Zick, S.M., Sen, A., Wyatt, G.K., Murphy, S.L., Arnedt, J.T., & Harris, R.E. (2016). Investigation of 2 types of self-administered acupressure for persistent cancer-related fatigue in breast cancer survivors: A randomized clinical trial. JAMA Oncology, 2, 1470–1476.
To identify improvement in fatigue, sleep, and quality of life in breast cancer survivors using self-administered acupressure
Self-administered relaxing acupressure or stimulating acupressure performed once daily for three minutes for six weeks. Assessments were conducted at baseline, three weeks (to assess technique), six weeks (end of intervention), and 10 weeks (washout).
Self-administered relaxing and stimulating acupressure may improve fatigue in breast cancer survivors who have completed treatment at least 12 months ago. Relaxing acupressure may also improve sleep and quality of life in this patient group.
Self-administered relaxing and stimulating acupressure may be beneficial in the reduction of fatigue in breast cancer survivors who have completed treatment at least 12 months ago. Additional studies could be conducted with those currently receiving treatment and with patients with other cancers.