The Effect of Acupressure and Cryotherapy on the Pain of Patients on Hemodialysis During Arteriovenous Fistula Cannulation: A Randomized Crossover Clinical Trial

Various pharmacological and non-pharmacological measures are used to reduce pain of patients on hemodialysis during an arteriovenous fistula (AVF) cannulation. In this randomized, crossover clinical trial, 39 patients randomly received acupressure and cryotherapy. In cryotherapy, an ice cube was used to massage the Hegu point in the hand without the fistula for 10 minutes before AVF cannulation. In acupressure, a moderate pressure with the thumb was applied. The pain score was mild after cryotherapy and acupressure, with no significant difference between the two methods. In addition, acupressure significantly reduced pain compared with routine care, but cryotherapy did not significantly reduce pain compared with routine care. Pain intensity was mild after acupressure and cryotherapy, and neither of these two methods was preferred over the other to reduce the pain during AVF cannulation.