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Exploring the Effect of a Virtual Acupressure Program on Cancer-related
Symptoms

N. Lukkahatai, J. Li, and J. Zhang 1
1
1
School of Nursing, Johns Hopkins University, United States
1

Background: Cancer patients commonly suffer from various physical and psychological symptoms
such as fatigue, pain, sleep disturbances, depression, and anxiety. While acupressure has gained
recognition as a potential treatment and ability to train online, there’s a lack of empirical evidence
supporting its effectiveness in addressing these symptoms.

Objective: This study aimed to assess the impact of a virtual acupressure program on multiple
symptoms in cancer patients.

Methods: A pilot randomized controlled trial investigated the feasibility and effects of a 12-week virtual
acupressure program for symptoms among individuals with solid tumor cancer, aged 18 and older
compared to usual care control. Symptoms were evaluated using the Patient-Reported Outcomes
Measurement Information System-29 at baseline and completion of the 12-week program. Descriptive
and T-test analysis using SPSS was conducted to observe changes in symptoms before and after the
intervention.

Results: Forty participants, with a mean age of 57.8 ± 10.6 (age range 33-74) were randomly assigned
to the virtual acupressure group (n=20) and the usual care control group (n=20). The majority were
white (n=23, 79.3%) and male (n=16, 55.2%), with breast cancer being the most common diagnosis
(n=12, 41.4%). Among those who received acupressure, improvements were reported in physical
function (36.4%), anxiety (31.8%), depression (36.4%), fatigue (45.5%), and sleep disturbance (40.9%).
Oral Presentation Abstracts
Furthermore, there was an average decrease of 7% in self-reported fatigue from baseline.

Conclusion: This preliminary data analysis offers initial evidence supporting the potential benefits
of acupressure in alleviating various physical symptoms in cancer survivors, including fatigue, sleep
disturbance, pain intensity, depression, and anxiety. However, the study’s findings are limited by
a small sample size and reliance on self-reported outcomes. Future research should incorporate
larger sample sizes and additional measures for each symptom to provide a more comprehensive
understanding.

Keywords: cancer related symptoms, acupressure, virtual program

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Correspondence: Nada Lukkahatai, School of Nursing, Johns Hopkins University, United States
E-mail: nada.lukkahatai@jhu.edu

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