Effects of acupressure on dyspnea and anxiety in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: A randomized controlled trial.

AIM: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of acupressure on dyspnea and anxiety levels in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

DESIGN AND

METHODS

A randomized controlled trial was conducted with 60 patients diagnosed with COPD. Acupressure was applied to the LI4, HT7, LU1, and ST36 points in the intervention group. Data were collected using the Modified Borg Scale (MBS), Medical Research Council Dyspnea Scale (MRC), and Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI). A p-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant.

FINDINGS: Acupressure significantly reduced both dyspnoea and anxiety in the intervention group (p < 0.001). A moderate positive correlation was observed between dyspnea and anxiety scores.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Acupressure may serve as a nurse-led, non-pharmacological intervention to manage symptoms in patients with COPD. Further studies are recommended to examine its broader clinical utility.

RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: Acupressure has the potential to enhance patient comfort and contribute to holistic symptom management in patients with COPD.

PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: While patients did not participate in the study design, data analysis, or manuscript writing, they actively engaged in the intervention by voluntarily accepting acupressure and consistently applying it at home. Their adherence provided insight into the feasibility of acupressure in real-world settings.