Effect of Acupressure on the "Yin-Tang" and "Shen-Men" Points on Pre and Postoperative Anxiety in Elective Caesarean Section: a Prospective, Single-blind, Randomised, Controlled Trial

Effect of Acupressure on the "Yin-Tang" and "Shen-Men" Points on Pre and Postoperative Anxiety in Elective Caesarean Section: a Prospective, Single-blind, Randomised, Controlled Trial

Preoperative anxiety occurs commonly in elective caesarean section and is associated with increased perioperative morbidity. Some groups have used non-pharmacological techniques such as acupressure for its treatment since drugs cross the placenta.

Preoperative anxiety occurs commonly in elective caesarean section and is associated with increased perioperative morbidity. Some groups have used non-pharmacological techniques such as acupressure for its treatment since drugs cross the placenta.

The aim of this study is to examine the efficacy of acupressure with co-stimulation of the "Yin-Tang" and "Shen-Men" points on the reduction in pre- and postoperative anxiety in elective caesarean section.

A single-blind, randomised, controlled, single-centre study will be conducted in ASA I or II patients undergoing elective caesarean section under perispinal anaesthesia. Patients will be randomised into two groups: the ACU+ group (co-stimulation of the "Yin-Tang" and "Shen-Men" points) and the ACU- group (stimulation of two sham points). Anxiety will be assessed using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) score and by measuring skin conductance (Electrodermal Activity [EDA]) during three periods: period 1 (at inclusion, in the patient's hospital room on the morning of the procedure), period 2 (before arrival in the operating theatre) and period 3 (in the postoperative recovery room). True or sham acupressure will be applied using adhesive beads positioned between periods 1 and 2 and left in place until the end of period 3.

Inclusion Criteria:

• informed consent obtained
• adult patients
• ASA class I or II
• scheduled caesarean section at CHRU Tours Maternity
• under perispinal anaesthesia (spinal anaesthesia or spinal and epidural anaesthesia combined)

Exclusion Criteria:

• higher or equal to ASA class III
• heart rhythm disorder
• treated with a psychotropic drug (anxiolytic, sedative, antidepressant, antipsychotic, mood stabilizer)
• psychiatric history
• drug or alcohol abuse
• local contraindications to acupuncture (local signs of infection or inflammation, scars)
• scheduled to caesarean section under general anaesthesia.

Patients will be excluded in the event of transition to general anaesthesia or cancellation of the procedure.