Self-acupressure for multiple sclerosis-related depression and fatigue: A feasibility randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Background & Objective: Depression and fatigue are common in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). These complications exacerbate the symptoms of MS. This study aimed to determine the effect of self-acupressure on depression and fatigue in MS patients. Materials & Methods: In this randomized clinical trial (RCT), 96 participants from the MS Association of Mashhad, Iran completed the demographic form, the Depression, Anxiety Stress Scales (DASS-42), and the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS). Then, they were randomly assigned to intervention and sham groups. Participants in the intervention group pressed the Shenmen and Yin Tang acupoints, and the sham group pressed 2.5 cm below the Shenmen and 3 cm above the Yin Tang acupoints for 15 minutes every day for one month. The participants completed the DASS-42 and FSS one hour after the final intervention in each group. Also, the chi-square, independent t-test, and paired t-test were used in the study. Results: The statistical analysis showed that the mean fatigue and depression scores were not significantly different between the two groups at the baseline (P>0.05). However, the mean scores of fatigue and depression significantly reduced in the intervention group compared to sham group one hour after the last intervention (P<0.05). Conclusion: Self-acupressure is a simple and inexpensive intervention that may reduce depression and fatigue among MS patients.