen in high numbers in hemodialysis patients. Fatigue decreases quality of life by negatively affecting an individual's daily performance, activities, professional life, relations with family and friends, and treatment process. OBJECTIVE: This study was carried out to determine the effect of acupressure on the level of fatigue in hemodialysis patients. METHODS/DESIGN: The study was conducted as experimental research with an acupressure (intervention) group and a control group. SETTING: The research, for which an ethics committee's approval and institutional permission was obtained, was conducted in two central provinces of Turkey, Nevsehir and Aksaray, at two hemodialysis centers with similar characteristics. PARTICIPANTS: The research was completed with a total of 118 participants (52 in the intervention group and 66 in the control group) who met the inclusion criteria. INTERVENTIONS: A total of 12 acupressure sessions, 3 ×/wk for 1 mo, were performed for all participants in the intervention group, as required by the acupressure application protocol, applying acupressure at the Stomach 36 (ST-36), Gallbladder 34 (GB-34), Spleen 6 (SP-6), and Kidney 1 (K-1) acupuncture points with a transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) acupuncture pen (XFT-320 acupuncture pen, Shenzhen Xunfegtong Electronics Co, Ltd, Shenzhen, China). PRIMARY OUTCOME MEASURES: A visual analog scale (VAS) for fatigue and the Piper Fatigue Scale (PFS) were used to evaluate the fatigue level of the participants before and after the acupressure application. RESULTS: After the acupressure applications for 1 mo, the subscale and total fatigue scores for the VAS (P < .001) and PFS were lower (P < .05) for participants in the intervention group compared to the controls, except for the cognitive subscale on the PFS (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: The study found that acupressure, applied using an acupuncture pen, was effective in decreasing fatigue in hemodialysis patients. Based on this result, the current research team suggests that hemodialysis patients and nurses should be informed about acupressure application so as to extend the use of acupressure in reducing fatigue symptoms.

Effect of acupressure on patients in Turkey receiving hemodialysis treatment for uremic pruritus.

CONTEXT: Pruritus develops for various reasons at any stage of treatment for the majority of patients receiving hemodialysis (HD) due to end-stage renal failure (ESRF). Today, many nonpharmacological treatment methods, including acupressure, are used to relieve the discomfort experienced by patients due to pruritus. Acupressure has been proven to reduce the intensity of pruritus when it is used alone or in combination with pharmacologic methods. OBJECTIVE: This study was conducted to determine the effect of acupressure on pruritus in patients receiving hemodialysis treatment. DESIGN: This study was a nonrandomized, controlled trial. SETTING: The study occurred at four hemodialysis centers in Turkey. PARTICIPANTS: Seventy-eight patients, 38 in the intervention group (IG) and 40 in the control group (CG), met the inclusion criteria and completed the study. INTERVENTION: The IG received acupressure that was applied using a transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) acupressure apparatus, and the control group (CG) received no acupressure. The study used the SP6, ST36, SP10, and LI11 acupuncture points, with acupressure occurring three times/wk for 6 wks for a total of 18 sessions. OUTCOME MEASURES: The study's data were collected using a patient identification form, a visual analogue scale (VAS), and a pruritus score. RESULTS: It was found that IG participants' mean VAS and pruritus scores significantly decreased at wk 6 (P < .001), as compared to the CG, and that the decrease showed a stable trend in wks 12 and 18 (P > .05). The IG was observed to use less medication than the CG throughout the study (P < .001). CONCLUSION: It was concluded that acupressure provided to hemodialysis patients was effective in reducing pruritus. The research team suggests that the use of acupressure should be expanded by informing HD patients and nurses working in HD units about the benefits of acupressure.