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Sponsor: Abant Izzet Baysal University
Conditions: Multiple Sclerosis
Interventions: Self-acupressure education
This study aims to evaluate the effects of acupressure therapy on patients with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). MS is a chronic autoimmune disease affecting the central nervous system, characterized by inflammation, demyelination, and nerve damage. Patients often experience symptoms such as fatigue, muscle weakness, pain, depression, anxiety, and cognitive impairment, which lower their quality of life and make daily activities challenging. In addition to conventional treatments, complementary therapies can help alleviate these symptoms. Acupressure is a non-invasive technique that involves applying pressure to specific points on the body to regulate energy flow, without using needles. This research investigates the effects of acupressure on beta-endorphin and hypocretin levels, cognitive functions, and patient-reported symptoms in MS patients. Beta-endorphin is known as a natural pain reliever, while hypocretin plays a role in regulating sleep-wake cycles and energy levels. The study hypothesizes that acupressure can increase the levels of these biochemical substances, improving pain, fatigue, and cognitive functions. This single-blind, randomized controlled trial will include 82 MS patients. Participants will be divided into two groups: the intervention group (receiving acupressure therapy) and the control group (receiving routine care). The acupressure intervention will be performed twice a week for eight weeks. Participants in the intervention group will learn acupressure techniques and apply them as part of the treatment, while those in the control group will receive acupressure training after the study ends. Throughout the study, beta-endorphin and hypocretin levels will be measured via blood tests, and cognition, pain, fatigue, depression, and quality of life will be assessed using validated scales. Participants will also report their experiences during the treatment, and the data collected will be analyzed through comparative evaluations. This research aims to comprehensively analyze the effects of acupressure on MS patients and provide scientific evidence regarding the effectiveness of complementary therapies. The findings may offer an alternative method to improve quality of life and alleviate symptoms for MS patients. Acupressure's simplicity, affordability, and ease of application make it a more accessible and sustainable option. The study will be conducted in compliance with ethical standards, prioritizing participant safety.
Sex: ALL
Age: 18 Years to 65 Years
Healthy volunteers: No
Study type: INTERVENTIONAL
Inclusion Criteria: * Presence of an MS diagnosis confirmed by a neurologist based on the McDonald criteria. * Having the RRMS subtype. * Diagnosed with MS for at least one year. * Individuals aged 18-65 years. * An EDSS score between 0 and 5, indicating mild to moderate disability. * No use of steroid therapy or discontinuation of steroid therapy at least 3 months prior to participation. * No MS relapse within the last 3 months. * No prior use of acupressure or other complementary therapies. * Sufficient language proficiency to understand the study and complete assessments. Exclusion Criteria: * Presence of any open wounds or deformities at the application site. * Presence of neurodegenerative or neuropsychiatric disorders such as - Parkinson's or Alzheimer's, which may potentially confound the study results. * Pregnant or breastfeeding women, due to hormonal changes that may affect outcomes. * Presence of severe cardiovascular, pulmonary, hepatic, renal, or psychiatric diseases.