Self-acupressure and Zhan Zhuang for Symptom Cluster Management

Launched by THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY · Jul 10, 2024

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is looking at two methods—self-acupressure and Zhan Zhuang—to help manage pain, fatigue, and sleep problems in women who have survived breast cancer. The study will involve 54 breast cancer survivors who are experiencing these symptoms at a moderate level. Participants will be randomly placed into one of three groups: one group will learn Zhan Zhuang, a form of gentle standing exercise, another group will practice self-acupressure, and the third group will wait and receive the treatments later. Each group will engage in their respective activities for eight weeks, with assessments of their symptoms at the start, after the intervention, and four weeks later.

To be eligible for this trial, participants need to be women aged 18 and older who have been diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer and have completed their primary treatments, such as surgery or chemotherapy. They should also be experiencing a moderate level of pain, fatigue, and sleep disturbance. Importantly, participants need to be able to communicate in Chinese and use WhatsApp for follow-up communications. This study aims to better understand how these interventions can improve overall well-being and quality of life for breast cancer survivors.

Gender

FEMALE

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • a female adult aged 18 and older;
• • a diagnosis of early-stage (Stage I, II, or III) breast cancer;
• • completion of surgery, and/or chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy;
• • have at least a moderate level of pain, fatigue and sleep disturbance as measured on 0-10 numerical rating scales, with a score of ≥ 3 for each symptom during the past one month;
• • willing to use WhatsApp messenger for follow-ups;
• • being able to communicate in Chinese
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • prior use of acupuncture, acupressure, Zhan Zhuang, or other types of Zhan Zhuang within the past three months;
• • currently receiving progressive muscle relaxation, mindfulness-based stress reduction, and other body mind exercise (e.g. yoga) for the treatment of pain, fatigue, and sleep disturbance;
• • mentally incapable of participating in the study as indicated by the Hong Kong version of Montreal Cognitive Assessment score;
• • inability to perform self-care as indicated by the Karnofsky Performance Scale score\<70