Filshie, J., Penn, K., Ashley, S., & Davis, C.L. (1996). Acupuncture for the relief of cancer-related breathlessness. Palliative Medicine, 10, 145–150.
An open pilot study to evaluate the possible therapeutic effect of acupuncture on breathlessness in patients with cancer
A nurse observer remained with the patient for the first 90 minutes of the study.
Compared to pretreatment levels, significant changes existed in breathlessness, relaxation, and anxiety VAS scores up to six hours after acupuncture, with p values of < 0.005, < 0.005, and < 0.001, respectively. No correlation was found between the anxiety score on the HADS and the effect of acupuncture on breathlessness (r = –0.14). A significant decrease existed in respiratory rate sustained for 90 minutes following acupuncture (p < 0.02). No significant changes in pulse rate or oxygen saturation (p > 0.1) were found.
Treatment contamination is a possibility, considering the nurse‘s presence and communication following the intervention. Whether the acupuncture or the individual care was more effective is unclear.
Further investigation in a randomized study is warranted.