Using auricular acupressure to improve health before lung surgery
A Pilot Study of the Utility of Auricular Acupressure in Enhancing Prehabilitation Benefits in Candidates for Thoracic Surgery.
This study is testing whether auricular acupressure can help improve the health and well-being of people aged 50 and older who are getting ready for major lung surgery.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 40 (estimated) |
| Ages | 50 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Chicago Academic / other |
| Drugs / interventions | chemotherapy |
| Locations | 1 site (Chicago, Illinois) |
| Trial ID | NCT06516198 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study explores the use of auricular acupressure as a complementary therapy to enhance prehabilitation for patients undergoing major lung surgery. By targeting specific points in the ear, the intervention aims to improve physical and mental health, potentially alleviating pain, anxiety, and fatigue. Participants will be individuals aged 50 and older who are scheduled for lung surgery and will engage in a prehabilitation program lasting at least two weeks. The study will assess the effectiveness of this approach in preparing patients for surgery.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals aged 50 and older who are preparing for major lung surgery and can commit to a prehabilitation program.
Not a fit: Patients with allergies to Vaccaria seeds or medical conditions affecting the ear that prevent the use of auricular acupressure may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could improve the overall health and recovery outcomes for patients undergoing lung surgery.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown that auricular acupressure can improve various health outcomes, suggesting potential success for this novel application in prehabilitation.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria * Being considered for major lung surgery * Surgery is not scheduled for at least 2 weeks * Age ≥ 50 years * Able to understand English at a 4th grade level * No known contraindications to prehabilitation (strength, endurance, balance exercises) * Able to provide informed consent for participation * Has an adult care partner who will be available and capable of placing seeds * Has access to smart phone for communication and image sharing * Underwent frailty screening (given any score) * Able to perform spirometry testing in clinic Exclusion Criteria: * Allergy to Vaccaria seeds * Medical condition affecting either ear preventing use of auricular acupressure such as eczema, frostbite, sunburn
Where this trial is running
Chicago, Illinois
- University of Chicago — Chicago, Illinois, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Maria Lucia Madariaga, MD — University of Chicago
- Study coordinator: Maria Lucia Madariaga, MD
- Email: mlmadariaga@bsd.uchicago.edu
- Phone: 7737022500
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.