Acupressure for smoking cessation – a pilot study

White, Adrian; Moody, R. C.; Campbell, John

doi:10.1186/1472-6882-7-8

Cited by 25 publications

(17 citation statements)

References 20 publications

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“…During the 18-month trial period, the participants' numbers dropped from 141 to 48 [16]. Another study that compared the effect of NRT in combination with EAP had 7 out of 19 participants who completed the study [4]. Several factors may have contributed to the dropout rate in this study.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Previous studies that employed a similar EAP protocol for persistent allergic rhinitis [22, 34] and smoking cessation [4, 17] found that EAP was well tolerated by participants.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…This may have affected the results in the SSEAP group. White et al in 2007 reported that ear pellets could become detached from the ear due to loss of adhesion [4]. Therefore, we took care to ensure that the skin was clean and pellet adhesion was good.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Despite quit-smoking campaigns and the availability of nicotine replacement therapy (NRT), quit attempts are often unsuccessful [3]. Nicotine withdrawal symptoms (NWS) including emotional distress, depressed mood, anxiety, and sleep disturbances present a barrier to successful smoking cessation attempts [4–6]. Increase in body weight associated with quitting smoking may also discourage some smokers [7].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Ear Acupressure for Smoking Cessation: A Randomised Controlled Trial

Zhang

Worsnop

et al. 2013

Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine

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This study investigated the efficacy and safety of ear acupressure (EAP) as a stand-alone intervention for smoking cessation and the feasibility of this study design. Adult smokers were randomised to receive EAP specific for smoking cessation (SSEAP) or a nonspecific EAP (NSEAP) intervention which is not typically used for smoking cessation. Participants received 8 weekly treatments and were requested to press the five pellets taped to one ear at least three times daily. Participants were followed up for three months. Primary outcome measures were a 7-day point-prevalence cessation rate confirmed by exhaled carbon monoxide and relief of nicotine withdrawal symptoms (NWS). Intention-to-treat analysis was applied. Forty-three adult smokers were randomly assigned to SSEAP (n = 20) or NSEAP (n = 23) groups. The dropout rate was high with 19 participants completing the treatments and 12 remaining at followup. One participant from the SSEAP group had confirmed cessation at week 8 and end of followup (5%), but there was no difference between groups for confirmed cessation or NWS. Adverse events were few and minor.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Previous studies that employed a similar EAP protocol for persistent allergic rhinitis [22, 34] and smoking cessation [4, 17] found that EAP was well tolerated by participants.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

See 2 more Smart Citations

Ear Acupressure for Smoking Cessation: A Randomised Controlled Trial

Zhang

Worsnop

et al. 2013

Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine

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“…A major inhibiting factor is nicotine withdrawal symptoms [4,5,6], including emotional distress, depressed mood, anxiety and sleep disturbances. In the USA, more than 80% of quitting efforts are unsuccessful [7].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Ear Acupressure for Smoking Cessation: Study Protocol for a Randomised Controlled Trial

Zhang

Di²,

Worsnop³

et al. 2013

Complement Med Res

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Background: Smoking is the largest preventable cause of death and disease worldwide but smokers often fail to quit due to nicotine withdrawal symptoms. Current available pharmaceutical therapies may assist with smoking cessation but may have side effects. Ear acupressure (EAP) and ear acupuncture have been used for smoking cessation, and some positive results have been reported. The aim of the study is to assess the efficacy and safety of EAP in assisting individuals to quit smoking and/or support them in the management of nicotine withdrawal symptoms. Methods: This study will be a randomised, single-blind, sham-controlled study conducted at RMIT University in Melbourne, Australia. Adult smokers will be randomly assigned to receive EAP specifically for smoking cessation or nonspecific EAP treatments. After a 2-week run-in, participants will be treated once a week for 8 weeks and followed up for 12 weeks. The primary outcome measures will be 7 day point-prevalence cessation rate by self-report validated by expired carbon monoxide and nicotine withdrawal symptoms measured by the Mood and Physical Symptoms Score questionnaire. Secondary outcomes will be self-reported usage of nicotine replacement therapies, cigarette consumption, body weight change and quality of life. The safety end point will be self-reported adverse events associated with EAP. Intention-to-treat analysis will be applied. Discussion: Findings from this study will determine if this EAP intervention alone can be an effective and safe therapy to assist with smoking cessation and the management of nicotine withdrawal symptoms.

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