Auricular Therapy as an adjunct to Pulmonary Rehabilitation
Research type
Research Study
Full title
A Feasibility study of auricular therapy as an adjunct to pulmonary rehabilitation for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.
IRAS ID
119521
Contact name
Denise Gibson
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University Hospitals Southampton NHS Foundation Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 3 months, 2 days
Research summary
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a disabling condition which impacts upon quality of life. Individuals suffering from COPD find it difficult to get out and about and continue with activities they had previously enjoyed. Therefore, many patients suffer from high levels of anxiety and depression,which can be hidden by the significant symptoms, that an individual suffering with COPD, will have.
Anxiety in addition to COPD has a further impact upon quality of life and has been connected with increased "flare ups", infections and hospital admissions.Pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) is the "gold standard" treatment for COPD in improving physical,emotional and social functioning of this group of patients.
Acupuncture and in particular ear acupuncture (auricular therapy) has been shown in some studies to reduce anxiety levels however, the effect of ear acupuncture on anxiety in individuals with COPD, has not yet been examined. This study aims to evaulate whether it is feasible to use auricular therapy in patients with COPD and anxiety, as an adjunct to PR. Twenty Partcipants will be recruited, 10 will be given "real" auricular therapy and 10 sham auricular therapy, each time they attend for their 6-week pulmonary rehabilitation sessions. Levels of Anxiety and depression will be measured at the start and on completion of the trial.REC name
London - Fulham Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
14/LO/2021
Date of REC Opinion
11 Dec 2014
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion