The Effect of Acupressure on Restless Legs Syndrome and Pruritus in Patients Undergoing Hemodialysis
Key facts
- Where
- Dhi-Qar, IraqSee the site
Where in Iraq
- Al-Hussien Hemodialysis centerDhi-Qar, IraqContact: Alaa Kadhim Abdul-Hameed, Assist lecturerNo longer taking part
Questions to ask the study team
- How often do I need to come in, and for how long each time?
- Are travel costs paid?
- Can I keep my own doctor?
- What happens if I want to stop?
Contact the study team: see the registry record → Contacts and Locations
Print a page for my doctorTrial details
- Who runs it
- University of Baghdad
- Trial code
- NCT07814443
- Record updated
- 11 September 2026
- Original description
This randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate the effect of combined traditional and paraspinal acupressure on restless legs syndrome and pruritus among patients undergoing hemodialysis. Participants will be randomly assigned to either an intervention group receiving the acupressure intervention in addition to routine hemodialysis care or a control group receiving routine care only. The severity of restless legs syndrome and pruritus will be assessed at predetermined time points using validated assessment tools. The study aims to determine whether the combined acupressure intervention is effective in reducing restless legs syndrome and pruritus symptoms in patients undergoing hemodialysisRead full original descriptionShow less
"Effect of Combined Traditional and Paraspinal Acupressure on Restless Legs Syndrome and Pruritus in Patients Undergoing Hemodialysis: A Randomized Controlled Trial
This randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate the effect of combined traditional and paraspinal acupressure on restless legs syndrome and pruritus among patients undergoing hemodialysis. Participants will be randomly assigned to either an intervention group receiving the acupressure intervention in addition to routine hemodialysis care or a control group receiving routine care only. The severity of restless legs syndrome and pruritus will be assessed at predetermined time points using validated assessment tools. The study aims to determine whether the combined acupressure intervention is effective in reducing restless legs syndrome and pruritus symptoms in patients undergoing hemodialysis
Inclusion: Patients more than 18 years old on hemodialysis treatment for more than 2 sessions per week; The patients on hemodialysis for more than 3 months; The patients who complain of restless leg syndrome and pruritus; RLS diagnosis meeting the diagnostic criteria defined by the International Restless Legs Syndrome Study Group (IRLSSG); At least moderate RLS symptoms (IRLS - total score ≥ 11); Patients who score more than five on the 5D Pruritus scale; Patient with a history of pruritus for more than 3 months.
Exclusion: Patients with skin lesions in areas involved in acupressure therapy; Patients with malignancy; Patients with impaired skin integrity; Patients with neurological deficits as perception of pain, may differ from other patients; Patients with a body mass index (BMI) of more than > 30 kg/m²; Patients with Jaundice.