Effect of self-acupressure on fatigue and sleep quality in patients with multiple sclerosis: A randomized controlled trial


Atan G.

Explore, cilt.21, sa.6, 2025 (SCI-Expanded) identifier

  • Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
  • Cilt numarası: 21 Sayı: 6
  • Basım Tarihi: 2025
  • Doi Numarası: 10.1016/j.explore.2025.103266
  • Dergi Adı: Explore
  • Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, CINAHL, EMBASE, MEDLINE
  • Anahtar Kelimeler: Fatigue, Multiple sclerosis, Nursing, Self-acupressure, Sleep quality
  • Van Yüzüncü Yıl Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet

Özet

Objective: This study aimed to assess the efficacy of self-acupressure in alleviating fatigue and enhancing sleep quality among individuals diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. Methods: In our randomized controlled study, participants in the intervention group were instructed to administer self-acupressure on two specific sites. Patients were directed to administer the therapy to the specified two sites biweekly in the morning, at least one hour after breakfast, for a duration of 4 weeks, culminating in a total of 8 sessions. No intervention occurred in the control group during this study. Data were gathered utilizing the Patient Introductory Information Form, the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS), and the Richards-Campbell Sleep Questionnaire (RCSQ). Results: The study comprised twenty-four individuals with multiple sclerosis in each group, comprising fourteen women in the intervention group and thirteen women in the control group. Subsequent to the intervention, the intervention group demonstrated a statistically significant decrease in total FSS scores compared to the control group (p < 0.001; d = 1.68), although total RCSQ scores revealed a substantial gain (p < 0.001; d = 1.65). Conclusion: Self-acupressure was proven to reduce fatigue levels and improve sleep quality in adults with multiple sclerosis. In conclusion, self-acupressure is an accessible, cost-effective, and efficacious technique for alleviating fatigue and enhancing sleep quality in patients with multiple sclerosis.