Acupressure for Anxiety: A Randomized Controlled Trial of an Acupressure Intervention for Patients Receiving Cancer-Directed Therapy

Summary

This clinicaI trial is being done to determine if acupressure is helpful to reduce anxiety related to chemotherapy, compared with "sham" (or placebo) acupressure in patients with cancer. Anxiety, experienced by many patients with cancer, can be related to chemotherapy and may contribute to other symptoms, such as nausea and poor quality of life. Some patients diagnosed with cancer express interest in non-medicine ways to manage symptoms. Acupressure is the application of non-invasive finger pressure along energy points throughout the body in order to relieve pain and induce a feeling of well-being. Previous research has shown that acupressure can help both adults and children with their anxiety in certain situations, such as after surgery. Patients can be taught how to do the acupressure on themselves, making this an intervention that can be done anywhere. Acupressure is well tolerated with minimal reports of adverse reactions. Undergoing acupressure may be effective in reducing anxiety in cancer patients receiving chemotherapy.

Description

Eligibility

Age range

18+ years

Sex

All

Healthy volunteers

No

Interventions

• Procedure
  Acupressure Therapy

  Undergo true acupressure

• Procedure
  Acupressure Therapy - placebo

  Undergo sham acupressure

• Procedure
  Acupressure Therapy - self-administered

  Undergo self-administered acupressure

• Other
  Health Promotion and Education

  Receive educational handouts

• Other
  Survey Administration

  Ancillary studies

Location