Acupressure as a Non-Pharmacological Intervention for Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

Abstract

Acupressure is a complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) treatment using fingertips to stimulate acupoints on the skin. Although suggested to improve cognitive function, acupressure has not been previously investigated with a controlled design in traumatic brain injury (TBI) survivors, who could particularly benefit from a non-pharmacological intervention for cognitive impairment. A randomized, placebo-controlled, single-blind design assessed the effects of acupressure (eight treatments over 4 weeks) on cognitive impairment and state of being following TBI, including assessment of event-related potentials (ERPs) during Stroop and auditory oddball tasks. It was hypothesized that active acupressure treatments would confer greater cognitive improvement than placebo treatments, perhaps because of enhanced relaxation response induction and resulting stress reduction. Significant treatment effects were found comparing pre- to post-treatment change between groups. During the Stroop task, the active-treatment group showed greater reduction in both P300 latency (p = 0.010, partial η² = 0.26) and amplitude (p = 0.011, partial η² = 0.26), as well as a reduced Stroop effect on accuracy (p = 0.008, partial η² = 0.21) than did the placebo group. Additionally, the active-treatment group improved more than did the placebo group on the digit span test (p = 0.043, Cohen's d = 0.68). Together, these results suggest an enhancement in working memory function associated with active treatments. Because acupressure emphasizes self-care and can be taught to novice individuals, it warrants further study as an adjunct treatment for TBI.

Cannabis Cue Reactivity and Craving Among Never, Infrequent and Heavy Cannabis Users

“…A traditional auditory oddball task was used to further determine the specificity of cue reactivity differences occurring as a function of cannabis use (McFadden et al, 2011). Participants heard infrequent task-relevant tones (oddballs), infrequent task-irrelevant white noise (novel sound) and a frequent context tone (standard), pressing a button when the oddball tone was presented.…”

Use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine in Treating Individuals with Traumatic Brain Injury

“…Acupressure involves the application of pressure to specific points on the skin (acupoints or meridian points) using hands, fingers, or thumbs to affect the flow of Qi [37,38]. It is distinct from acupuncture in that it is noninvasive and does not involve penetration of the skin with a needle [39 • ].…”

“…It is distinct from acupuncture in that it is noninvasive and does not involve penetration of the skin with a needle [39 • ]. The exact mechanism through which acupressure works remains unclear, although theories postulate various mechanisms, such as its impact on the release of neuropeptides, activation of the opiod system [37], and modulation of the autonomic nervous system to reduce respiration, heart rate, and blood pressure [38].…”

“…McFadden et al [38] conducted a single-blind RCT to investigate the effects of eight 40-min acupressure treatment sessions on cognitive sequelae of TBI. In their study, 42 community-based adults aged 18-44-years with mild-tomoderate TBI were randomized using a random number generator to receive either active acupressure treatment or sham acupressure treatment.…”

Contemporary acupressure therapy: Adroit cure for painless recovery of therapeutic ailments

“…Acupressure helps to recover patients form psycho-geriatric problems and general psychological distress 167 . It is a non-pharmacological intervention which helps to enhance memory functions and as adjunct treatment for traumatic brain injury 168 . It also overcome sleep disturbances in patients affected by cognitive disorders i.e.…”