Using self-acupressure to reduce fatigue in breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy
Effects of Self-administered Acupressure Versus Aerobic Exercise for Treating Cancer-related Fatigue in Cancer Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy: A Randomized Controlled Equivalence Trial
NA · The University of Hong Kong · NCT05409352
This study is testing whether self-acupressure can help reduce fatigue in breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, comparing it to aerobic exercise.
Quick facts
| Phase | NA |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 138 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | The University of Hong Kong (other) |
| Drugs / interventions | chemotherapy |
| Locations | 1 site (Hong Kong) |
| Trial ID | NCT05409352 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of self-administered acupressure compared to aerobic exercise in alleviating cancer-related fatigue (CRF) among breast cancer patients receiving chemotherapy. It will involve a randomized controlled trial with 138 participants who will be assigned to either the acupressure or aerobic exercise group. The study will assess various outcomes, including sleep disturbances, quality of life, and adherence to the intervention, following strict CONSORT guidelines. The hypothesis is that both interventions will have equivalent effects on reducing CRF.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 or older with a diagnosis of breast cancer who are about to start their first cycle of outpatient adjuvant chemotherapy.
Not a fit: Patients who have recently received acupressure or acupuncture, or those who engage in significant aerobic exercise, may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could provide an effective, low-energy method for managing fatigue in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.
How similar studies have performed: While aerobic exercise is a well-established method for managing CRF, the use of self-administered acupressure in this context is relatively novel and has not been rigorously tested among chemotherapy patients.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. aged 18 or above 2. with a diagnosis of breast cancer 3. scheduled to commence their first cycle of outpatient adjuvant chemotherapy 4. have an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status of 0 or 1 5. screened as no contraindications for exercise based on a pre-exercise safety assessment (including aspects of blood results, cardiorespiratory signs and symptoms, metastasis, and variations in cognitive functions) 6. written informed consent Exclusion Criteria: 1. have received/self-administered acupressure or acupuncture in the previous 3 months 2. have engaged in \>90 min of moderate intensity aerobic exercise per week in the previous 3 months 3. are pregnant or lactating 4. have any injury or ulcers around the acupoints 5. unable to communicate in Cantonese, Mandarin, or English
Where this trial is running
Hong Kong
- Queen Mary Hospital — Hong Kong, Hong Kong (RECRUITING)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Denise Shuk Ting Cheung, PhD
- Email: denisest@hku.hk
- Phone: 39176673
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.
Conditions: Cancer, Breast, Fatigue, Acupressure, Exercise, cancer, fatigue, acupressure, exercise