Self-administered acupressure for allergic rhinitis: Study protocol for a randomized, single blind, non-specific controlled, parallel trial

Abstract Background Allergic rhinitis (AR) is an IgE-mediated inflammatory disease. Current conventional therapies for AR are unsatisfactory. Acupuncture has been recommended as an optional treatment for AR patients who are interested in non-pharmacotherapy in the new clinical practice guidelines for AR. Acupressure is a sub-type of acupuncture which is non-invasive with a low risk and can be self-administered. However, the current limited evidence is compromised by the high risk of bias and heterogeneity of methodology. Therefore, rigorously designed randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are needed. This proposed RCT aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of self-administered acupressure for the management of AR. Methods/design We have designed a randomized, single blind, non-specific controlled, two-arm, parallel clinical trial involving a 2-week run-in period, a 4-week intervention period and an 8-week follow-up period. The eligible participants will be randomized into either specific or non-specific acupressure group. They will be required to perform self-administered acupressure on either 5 specific acupressure points or 5 non-specific acupressure points, one minute for each point, twice a day for 4 weeks. Participants will be asked to complete self-administered questionnaires for outcome measures including 7-point scale of symptom severity, Rhinoconjunctivitis Quality of Life Questionnaire with Standardized Activities (RQLQs), relief medication scores, adverse events and participants’ opinion of this study at the different assessment points throughout the trial period. Data will be analyzed by chi-square or t-test using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) software. Discussion The findings from this study will provide scientific evidence for the efficacy and safety of self-administered acupressure for the management of AR. This study may assist to develop a non-cost, non-invasive self-management method for AR sufferers.