The Effect of Acupressure in Hemodialysis Patients

In the study, 60 hemodialysis patients were randomly assigned to the study and control groups. The study group (n=30) Acupressure is formulated according to the standards of the World Health Organization and in a certain order to the points of Stomach 36 (St 36), Gall Bladder 34 point (GB 34), Spleen 6 point (SP 6) and Kidney 1 point (K 1) will be applied. Consideration will be given to the appropriate pressure intensity and duration. Since the reactions of individuals will be different from each other, the stiffness and pressure will be adjusted according to the sensitivity of the individual in order not to cause tissue damage. Pressures will be applied manually by a single practitioner. Considering the anatomical area where the point is located, the most suitable thumb, index and/or middle finger will be used for application to the relevant point. Successive compressions will be applied at a frequency that does not disturb the patient, does not cause pain, and has a calming effect. Considering the studies done, a person will be given acupressure three times a week for four weeks. No intervention will be made to the control group (n=30). In order to avoid ethical problems both groups will be given an informative training on acupressure and fatigue, increase the quality of life and comfort level in hemodialysis patients at the end of the study. The primary outcome of the study is the effect of acupuncture on fatigue in hemodialysis patients. The secondary result of the study is the effect of acupuncture on quality of life and comfort level in hemodialysis patients.

The results will be collected before the acupressure and in the 4th week of the last intervention.

Inclusion criteria

• Written and verbal consent was obtained to participate in the study,
• Can read, write, speak and understand Turkish,
• Are older than 18 years,
• Have received HD treatment for at least 6 months,
• Receiving HD treatment 3 times a week,
• Fatigue severity ≥4, using a single-item fatigue index ranging from 0 to 10 points,
• Absence of lower extremity wounds
• Any complementary therapy
• Conscious, fully oriented and cooperative and open to communication,
• No visual, hearing and perception problems,
• Any psychiatric patient

Exclusion criteria

• Wound or amputation of lower extremities, rheumatoid arthritis or limb fracture
• Any psychiatric disease,
• Patients with hepatitis B and hepatitis C,
• Using any of the complementary and integrated methods
• Those who receive HD treatment twice a week