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Randomized Controlled Trial
. 2025 Jan 20;25(1):48.
doi: 10.1186/s12887-024-05371-0.

The Effect of auriculotherapy on sleep quality in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: a randomized clinical trial

Laleh Mohammadi  1 , Zahra Tagharrobi  2 , Khadijeh Sharifi  3 , Zahra Sooki  3 , Mohammad Zare  3 , Fatemeh Zare Joshaghani  4
Affiliations
Randomized Controlled Trial

The Effect of auriculotherapy on sleep quality in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: a randomized clinical trial

Laleh Mohammadi et al. BMC Pediatr. .

Abstract

Introduction: Considering the importance of sleep disorders in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and effective therapeutic strategies, the present study aimed to investigate the effects of auriculotherapy on sleep quality in children with ADHD.

Materials and methods: This clinical trial was conducted in children with ADHD in Kashan, Iran, 2021-2022. Fifty-two eligible samples were selected using convenience sampling and randomly assigned to intervention and sham groups. The intervention group used Vacaria seeds to apply ear acupressure to Shenmen, Sympathetic, Subcortex, Heart, and Endocrine points for four weeks, while the sham group received adhesives without seeds and pressure. Sleep quality was assessed using children's sleep habits questionnaire at the beginning (T0), at the end of the intervention (T1), and one month later (T2). Data from 45 children (23 and 22 children in the intervention and sham groups, respectively) were analyzed using the per-protocol and intention-to-treat designs using repeated measures analysis of variance.

Results: The background variables did not significantly differ between two groups. The between-group analysis revealed a significant interaction effect of time and intervention on sleep quality (Effect Size = 0.545, p < 0.0001). The sleep quality score in the intervention group was significantly greater than in the sham group at T1 and T2 (p < 0.0001). The within-group analysis of the intervention group revealed a significant difference in sleep quality scores at three time points (Effect Size = 0.672, p < 0.05). In the sham group, sleep quality score increased significantly over time (Effect Size = 0.511, p < 0.05).

Conclusions: The findings suggest that auriculotherapy may be a beneficial complementary treatment for improving sleep quality in children with ADHD.

Keywords: ADHD; Auriculotherapy; Child; Ear acupressure; Sleep.

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Conflict of interest statement

Declarations. Ethics approval and consent to participate: This study was approved by the Ethics Committee Ethical Code: [IR.KAUMS.REC.1400.015, dated June 26, 2021] and the Vice Chancellor for Research and Technology [grant number: 99258, dated February 28, 2021] at Kashan University of Medical Sciences and Health Services. The current study was also registered in the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials [Code: IRCT20100211003329N7, dated August 12, 2021]. The first author conducted the sampling at Karganjad Hospital via an introduction from the Vice Chancellor of Research and Technology of Kashan University of Medical Sciences. Written informed consent was obtained from the mothers, and verbal informed consent was obtained from the children after providing them with detailed information about the objectives and methods of the study. The participants were given the right to withdraw from further cooperation. In addition, all participants were assured that if they withdrew from the study, they would still be able to benefit from all services provided in the hospital. In accordance with the informed consent obtained, the families who participated in the study were duly informed of the results. In addition, all families of the children in the Sham group were made aware of the opportunity to reach out to the author of the six relevant articles should they wish to receive the intervention free of charge. The researchers were committed to confidentiality and trustworthiness. Notably, the families were explained that the study results would be provided if they wished. Consent for publication: Not applicable. Competing interests: The authors declare no competing interests.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
The shenmen, sympathetic, subcortex, heart, and endocrine points
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
The flow diagram of the sampling process
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
Sleep quality scores of the two intervention and sham groups at three time points
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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