The Effect of Acupressure on Pain and Anxiety Caused by Venipuncture.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to determine the effect of acupressure massage on pain and anxiety caused by venipuncture.
Results Summary
The study found significant differences in pain scores between the acupressure, placebo, and control groups after intervention, suggesting acupressure may relieve venipuncture-related pain. No significant differences were observed in pulse rate or blood pressure among the groups.
Population
187 hospitalized patients in Khorramabad, Iran.
Effective Dosage
Not specified
Duration
Not specified
Interactions
None mentioned
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
massage of acupoints | decrease | pain scores | patients admitted to a hospital in Khorramabad, Iran | - | significant differences | #1 |
massage of acupoints | no change | pulse rate | patients admitted to a hospital in Khorramabad, Iran | - | no significant differences | #2 |
massage of acupoints | no change | systolic blood pressure | patients admitted to a hospital in Khorramabad, Iran | - | no significant differences | #3 |
massage of acupoints | no change | diastolic blood pressure | patients admitted to a hospital in Khorramabad, Iran | - | no significant differences | #4 |
acupressure at the right acupoints | decrease | pain caused by venipuncture | - | - | may relieve | #5 |
The aim of this study was to determine the effect of massage of acupoints on pain and anxiety caused by venipuncture. In this double-blind clinical trial, 187 patients who were admitted to a hospital in Khorramabad, Iran, were selected and randomly divided into 3 groups: acupressure, placebo, and control. Blood samples were obtained twice from each patient in the 3 groups: once by the routine method from the left arm and once by performing interventions from the right arm. Results showed significant differences in pain scores (P = .004) between the 3 groups after the intervention only. No significant differences between the 3 groups were found after the intervention with regard to pulse rate, systolic blood pressure, or diastolic blood pressure (P > .05). The application of acupressure at the right acupoints may relieve pain caused by venipuncture. Although further studies are needed to confirm the findings of this study, it is recommended that nurses use this safe method to increase quality of nursing care and patient satisfaction.