Anusree, A., Sanatomb, D.E., & Latha, T. (2015). Effectiveness of acupressure on chemotherapy induced nausea and vomiting and the functional status among cancer patients receiving cisplatin as radiosensitizer chemotherapy in Kasturba Hospital Manipal. International Journal of Nursing Education, 7, 32–36.

DOI Link

Study Purpose

To investigate the effectiveness of acupressure in reducing chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) and to analyze the correlation between CINV and functional status

Intervention Characteristics/Basic Study Process

The study began on the second day of chemotherapy. Patients were assigned to experimental and control groups that matched patients on gender and type of chemotherapy regimen. Acupressure was provided by the researcher by applying firm pressure to selected acupressure points for 3 minutes bilaterally in the morning and evening for three days. Both groups received standard antiemetics. Patients were asked to complete study assessment self-reports daily for CINV. Metoclopramide was given as an antiemetic.

Sample Characteristics

  • N = 40
  • AGE = Data not provided; majority > 40 years
  • MALES: 65%, FEMALES: 35%
  • KEY DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: Disease types not provided
  • OTHER KEY SAMPLE CHARACTERISTICS: 70% of the sample had feeding tubes

Setting

  • SITE: Single site  
  • SETTING TYPE: Not specified  
  • LOCATION: India

Phase of Care and Clinical Applications

  • PHASE OF CARE: Active antitumor treatment

Study Design

Two-group, prospective, post-test study

Measurement Instruments/Methods

  • Rhodes Index of Nausea, Vomiting, and Retching (RINVR)
  • Measure for functional status not described

Results

Over the three-day period, nausea scores were lower in the experimental group (p = 0.002). There was a weak negative correlation between nausea and functional status (p = 0.03).

Conclusions

Acupressure might be helpful in reducing CINV. Because of reporting and design limitations, this study does not provide strong evidence for the effectiveness of acupressure.

Limitations

  • Small sample (< 100)
  • Risk of bias (no blinding)
  • Risk of bias (no random assignment) 
  • Risk of bias (no appropriate attentional control condition)
  • Measurement/methods not well described
  • Measurement validity/reliability questionable
  • Other limitations/explanation: No disease-related demographic information provided; dosage of chemotherapy not described; current recommended antiemetic regimens not provided

Nursing Implications

This study provided weak evidence that acupressure may be helpful in the management of CINV.