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Updated: Sep 10, 2025
Acupoint Application Combined with Acupressure as an Adjunctive Therapy for Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting
Published on: June 21, 2024
Improving chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy in cancer patients using a combined qigong and self-administered
D S T Cheung1, W F Yeung2, P H Chau1
1School of Nursing, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR.
Background:
Acupressure and qigong are Chinese medicine-based modalities that can work in synergy to improve chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN). This study examines the effect of a combined qigong and acupressure intervention on CIPN among cancer patients.
Patients And Methods:
This randomized controlled trial included cancer patients experiencing CIPN. Participants were randomly allocated to intervention and waitlist control groups (1 : 1). The intervention group received a 16-week combined qigong and self-administered acupressure intervention. The primary outcome was self-reported CIPN severity (Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy/Gynecologic Oncology Group-Neurotoxicity). Other outcomes included objectively measured CIPN severity (DPNCheck), handgrip strength (dynamometer), physical performance (Short Physical Performance Battery), fall incidence, and health-related quality of life (HRQoL, Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-General). Data were collected at baseline, 16 weeks, and 28 weeks. Intention-to-treat analysis was carried out.
Results:
The study randomly assigned 110 patients [mean (standard deviation) age 61.86 years (9.31 years); 49 (89.1%) female], among whom 103 completed the study. After intervention, the reduction in self-reported CIPN severity in the intervention group was significantly larger than in the control group (mean difference = -3.86, 95% confidence interval CI -6.14 to -1.58), P = 0.001). The intervention showed significant benefit in reducing self-reported CIPN severity (group × time P = 0.004), physical performance (group × time P = 0.025), and HRQoL (group × time P < 0.001). The effect on objectively measured CIPN severity, handgrip strength, and fall incidence did not reach statistical significance.
Conclusions:
A combined qigong and acupressure intervention versus waitlist control significantly improved self-reported CIPN among cancer patients. Incorporating the combined intervention into standard practice is recommended.
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