Objectives: This randomized controlled trial aimed to evaluate the effects of transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation (TEAS) on sleep quality and menopausal symptoms in postmenopausal women.
Methods: A total of 69 eligible postmenopausal women were recruited and randomly assigned to 1 of 3 groups: experimental TEAS, sham, or control (n = 23 each), using a block randomization method. The TEAS group received cutaneous electrical stimulation at 5 specific acupuncture points, while the sham group received stimulation at nonrelated points, and the control group received no intervention, all groups received routine primary care. Outcome measures included the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and the Menopause Rating Scale (MRS), administered at baseline, immediately after the intervention, and one month postintervention. Data were analyzed using SPSS24, Kruskal-Wallis, Mann-Whitney, Toki and Chi-square tests. A significance level of P < .05 was considered significant.
Results: Data from 65 participants were analyzed after accounting for exclusions. At baseline, there were no significant differences in PSQI scores across the 3 groups. However, the TEAS group showed significantly greater improvement in PSQI scores immediately after the intervention (7.36 ± 3.21 vs 9.36 ± 2.38 and 9.76 ± 2.46, P = .012) and 1 month later (6.90 ± 2.97 vs 9.04 ± 2.62 and 9.61 ± 2.33, P = .003) compared to the sham and control groups. Although no significant differences in MRS scores were observed immediately postintervention, a significant reduction in menopausal symptoms was noted in the TEAS group 1 month later (26.18 ± 4.83 vs 29.95 ± 5.65 and 27.42 ± 4.15, P = .042).
Conclusion: TEAS appeared to be effective in improving sleep quality and reducing menopausal symptoms in postmenopausal women.
Trial registration: Iranian Clinical Trials Registry IRCT20130812014333N167 (registered, 18/04/2021).
Author keywords: Acupuncture Points; Menopause; Signs and Symptoms; Sleep; Transcutaneous Electric Nerve Stimulation.
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