Shen, C.H., & Yang, L.Y. (2016). The effects of acupressure on meridian energy as well as nausea and vomiting in lung cancer patients receiving chemotherapy. Biological Research for Nursing, 19, 145–152. 

DOI Link

Study Purpose

To explore the effects of acupressure on chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV)

Intervention Characteristics/Basic Study Process

A convenience sample of patients was recruited, and patients were randomized to receive acupressure on two sites on both sides of the body or acupoint patches on a single site on both sides of the body. All patients were receiving standard triplet antiemetics. Study data were collected prior to and after the acupressure intervention and 48 hours after chemotherapy. Study data were collected three times—before chemotherapy, before dinner on the day of chemotherapy, and before breakfast on the following day. The acupressure group had pressure applied to the PC6 and SP4 points on both sides of the body, for three minutes on each point.

Sample Characteristics

  • N = 70   
  • MEAN AGE = 58.6 years (SD = 0.2)
  • MALES: 61.4%, FEMALES: 29.6%
  • CURRENT TREATMENT: Chemotherapy
  • KEY DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: All had lung cancer and were receiving cisplatin-based chemotherapy.

Setting

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

Phase of Care and Clinical Applications

PHASE OF CARE: Active antitumor treatment

Study Design

Two group, randomized trial

Measurement Instruments/Methods

  • Morrow Assessment of Nausea and Emesis (MANE)
  • Meridian Energy Analysis Device

Results

The mean meridian energy was significantly higher in the group receiving acupressure after the intervention (p = 0.003) compared to those who had acupoint patches. Analysis showed an effect on study groups across all study measurement times, with lower nausea (p < 0.001) and vomiting (p = 0.023) severity in the acupressure group.

Conclusions

Acupressure on PC6 and SP4 acupoints prior to chemotherapy and meals was associated with a lower severity of nausea and vomiting.

Limitations

  • Small sample (< 100)
  • Risk of bias (no control group)
  • Risk of bias (no blinding)
  • Risk of bias (no appropriate attentional control condition)
  • Findings not generalizable

Nursing Implications

The use of acupressure as an adjunct to standard antiemetic treatment may reduce the severity of CINV in patients receiving emetogenic chemotherapy. Nausea is still not well controlled in most individuals with maximal antiemetic use. Acupressure is a low-risk intervention that may be helpful for CINV control, specifically nausea control.