Effects of Far Infrared Stimulation of Neiguan Acupoints(PC6) on Fatigue and Heart Rate Variability in Hemodialysis Patients

• Main Authors: Ling-Yu Liao, 廖怜俞
• Other Authors: Chi-Feng Liu
• Format: Others
• Language: zh-TW
• Published: 2015
• Online Access: http://ndltd.ncl.edu.tw/handle/10767603409487443281

碩士 === 國立臺北護理健康大學 === 中西醫結合護理研究所 === 104 === Abstract Objective: This study aimed to determine the effects of far infrared stimulation of neiguan acupoints (P6) on fatigue and heart rate variability in hemodialysis patients. Methods: A quasi-experimental design study was employed and enrolled a convenience sample of 73 hemodialysis patients. Those patients were randomly assigned to an experimental group (n=37) and control group (n=36).The experimental group received far infrared stimulation of the neiguan acupoints for 40 minutes each treatment three a week, for total period of 12 weeks continuously. Fatigue scale scores and heart rate variability were compared between these two groups. Results: Hemodialysis patients had moderate fatigue (M=26.00±13.01, range=0~78) in the present study when the five factors on the fatigue scale were analyzed separately. Women had greater "reduction in daily activities" on the fatigue scale than men. Age over 65 had significantly greater " reduction invigor and motivation " and " reduction in mental ability " on the fatigue scale than age below 65. The educational lever below junior high school (including junior high school graduated) had greater" reduction in physical ability" effect on the fatigue scale then those who had higher educational level above junior high school. The participants who has diabetes mellitus show higher behavior pattern with" reduction in mental ability " and" distress and loss of control in mood" on the fatigue scale than those who never has diabetes mellitus. But other factors differences did not reach significance. On the fatigue scale, the item autonomic nervous system activity correlated negatively with "decreased activity ability" and "depressed mood." Far infrared stimulation of the neiguan acupoints reduces patients' fatigue, boosts autonomic and parasympathetic nervous system activity. Conclusions: Far infrared stimulation of the neiguan acupoints effectively reduces fatigue and increases autonomic nervous system activity in hemodialysis patients. This finding may help to guide intervention by medical personnel when hemodialysis patients experience fatigue.