Acupressure for pain relief in ICU patients

The Effect of Acupressure Applied to Intensive Care Patients on Pain and Physiological Parameters

Not applicable Interventional Ondokuz Mayıs University · NCT06271226

This study is testing if acupressure can help relieve pain and improve vital signs in ICU patients who are awake and in pain.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment30 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorOndokuz Mayıs University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Giresun)
Trial IDNCT06271226 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This experimental study investigates the effects of acupressure on pain and physiological parameters in intensive care patients. Participants will be randomly assigned to either an experimental group receiving acupressure, a placebo group, or a control group. The study will evaluate pain levels and physiological metrics such as blood pressure, heart rate, respiration, and oxygen saturation before and after the intervention. Patients must have a Glasgow Coma Scale score of 9 or higher and experience pain to be eligible for inclusion.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older who are conscious and experiencing pain while in the intensive care unit.

Not a fit: Patients with conditions such as acute stroke, severe infections, or those receiving sedation or inotropic therapy may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could provide a non-pharmacological method for pain management in critically ill patients.

How similar studies have performed: While acupressure has been explored in various settings, this specific application in ICU patients is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Being 18 years or older
* Volunteering to participate in the research.
* Getting a score of 9 and above on the Glasgow Coma Scale and being able to communicate meaningfully,
* Oxygen saturation of 85 and above
* Mean arterial pressure of 65 mmHg and above

Exclusion Criteria:

* Diagnosis of suspected acute stroke bleeding
* Taking antihypertensive and beta-blocker drugs the start of the study
* Receiving sedation (dormicum, propofol, brunette)
* Presence of ulcers, bilateral paralysis, necrotic tissue and signs of infection (fever, redness, discharge, temperature) at the pressure points
* Situations that will cause the participant to leave the study (death, transfer to another unit, discharge or unwillingness to continue working)
* Receiving inotropic therapy (dopamine, steradine, etc.)
* Absence of analgesic therapy in routine treatment.

Where this trial is running

Giresun

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Intensive Care PatientsPainacupressurecritical care nursingcomplementary therapiespain management
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.