Effect of Self-Acupressure on Fatigue and Sleep Quality in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to assess the efficacy of self-acupressure in alleviating fatigue and enhancing sleep quality among individuals diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. Methods: In our randomized controlled study, participants in the intervention group were instructed to administer self-acupressure on two specific sites. Patients were directed to administer the therapy to the specified two sites biweekly in the morning, at least one hour after breakfast, for a duration of 4 weeks, culminating in a total of 8 sessions. No intervention occurred in the control group during this study. Data were gathered utilizing the Patient Introductory Information Form, the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS), and the Richards-Campbell Sleep Questionnaire (RCSQ). Results: The study comprised twenty-four individuals with multiple sclerosis in each group, comprising fourteen women in the intervention group and thirteen women in the control group. Subsequent to the intervention, the intervention group demonstrated a statistically significant decrease in total FSS scores compared to the control group (p < 0.001; d = 1.68), although total RCSQ scores revealed a substantial gain (p < 0.001; d = 1.65). Conclusion: Self-acupressure was proven to reduce fatigue levels and improve sleep quality in adults with multiple sclerosis. In conclusion, self-acupressure is an accessible, cost-effective, and efficacious technique for alleviating fatigue and enhancing sleep quality in patients with multiple sclerosis.