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. 2013:2013:637073.
doi: 10.1155/2013/637073. Epub 2013 Sep 28.

Ear acupressure for smoking cessation: a randomised controlled trial

Anthony L Zhang  1 , Yuan Ming Di, Christopher Worsnop, Brian H May, Cliff Da Costa, Charlie C L Xue
Affiliations

Ear acupressure for smoking cessation: a randomised controlled trial

Anthony L Zhang et al. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2013.

Abstract

This study investigated the efficacy and safety of ear acupressure (EAP) as a stand-alone intervention for smoking cessation and the feasibility of this study design. Adult smokers were randomised to receive EAP specific for smoking cessation (SSEAP) or a nonspecific EAP (NSEAP) intervention which is not typically used for smoking cessation. Participants received 8 weekly treatments and were requested to press the five pellets taped to one ear at least three times daily. Participants were followed up for three months. Primary outcome measures were a 7-day point-prevalence cessation rate confirmed by exhaled carbon monoxide and relief of nicotine withdrawal symptoms (NWS). Intention-to-treat analysis was applied. Forty-three adult smokers were randomly assigned to SSEAP (n = 20) or NSEAP (n = 23) groups. The dropout rate was high with 19 participants completing the treatments and 12 remaining at followup. One participant from the SSEAP group had confirmed cessation at week 8 and end of followup (5%), but there was no difference between groups for confirmed cessation or NWS. Adverse events were few and minor.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Participant recruitment and trial procedure.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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