Description A single, 20-minute session of single-point acupuncture was applied on Yintang (acupuncture group) or sham point (sham acupuncture group).
Experimental Description
With a of 0.05 and power of 0.85 to detect a 20% difference between groups, a samplesize of 52 patients was estimated (26 patients per group).Patients were divided into two groups based on a computergenerated randomization table:
1. Acupuncture: Yintang (EX HN-3) point, which is located at the root of the nose and between the eyebrows,was used in these patients. This point has been described as having sedative and relaxant properties.
2. Sham acupuncture: A nonacupoint, which is located 2 cm lateral to the distal end of the right eyebrow was used in these patients. This was used as a sham point in studies investigating the stimulating effect of the Yintang point on anxiety.
Description Needles usedwere disposable ear-press needles (0.22mm×1.5mm, Kingli Press Needle, China) (Fig.1).BIS measurements were recorded at baseline and was repeatedevery 2 minutes for 20 minutes.
Anesthesia Method
AA
Clinical Trial Type
random
Effector
BIS values in the acupuncture group were significantly lower than in the sham group in all time intervals (p<0.0042). BIS values were lower than baseline in the study group during the entire study period (p<0.0004) while no such effect has been observed in the sham group (p>0.0004). Mean values of state anxiety (STAI-S) decreased after acupuncture in the study group (p=0,018), while no change was observed in trait anxiety (STAI-T) (p=0.156). Patients of the sham group showed no change in both parameters (p=0.387 and p=0,116).
Acupuncture on Yintang point decreases preoperative anxiety.
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of ear-press needle acupuncture on Yintang point for preoperative anxiety. DESIGN: This was a prospective, randomized, single-blind, controlled study. SETTINGS/LOCATION: The study setting was the Department of Anesthesiology in Ankara Training and Research Hospital of Ministry of Health, Ankara, Turkey. SUBJECTS: The study comprised 52 adult surgical patients. INTERVENTIONS: A single, 20-minute session of single-point acupuncture was applied on Yintang (acupuncture group) or sham point (sham acupuncture group). OUTCOME MEASURES: The efficacy of acupuncture was evaluated by means of the changes in bispectral index (BIS) and STAI (State-Trait Anxiety Index). RESULTS: BIS values in the acupuncture group were significantly lower than in the sham group in all time intervals (p<0.0042). BIS values were lower than baseline in the study group during the entire study period (p<0.0004) while no such effect has been observed in the sham group (p>0.0004). Mean values of state anxiety (STAI-S) decreased after acupuncture in the study group (p=0,018), while no change was observed in trait anxiety (STAI-T) (p=0.156). Patients of the sham group showed no change in both parameters (p=0.387 and p=0,116). CONCLUSIONS: Ear-press needle acupuncture on Yintang point reduces preoperative anxiety in adult surgical patients."
