ACUPRESSURE VERSUS TRANSCUTANEOUS ELECTRICAL NERVE STIMULATION ON PAIN AND QUALITY OF LIFE INTRA DIALYSIS

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Faculty of Physical therapy Cairo University

2 Assistant Professor of Physical Therapy for Cardiovascular Respiratory Disorder and Geriatrics Faculty of Physical Therapy Cairo University

3 Lecturer of internal medicine Faculty of medicine Minya University

4 Lecturer of Physical Therapy for Cardiovascular/ Respiratory Disorder and Geriatrics Faculty of Physical Therapy Cairo University

Abstract

Background: Hemodialysis complications causes pain and physical problems affecting the quality of life [QOL]. By comparison between effect of Acupressure and Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation [TENS] on pain and Quality Of Life intra dialysis. Both may decrease pain and improve quality of life in hemodialytic patients, but more research is needed to identify which is more effective.
The main aim of this study was to compare between effect of Acupressure and Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation [TENS] on pain and quality of life intra dialysis.
Patients and Methods: The research included a cohort of 60 male individuals who underwent Hemodialysis aged 50–60; They were recruited from hemodialysis unit of Maghagha central hospital in Minya. The patients were divided equally into groups A and B; group A included patients who underwent Acupressure three times per week for eight weeks. Group B underwent TENS three times per week for eight weeks .They were evaluated using Pain pressure threshold ( PPT), brief Pain inventory(BPI) and KDQOL [SF-36] questionnaire.
Results: The previous and post-study comparison revealed a significant reduction in pain by increasing Pain pressure threshold, decrease brief pain inventory scaling and improve QOL by KDQOL [SF-36] questionnaire in both groups. but TENS had a more statistically significant advantage over Acupressure and more effective in relieving pain and improving QOL.
Conclusion: From results of the current study, it supports the application of TENS has more significant effect than Acupressure in relieving pain, improving quality of life intra dialysis. It is preferable to use both together.

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