Acupressure in Reducing Post-TBI Fatigue

The Effect of Acupressure on Relieving Fatigue Following Traumatic Brain Injury: a Randomized Controlled Trial

Fatigue is a common symptom experienced by patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI). Prior works have demonstrated that it may profoundly impact the ability to return to productive activity and cognitive functions. However, few interventions have been applied in this population.The purpose of the current will be to test the effect of acupressure on fatigue reduction after traumatic brain injury.

Fatigue is a pervasive and critical long-lasting symptom experienced by patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) and can persist up to months or years after head injury. However, thus far, only few non-pharmacological interventions, such as mindfulness, are implemented in reducing fatigue in TBI survivors. Prior works have suggested that acupressure can significantly improve fatigue in different populations, such as cancers survivors and patients with hemodialysis. Therefore, we would like to test whether acupressure effectively improve fatigue after TBI.

The 5-point acupressure group will be instructed on the following acupressure points: sanyinjiao (SP6), Zu San Li (ST36), shenmen (TF4), Yongquan (KI-1), and He Gu (LI4). Bilateral 1.5 min for each point, three times daily for 4 weeks.

The 2-point acupressure group will be instructed on the following acupressure points: He Gu (LI4) and Tai Chong (LV3). Bilateral 1.5 min for each point, three times daily for 4 weeks.

The usual care group will be required to maintain their daily activities. Weekly telephone follow-up will be conducted by principle investigator.

Two types acupressure interventions, 5-point and 2-point acupressure groups, will be conducted in the current study.

Self-reported feeling of tiredness, is measured by the Chinese version of The Mental fatigue Scale (MFS, higher scores indicate greater mental fatigue) and Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory (MFI, higher score indicates more fatigue)

Inclusion Criteria: Diagnosed with traumatic brain injury over 6 months with initial GCS (admitted GCS) from 3-12. Aged between 20-65 years Are able to communicate in Chinese and Mandarin Are able to complete the questionnaires Complain of tiredness and cannot be restored even after a rest. No physical disability and visual impairment Exclusion Criteria: With skin lesion had diagnosis of neuropathy and paraesthesia prior to study.