P6 acupressure increases tolerance to nauseogenic motion stimulation in women at high risk for PONV.

Abstract

PURPOSE:

In a previous study we noticed that P6 acupressure decreased postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) more markedly after discharge. As motion sickness susceptibility is increased by, for example, opioids we hypothesized that P6 acu-pressure decreased PONV by decreasing motion sickness susceptibility. We studied time to nausea by a laboratory motion challenge in a group of volunteers, during P6 and placebo acupressure.

METHODS:

60 women with high and low susceptibilities for motion sickness participated in a randomized and double-blind study with an active P6 acupressure, placebo acupressure, and a control group (n = 20 in each group). The risk score for PONV was over 50%. The motion challenge was by eccentric rotation in a chair, blindfolded and with chin to chest movements of the head. The challenge was stopped when women reported moderate nausea. Symptoms were recorded.

RESULTS:

Mean time to moderate nausea was longer in the P6 acu-pressure group compared to the control group. P6 acupressure = 352 (259-445), mean (95% confidence interval) in seconds, control = 151 (121-181) and placebo acupressure = 280 (161-340); (P = 0.006). No difference was found between P6 and placebo acupressure or placebo acupressure and control groups. Previous severity of motion sickness did not influence time to nausea (P = 0.107). The cumulative number of symptoms differed between the three groups (P < 0.05). Fewer symptoms were reported in the P6 acupressure compared to the control group P < 0.009. Overall, P6 acupressure was only marginally more effective than placebo acupressure on the forearms.

CONCLUSION:

In females with a history of motion sickness P6 acu-pressure increased tolerance to experimental nauseogenic stimuli, and reduced the total number of symptoms reported.

• Authors: Aidah Alkaissi, Torbjörn Ledin, Lars M Odkvist, Sigga Kalman
• Journal: Canadian journal of anaesthesia = Journal canadien d'anesthesie (Can J Anaesth) 2005 Aug-Sep Vol. 52 Issue 7 Pg. 703-9 ISSN: 0832-610X [Print] United States
• PMID: 16103382 (Publication Type: Comparative Study, Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial)

Chemical References

• Placebos

Topics

• Acupressure
• Acupuncture Points
• Adolescent
• Adult
• Disease Susceptibility
• Double-Blind Method
• Female
• Head Movements (physiology)
• Humans
• Motion Sickness (physiopathology)
• Nausea (physiopathology)
• Placebos
• Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting (prevention & control)
• Risk Factors
• Rotation
• Time Factors