Does a Simple Touch Make a Difference? The Effect of Acupressure on Pain Scores in Infants Undergoing Cardiac Catheterization: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial.
İlçim Ercan-Koyuncu, Duygu Gözen
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In 30 seconds
This randomized, placebo-controlled trial evaluated acupressure in 60 infants aged 1–12 months with congenital heart disease undergoing cardiac catheterization. Infants were assigned to acupressure, placebo, or control groups, with 20 in each; acupressure was applied before and after the procedure. Compared with both other groups, the acupressure group had significantly lower pain scores at every postprocedural assessment and lower heart rates during follow-up. Analgesic use was also less frequent. Oxygen saturation improved over time, but there were no significant between-group differences at individual time points.
Key findings
- Pain scores were significantly lower with acupressure than with placebo or control at all postprocedural time points.
- Heart rates during follow-up were significantly lower in the acupressure group.
- Analgesic use was less frequent with acupressure than in the placebo and control groups.
- Oxygen saturation improved over time, with no significant between-group differences at individual time points.
Why it matters
Cardiac catheterization is painful and physiologically stressful for infants with congenital heart disease. The trial suggests that acupressure may help reduce pain and analgesic use, while also being associated with lower heart rates during follow-up. These findings add evidence about a noninvasive complementary approach, although they do not establish its effectiveness beyond the studied setting and population.
What to keep in mind
The trial included 60 infants at a single hospital, limiting the breadth of the population and setting represented.