Acupressure and Stress Resilience

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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The current study will assess the efficacy of acupressure, a type of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) in the Veteran population. Veterans with co-occurring mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) will be consented and randomly assigned to either an active or placebo acupressure treatment series of 8 sessions. The investigators will determine if acupressure affects aspects of day-to-day function, such as memory, sleep, mood, psychiatric health and stress resilience. This information will help identify potential treatment strategies to improve quality of life and overall function in this particular Veteran population.

Official Title
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Using Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) to Promote Stress Resilience in Those With Co-Occurring Mild TBI and PTSD

Conditions
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Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI)

Intervention / Treatment
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* Other: Active Acupressure Treatment
* Other: Placebo Acupressure Treatment


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: Between the ages of 18-60 Diagnosis of mild TBI and PTSD as assessed by interview and/or chart review Currently receiving or eligible to receive physical and/or mental healthcare through the VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System Exclusion Criteria: History of other significant neurological disease (e.g., Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, multiple sclerosis etc.) as assessed by interview and/or chart review. Such conditions could affect outcome measures independently, thereby creating an experimental confound. History or diagnosis of lifetime moderate to severe TBI, as assessed by interview and/or chart review. History of psychotic disorder or bipolar I disorder as assessed by structured interview. Such conditions could affect outcome measures independently, thereby creating an experimental confound. Inability to read the informed consent document or adequately respond to questions regarding the informed consent procedure. Prior experience with acupressure, as this would result in individuals potentially being able to detect Placebo treatments if randomly assigned to that group.

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 18 Years
Maximum Age: 60 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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No

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Design Details

Primary Purpose: Treatment
Allocation: Randomized
Intervention Model: Parallel Assignment
Masking: Double


Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Active Comparator: Acupressure Treatment<br> | Other: Active Acupressure Treatment<br>* Participant will receive 8 active acupressure treatments.<br>|
| Placebo Comparator: Placebo Acupressure Treatment<br> | Other: Placebo Acupressure Treatment<br>* Participants will receive 8 placebo acupressure treatments.<br>|

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Trier Social Stress Test |  | 72 hours post final acupressure treatment |