Acupressure Treatment to Reduce Cough and Related Symptoms in Lung Cancer Survivors

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating the effects of a self-administered acupressure intervention on cough and related symptoms in lung cancer survivors. The study aims to see if acupressure can reduce cough, lessen a symptom group involving dyspnea, cough, and fatigue, and improve overall symptom burden, functional capacity, and quality of life for these patients. This is a randomized controlled trial focusing on supportive care for lung cancer survivors. Participants are randomly assigned to either an 8-week acupressure program or an education group. Those in the acupressure group attend two training sessions at the hospital during the first week to learn proper techniques. They then perform acupressure daily on 15 specific points at least twice a day and during coughing episodes. The education group receives a booklet about lung cancer, cough causes, and management strategies. Trainers follow up with acupressure participants twice weekly to support and assess their practice. Participants will keep diaries recording their acupressure practice and symptoms. They are assessed at four times before treatment, after 1 week, after 8 weeks, and 8 weeks post-intervention. Researchers evaluate cough severity, cough-related quality of life, the dyspnea-cough-fatigue symptom cluster, fatigue, symptom burden, functional capacity, and health-related quality of life. The study runs from baseline through an 8-week intervention and an 8-week follow-up period, with ongoing monitoring via diaries and trainer contacts.

Acupressure for Cough in Lung Cancer Survivors