Acustimulation involves electrostimulation of acupressure points (most commonly, the P6 point) by transcutaneous, electrical stimulation through a wristband device. A wristband device currently available is the Reliefband®, a class-II device approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of chemotherapy induced nausea and vomiting (CINV). The device delivers slow, weak, electrical impulses to the P6 point via two metallic electrodes. Patients can adjust the electrical output to deliver 10-35 milliamps per pulse. Reliefband® (for the indication of CINV) requires a prescription. Acustimulation has been evaluated in CINV and fatigue.
Gadsby, J. G., Franks, A., Jarvis, P., & Dewhurst, F. (1997). Acupuncture-like transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation within palliative care: a pilot study. Complementary Therapies in Medicine, 5, 13–18.
Acupuncture-like transelectrical nerve stimulation (AL-TENS) with low-frequency, high-intensity stimulation using acupuncture points for emesis and analgesia was delivered by a nurse practitioner in five consecutive daily treatments. The study was divided into three groups: AL-TENS, standard care, and standard care plus placebo.
The study was a pilot study and a double-blind, randomized, controlled trial.
No significant differences were observed, but the study was underpowered and groups were not equivalent in symptoms at baseline.
Nurses should be trained in the use of AL-TENS and identification of acupuncture points. Future trials focused on fatigue are recommended.