Using auricular acupressure to improve health before lung surgery

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

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.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

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 it's running

• 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

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.