This study is the first to evaluate effects of auricular acupressure on body weight parameters in patients with chronic schizophrenia.
Methods:
Eighty-six subjects were recruited and randomly assigned to an Auricular Acupressure group and a Control group. Inclusion criteria were: meeting established criteria for schizophrenia, staying in chronic ward for two months or more, aged 20-60 years, body mass index ≧24 kg/m2, diagnosed by a psychiatrist, stable mental status and able to communicate in writing or verbally. Auricular acupressure was given at four acupuncture points (hunger, stomach, shenmen and endocrine) twice a week for 8 weeks and to each ear for 3-4 consecutive days alternately. Body weight, waist circumference and body fat percentage were measured pre- and post-intervention.
Results:
Most subjects were female (54.1%), males were 45.9%. Subjects’ mean age was 47.7 years, mean body height 160.9cm, mean onset age 32.9 years, and mean disease duration 15 years. No significant differences were found between groups from first to 8th weeks in extent of body weight changes and waist circumference. Controls had a mean increase of 2.1cm in waist circumference and 0.5kg in weight after first week. AA group had a mean increase of 1cm in waist circumference and 0.2kg weight reduction after first week. No significant differences were found in body fat percentage between groups at pretest; no significant differences were found in body fat percentage from baseline measurement to 8th week posttest in either group.
Conclusions:
Auricular acupressure had only mild effects on reducing body weight and waist circumference in the first week and temporary effects disappeared after second week. Auricular acupressure is not suggested as a sole weight management tool. Future studies should perform auricular acupressure at different acupuncture points according to each subject’s meridians.
