Impact of Acupressure on Pain, Functional Status, and Quality of Life in Individuals With Knee Osteoarthritis


Aydemir T., Çirpan R., TEKİNSOY KARTIN P.

Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, 2025 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus) identifier identifier

  • Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
  • Basım Tarihi: 2025
  • Doi Numarası: 10.1016/j.jmpt.2025.09.001
  • Dergi Adı: Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics
  • Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, CINAHL
  • Anahtar Kelimeler: Acupressure, Functional Status, Knee Osteoarthritis, Pain Management, Quality of Life
  • Erciyes Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet

Özet

Objective: The purpose of this study was to ascertain the impact of acupressure on pain perception, functional status, and overall quality of life in individuals afflicted with knee OA. Methods: The research was executed as an experimental study employing both pre- and post-test assessments, featuring a control group. Ninety participants were divided into 2 groups: acupressure and control. The acupressure intervention was administered twice weekly, once daily, for a duration of 4 weeks, totaling eight sessions. It adhered to the guidelines for acupuncture application as outlined by the researcher, targeting 6 specific acupuncture points. Data were collected both before and after the acupressure sessions, utilizing assessment tools such as the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), the 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36), and the Western Ontario and McMaster University Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC). Results: The study was conducted with a total of 90 participants, comprising 45 individuals in the acupressure group (comprising 88.9% females, with a mean age of 62.88 ± 9.55 years) and 45 individuals in the control group (also comprising 88.9% females, with a mean age of 58.93 ± 10.19 years). Before the acupressure intervention, the acupressure group exhibited higher scores in pain, stiffness, and physical function compared to the control group. Nevertheless, after the interventions, a noteworthy enhancement was detected in the VAS scores, WOMAC scores, and SF-36 scores within the acupressure group (P < .001). Conclusion: In conclusion, acupressure was found to reduce pain severity and enhance the functional status and quality of life in patients diagnosed with knee OA. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, ID: NCT05238350.