Acupressure in Reducing Post-TBI Fatigue

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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Fatigue is a common symptom experienced by patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI). Prior works have demonstrated that it may profoundly impact the ability to return to productive activity and cognitive functions. However, few interventions have been applied in this population.The purpose of the current will be to test the effect of acupressure on fatigue reduction after traumatic brain injury.

Detailed Description
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Fatigue is a pervasive and critical long-lasting symptom experienced by patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) and can persist up to months or years after head injury. However, thus far, only few non-pharmacological interventions, such as mindfulness, are implemented in reducing fatigue in TBI survivors. Prior works have suggested that acupressure can significantly improve fatigue in different populations, such as cancers survivors and patients with hemodialysis. Therefore, we would like to test whether acupressure effectively improve fatigue after TBI.

Official Title
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The Effect of Acupressure on Relieving Fatigue Following Traumatic Brain Injury: a Randomized Controlled Trial

Conditions
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Fatigue

Intervention / Treatment
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* Behavioral: Acupressure


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: Diagnosed with traumatic brain injury over 6 months with initial GCS (admitted GCS) from 3-12. Aged between 20-65 years Are able to communicate in Chinese and Mandarin Are able to complete the questionnaires Complain of tiredness and cannot be restored even after a rest. No physical disability and visual impairment Exclusion Criteria: With skin lesion had diagnosis of neuropathy and paraesthesia prior to study.

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 20 Years
Maximum Age: 65 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: Single


Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Experimental: 4-point acupressure group<br>The 5-point acupressure group will be instructed on the following acupressure points: sanyinjiao (SP6), Zu San Li (ST36), shenmen (TF4), Yongquan (KI-1), and He Gu (LI4). Bilateral 1.5 min for each point, three times daily for 4 weeks. | Behavioral: Acupressure<br>* Two types acupressure interventions, 5-point and 2-point acupressure groups, will be conducted in the current study.<br>|
| Active Comparator: 4 -point acupressure group<br>The 2-point acupressure group will be instructed on the following acupressure points: He Gu (LI4) and Tai Chong (LV3). Bilateral 1.5 min for each point, three times daily for 4 weeks. | Behavioral: Acupressure<br>* Two types acupressure interventions, 5-point and 2-point acupressure groups, will be conducted in the current study.<br>|
| No Intervention: Usual care<br>The usual care group will be required to maintain their daily activities. Weekly telephone follow-up will be conducted by principle investigator. | |

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Fatigue | Self-reported feeling of tiredness, is measured by the Chinese version of The Mental fatigue Scale (MFS, higher scores indicate greater mental fatigue) and Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory (MFI, higher score indicates more fatigue) | 4 weeks | 

Secondary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Memory function | The function will be measured by using the Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test | 4 weeks | 
| Attention function | The function will be measured by using the Trail Making Test | 4 weeks | 
| Heart rate variability | We will measure HRV parameter using the device of My ECG E3-8010 | My ECG E3-8010 | 
| Brain waves | measured by the NeuroSky MindWave Mobile 2 | 4 weeks | 
| Sleep quality | Sleep quality will be assessed by using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index | 4 weeks |