Self-Acupressure for Multiple Sclerosis-Related Depression and Fatigue: A Feasibility Randomized Controlled Trial

Background and Objectives: Depression and fatigue are common in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). These complications exacerbate the symptoms of MS. This study aimed to determine the effect of self- acupressure on depression and fatigue in MS patients. Materials and methods: In this randomized clinical trial, the 96 participants from MS Patients Support Association in Mashhad completed the demographic form, depression subscale of the DASS-42, and FSS. Then, they were randomly assigned to intervention and sham groups. Participants in the intervention group pressed Shenmen, and Yintang and the sham group pressed 2.5 cm below the Shenmen and three centimeters above the Yin Tang acupoints 15 minutes every day for one month. The depression subscale of the DASS-42 and FSS questionnaires were completed by the participants one hour after the last intervention in each group. In this study, chi-square, independent t-test, and paired t-test tests were used. Results: The statistical analysis showed that the mean fatigue and depression scores in the two groups did not have significant differences before the intervention (P > 0.05). One hour after the last intervention, statistical analysis showed that the mean of fatigue and depression scores in the intervention group was significantly reduced compared to the sham group (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Self-acupressure is a simple and inexpensive intervention that effectively reduces depression and fatigue among MS patients.