Adaptive Auricular Point Acupressure for Sleep Disturbance in Women with Breast Cancer: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Objectives. The study aimed to evaluate the preliminary effect and efficacy of auricular point acupressure (APA) on the quality of sleep in women with breast cancer who were undergoing chemotherapy. Sample & Setting. We conducted a randomized controlled trial on 68 patients with breast cancer who reported poor sleep quality based on the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) scores (>7). Methods & Variables. Participants were randomly assigned to an APA treatment group or a control group. Patients in the APA group had magnetic pellets attached to selected auricular points and were instructed to apply pressure to these points 4×/day for three consecutive weeks. We objectively measured sleep quality using the Actiwatch Spectrum and the PSQI at the baseline and postintervention. Statistical analyses of changes in sleep data were performed using the t-test, a rank-sum test, and analyses of covariance. Results. In patients treated with APA, the PSQI total score and sleep onset latency had significantly decreased, while the total sleep time and sleep efficiency had significantly increased. Although the total PSQI score differed between groups at the baseline, ANCOVA results showed that the APA group had a significantly lower total PSQI score. Conclusion. APA could be an inexpensive and effective approach to improving sleep quality and reducing sleep disturbance in patients with breast cancer. Further research needs a larger sample size to verify our findings.

Effects of progressive muscle relaxation combined with head-acupoint massage on postoperative symptom clusters in breast cancer patients: a randomized controlled trial

“…A growing body of clinical studies have demonstrated that the acupoint massage/APA is emerging as an evidenced-based approach in the management of cancer-related symptoms. For instance, breast cancer patients who experienced 3-weeks of auricular point acupressure (APA) tended to have better sleep quality and reduced sleep disturbance compared with their counterparts [32]. The 4-week of APA conducting can provide relief for breast cancer patients by helping to reduce pain, fatigue, sleep disturbance, and interference with daily activities [14].…”

Eficácia da acupuntura auricular na qualidade do sono em indivíduos com sintomas depressivos: ensaio clínico randomizado

“…As participantes randomizadas para o grupo controle receberam apenas educação sobre higiene do sono de forma verbal e escrita e o grupo experimental recebeu educação em higiene do sono e aplicação de AA nos pontos Shenmen, Coração, Subcórtex, podendo ter mais pontos adicionados (Rim, Estômago, Simpático e possíveis regiões reflexas de dores) de acordo com a necessidade de cada paciente.As medidas foram avaliadas pelo PSQI e por um dispositivo usado no pulso que registra dados relevantes de ritmos circadianos e parâmetros de sono em qualquer situação. A qualidade do sono foi melhor no grupo experimental em relação ao grupo que recebeu educação sobre higiene do sono isoladamente(74). terapêutica isolada eficaz para o transtorno de insônia(75).…”