Combined Qigong and Acupressure for Improving Chemotherapy-induced Peripheral Neuropathy (NCT05764447) | Clinical Trial Compass
CompletedNot Applicable
Combined Qigong and Acupressure for Improving Chemotherapy-induced Peripheral Neuropathy
Hong Kong110 participantsStarted 2023-03-10
Plain-language summary
The objective of the study is to investigate the effects of a 16-week combined qigong and acupressure intervention on reducing self-reported chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) severity, objective measures of CIPN severity, lower-extremity functioning, handgrip strength, fall incidence, and health-related quality of life post-intervention among post-chemotherapy adult cancer patients. This will be a 2-arm assessor-blinded randomized controlled trial that will follow the CONSORT guidelines. A total of 104 cancer patients aged ≥18 who have completed neurotoxic chemotherapy at least 1 month prior to enrolment and experiencing CIPN will be recruited and randomized into combined qigong and self-administered acupressure intervention and wait-list control groups. The intervention group comprises of twice-weekly supervised group sessions and three times-weekly self-practice prescription (30 min each time) on days without group sessions. The control group will be offered a free modality of their choice after the last follow-up. The participants will receive usual care alone during the study period.
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion Criteria:
* ≥18 years
* diagnosis of cancer
* completed neurotoxic chemotherapy at least 1 month prior to enrolment
* experiencing CIPN (defined as tingling, numbness, or pain in the extremities in the past week, on the basis of a score ≥4 on an 11-point numerical rating scale due to receiving neurotoxic chemotherapy)
* Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status between 0 and 2
* able to communicate in Cantonese or Mandarin
Exclusion Criteria:
* they have psychiatric disorders or conditions that preclude practicing qigong or acupressure (e.g., recent myocardial infarction, breathing difficulties requiring oxygen use or hospitalization, cannot walk independently)
* have regularly engaged in qigong or acupressure (\>once per week) in the previous 6 months
* are receiving acupuncture
* are pregnant or lactating
* have any infection/injury/ulcers around the acupoints, or had peripheral neuropathy before chemotherapy
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
What they're measuring
1
Change in self-reported CIPN severity post-intervention
Timeframe: Change from baseline (week 0) to post-intervention (week 16)