Dibble, S.L., Chapman, J., Mack, K.A., & Shih, A. (2000). Acupressure for nausea: Results of a pilot study. Oncology Nursing Forum, 27, 41-47.

To compare the effects of usual care (regular antiemetics) versus usual care plus acupressure training on nausea and its intensity in women receiving chemotherapy for breast cancer

The intervention involved finger acupressure bilaterally at the P6 and ST36 acupressure points located on the forearm and knee for a maximum of three minutes for each point every morning or as needed for nausea. Baseline and poststudy questionnaires and a daily log were used to collect data.

• The study consisted of 17 adult women undergoing chemotherapy for breast cancer (cyclophosphamide, methotrexate, and fluorouracil or doxorubicin-containing regimens). The control group had nine patients, and the experimental group had eight patients.
• The mean age of both groups was 49 years old.
• More than half (59%) of participants were Caucasian.

The study was conducted in two sites located in urban areas in the western United States: an outpatient oncology clinic in a major teaching medical center and a private outpatient oncology practice.

• Nausea was measured at baseline and poststudy via questionnaires and daily logs.
• Nausea experience and its intensity were measured with the Rhodes Inventory of Nausea, Vomiting, and Retching.

Significant differences existed between the two groups in regard to nausea experience (p < 0.01) and nausea intensity (p < 0.04) during the first 10 days of the chemotherapy cycle, with the acupressure group reporting less intensity and experience of nausea.

• The study only looked at a single cycle of treatment.
• The sample size was small.
• The sample was limited to women with breast cancer.
• The ST36 acupressure point was difficult to reach.