The Effect of Acupressure on Fatigue in Cancer Patients: A Meta-analysis Study

Abstract

Objectives: This meta-analysis study was conducted to determine how acupressure affects fatigue in cancer patients. Materials and Methods: Randomised controlled clinical trials were conducted using the keywords ‘acupressure and fatigue’ on Google Scholar, PubMed, and ISI Web of Sciences databases. Cochran’s Q test statistics and I2 test statistics were used to test the presence of heterogeneity. The random-effect meta-analysis model was used according to the results of the test for heterogeneity. Hedge’s g test statistics were used to determine the joint effect between acupressure and control groups in the meta-analysis study. Results: In this meta-analysis study, 409 patients from the acupressure group and 403 patients from the control group were included. When calculating the average standardised difference value of the acupressure versus the control group, it was determined that acupressure decreased the fatigue score in a statistically significant way. Conclusion: Acupressure is an effective approach to alleviate cancer-related fatigue.