Effect of auricular acupressure on neuropathy symptoms and quality of life in patients with type 2 diabetes: A double-blind, randomized clinical trial

IF 2.2 4区医学 Q3 INTEGRATIVE & COMPLEMENTARY MEDICINE

Explore-The Journal of Science and Healing Pub Date : 2025-09-19 DOI:10.1016/j.explore.2025.103264

Ali Mohammadalinia , Hosein Ajamzibad , Seyed Javad Mojtabavi , Tahereh Baloochi Beydokhti

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Background

Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is a common complication of diabetes, often leading to pain, disability, and reduced quality of life (QoL). Complementary medicine practices, such as acupressure, are increasingly used by patients with diabetes. This study aimed to investigate the effects of auricular acupressure (AA) on neuropathic symptoms and QoL in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Methods

In this double-blind randomized clinical trial, 41 participants with type 2 diabetic neuropathy meeting the inclusion criteria were randomly assigned to either the intervention group (n = 20) or the sham group (n = 21). The intervention group received auriculotherapy by applying pressure to labels containing five plant seeds placed on the foot reflex area of the external ear three times daily for six weeks. The sham group received pressure on labels containing five plant seeds placed on the cardiac reflex area of the external ear for the same duration. Data collection tools included a demographic questionnaire, the Neuropathy Symptom Score (NSS) questionnaire, and the Neuropathy-Specific Quality of Life (Neuro-QoL) questionnaire, administered before and after the intervention. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 21, employing independent t-tests, paired t-tests, Mann-Whitney U, Wilcoxon, and chi-square tests, with a significance level set at p < 0.05.

Results

Before the intervention, no significant differences were observed between the two groups in terms of neuropathy symptom severity. After the intervention, the intervention group demonstrated a significant reduction in neuropathy symptoms (p < 0.001), while the reduction in the sham group was not statistically significant (p = 0.17). Additionally, QoL scores improved significantly in the intervention group post-intervention (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Auriculotherapy appears to be a cost-effective, non-invasive, and practical approach for reducing neuropathic symptoms and improving QoL in individuals with type 2 diabetes.

Trial Registration

This study was registered at the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (IRCT20220413054530N1), Registration date: 2022–05–02.

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耳穴按压对2型糖尿病患者神经病变症状和生活质量的影响：一项双盲、随机临床试验

背景：糖尿病周围神经病变（DPN）是糖尿病的常见并发症，常导致疼痛、残疾和生活质量（QoL）下降。补充医学实践，如穴位按摩，越来越多的糖尿病患者使用。本研究旨在探讨耳穴按压（AA）对2型糖尿病患者神经病变症状和生活质量的影响。方法：在本双盲随机临床试验中，41例符合纳入标准的2型糖尿病神经病变患者随机分为干预组（n = 20）和假手术组（n = 21）。干预组每日三次对外耳足反射区放置的含有五颗植物种子的标签施加压力，持续六周。假手术组在外耳心脏反射区放置含有五种植物种子的标签上施加压力，持续时间相同。数据收集工具包括人口统计问卷、神经病变症状评分（NSS）问卷和神经病特异性生活质量（neuroqol）问卷，分别在干预前后进行。数据分析采用SPSS 21版，采用独立t检验、配对t检验、Mann-Whitney U检验、Wilcoxon检验和卡方检验，显著性水平设置为p < 0.05。结果：干预前，两组患者神经病变症状严重程度差异无统计学意义。干预后，干预组神经病变症状明显减轻（p < 0.001），而假手术组神经病变症状减轻无统计学意义（p = 0.17）。此外，干预组的生活质量评分在干预后显著改善（p < 0.001）。结论：耳穴治疗是一种经济、无创、实用的方法，可减轻2型糖尿病患者的神经病变症状，改善患者的生活质量。试验注册：本研究已在伊朗临床试验注册中心注册（IRCT20220413054530N1），注册日期：2022-05-02。

本文章由计算机程序翻译，如有差异，请以英文原文为准。

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来源期刊

Explore-The Journal of Science and Healing 医学-全科医学与补充医学

CiteScore

3.00

自引率

8.30%

发文量

179

审稿时长

25 days

期刊介绍： EXPLORE: The Journal of Science & Healing addresses the scientific principles behind, and applications of, evidence-based healing practices from a wide variety of sources, including conventional, alternative, and cross-cultural medicine. It is an interdisciplinary journal that explores the healing arts, consciousness, spirituality, eco-environmental issues, and basic science as all these fields relate to health.