Acupoint Stimulation for Pain Reduction and the Associated Benefits in Head and Neck Cancer Patients Receiving Concurrent Chemoradiotherapy

Acupoint Stimulation for Pain Reduction

This study was designed to investigate the effect of Acupoint stimulation on pain reduction, and fatigue, anxiety and depression and quality of life in Head neck cancer receiving Concurrent Chemoradiotherapy.

Data were collected from 92 participants in northern Taiwan medical center Radiation Outpatient.They are randomly assigned to the experimental group (n=46) with Acupoint stimulation and control group(n=46). Outcomes were assessed according to the pain, Brief fatigue inventory, Hospital anxiety and depression scale, quality of life, five repeated measures was conducted.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Clinical diagnosis of head and neck cancer with initial concurrent chemoradiotherapy
• Must be able to communicate clearly
• Must be above age 20

Exclusion Criteria:

• Previous radiotherapy
• History of arrhythmia or use of a pacemaker
• Local swelling or infection over the acupoint area