Actively Recruiting
The Effects of Acupressure Combination on Post-Thoracotomy Pain and Lung Volume During Rest, Breathing-Coughing Exercises: A Randomized Controlled Study
Led by Özgül Aydemir · Updated on 2026-02-13
80
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
30 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
Sponsors
Ö
Özgül Aydemir
Lead Sponsor
I
Istanbul University - Cerrahpasa
Collaborating Sponsor
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Pain after thoracotomy is often severe due to the surgical incision affecting ribs, muscles, and nerves. This trial evaluates the effects of combined acupressure on post-thoracotomy pain and lung volume. The study explores how acupressure, a non-drug method that stimulates specific body points to balance energy flow and regulate pain, may help reduce opioid use and improve recovery after thoracic surgery. Participants are randomly assigned to either an experimental group receiving acupressure at specific points on the body at 2, 6, and 24 hours after surgery or a control group receiving standard care without acupressure. Each acupressure point is stimulated for one minute. Both groups continue routine clinical treatment and care during the study. Participants will have their pain levels measured at rest, during breathing, coughing, and movement before surgery and at 2, 6, and 24 hours post-surgery using a visual analogue scale. Lung volume will be recorded before surgery and 24 hours after using a triflow device. Additional assessments include breathing and coughing exercises and vital signs such as blood pressure, respiratory rate, and oxygen saturation. The study aims to improve pain management and lung function after thoracotomy while minimizing opioid-related side effects.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Combined Acupressure Effects on Post-Thoracotomy Pain and Lung Volume
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Underwent thoracotomy
- Undergoing thoracic surgery for the first time
- Classified as ASA physical status I, II and III
- Presence of a drain upon admission to the intensive care unit
- Conscious, oriented, and cooperative
- Provided verbal and written informed consent after receiving information about the study
You will not qualify if you...
- Intubated
- Persistent anxiety before the surgery
- Diagnosed with panic disorder
- Chemotherapy within the last 6 months
- Diagnosed psychiatric illness or mental health problems
- Presence of edema
- Intraoperative or postoperative complications
- Non-Turkish speaking, or presence of hearing or visual impairment
- Body mass index (BMI) greater than 30
- Participation in another clinical trial during the study period
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - 24 hours after surgery
Participants receive acupressure at specified acupuncture points 2, 6, and 24 hours after thoracotomy surgery. The acupressure is applied for 1 minute at each point. Participants also receive routine clinical care and have pain levels, respiratory measures, and lung volume assessed before surgery and up to 24 hours after surgery.
3 visits within 24 hours post-surgery (in-person)
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
Özgül Aydemir
Istanbul, Turkey (Türkiye), 34067
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
Ö
Özgül Aydemir, Doctor
Ö
Öykü Kara, Specialist
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
SINGLE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
2
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