1. Effect of self-acupressure on middle ear barotrauma associated with hyperbaric oxygen therapy: A nonrandomized clinical trial
- Author
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Kuo-Wei Bi, Jen-Ming Chen, Chun-Ting Liu, Re-Wen Wu, and Zheng-Nan Lu
- Subjects
Adult ,Male ,Valsalva Maneuver ,Ear, Middle ,Pure oxygen ,Acupressure ,03 medical and health sciences ,Young Adult ,0302 clinical medicine ,Hyperbaric oxygen ,Study Protocol Clinical Trial ,medicine ,Humans ,030212 general & internal medicine ,Prospective Studies ,Lead (electronics) ,Trial registration ,Hyperbaric Oxygenation ,Chi-Square Distribution ,business.industry ,General Medicine ,hyperbaric oxygen therapy ,Clinical trial ,Self Care ,medicine.anatomical_structure ,Treatment Outcome ,Barotrauma ,030220 oncology & carcinogenesis ,Anesthesia ,middle ear barotrauma ,Middle ear ,Female ,business ,Ear discomfort ,Acupuncture Points ,Research Article - Abstract
Background: In hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT), a patient is exposed to pure oxygen in a chamber. While HBOT is a long-standing and well-established treatment for a wide variety of medical conditions, one of the main complications is middle ear barotrauma (MEB), which can lead to complaints of ear discomfort, stuffiness or fullness in the ear, and difficulties in equalizing ear pressure. The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of self-acupressure in preventing and reducing the degree of MEB associated with HBOT. Methods: This is a prospective nonrandomized controlled study. A sample of 152 participants will be assigned to 2 groups in a 1:1 ratio. The participants in the control group will receive conventional Valsalva and Toynbee maneuvers, while those in the experimental group will be given additional self-acupressure therapy. The acupoints used will be TE17 (Yifeng), TE21 (Ermen), SI19 (Tinggong), and GB2 (Tinghui). The Modified Teed Classification, symptoms of MEB, and overall ear discomfort levels will be assessed. Data will be analyzed using the Chi-Squared test or t test. Objectives: This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of self-acupressure for preventing and reducing the degree of MEB associated with HBOT. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04311437. Registered on 17 March, 2020.
- Published
- 2021