Acupressure therapy for fatigue and sleep issues in stroke patients

Circadian Based Acupressure Therapy on Post-stroke Fatigue, Depression, and Sleep Disturbances in Ischemic Stroke Patients Undergoing Rehabilitation

Not applicable Interventional China Medical University Hospital · NCT06401837

This study tests if acupressure can help stroke patients feel less tired and sleep better compared to regular care.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment78 (estimated)
Ages50 Years to 95 Years
SexAll
SponsorChina Medical University Hospital Academic / other
Locations2 sites (Taichung and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT06401837 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This two-year project investigates the effects of circadian-based acupressure on post-stroke fatigue and sleep disturbances in ischemic stroke patients. Participants will be randomly assigned to either an acupressure application group or a routine care control group. The acupressure group will receive treatment twice daily for two weeks, targeting specific acupoints to potentially alleviate symptoms related to fatigue and sleep. The study aims to explore the relationship between inflammatory cytokines and these post-stroke symptoms.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are ischemic stroke patients aged 50 and above who experience fatigue and have stable neurological conditions.

Not a fit: Patients with severe cognitive impairment, dysphasia, or those receiving similar acupuncture treatments may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve the quality of life for stroke patients suffering from fatigue and sleep disturbances.

How similar studies have performed: While acupressure has been explored in various contexts, this specific approach targeting post-stroke fatigue and sleep disturbances is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Ages 50 years old and above, both sex.
2. Diagnosed with stroke, ischemic.
3. Consciousness clear (GCS\>=13)
4. Stable vital signs and neurological functional status with no or controlled complications (e.g., infection or gastrointestinal bleeding).
5. With fatigue (FAS \>=24)

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Severe cognition impairment unable to give consent
2. Dysphasia
3. Ventilation use
4. Multiple diseases with unstable conditions
5. Receiving acupuncture therapy with the same acupoints.

Where this trial is running

Taichung and 1 other locations

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 Inflammatory CytokineCircadian RhythmAcupressurePost-stroke FatigueSleepIschemic Stroke
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.