The Effect of Acupressure on Physiological Parameters of Myocardial Infarction Patients: A Randomized Clinical Trial

BACKGROUND: Myocardial infarction is a major complication of coronary heart disease, and due to high mortality, is a part of important medical emergencies. Today, complementary and alternative medicine, as nonpharmacological and health promotion methods is considered. Therefore, this study was designed to evaluate the effectiveness of acupressure on physiological parameters of patients with myocardial infarction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This clinical trial was carried out among two groups and three stages in 2015. Study participants included 64 patients hospitalized in Iran, Isfahan Shahid Chamran hospital. Acupressure in five points and at any point for 2 minutes, twice per day for 3 days was done in the experimental group and as the same at a false point for the control group. Physiological parameters were recorded before, immediately, and 30 minutes after intervention. Data were analyzed using SPSS 20 and independent t-tests, Chi-square, Mann–Whitney test, repeated-measurements analysis of variance. RESULTS: Independent t-test immediately and 30 minutes after the intervention showed that mean systolic blood pressure and arterial oxygen saturation in the intervention group were significantly lower and higher than the control group, respectively; however, mean diastolic blood pressure and heart rate were not significantly different. However, 30 minutes after intervention, diastolic blood pressure and heart rate were significantly lower in the intervention group. CONCLUSIONS: Acupressure in five points of body had a positive effect on physiological parameters, and showed that after a short time of interventions these parameters lead to promotion over time.