Riassunto dello studio

Thirty-one nursing students with cervical pain were randomized to receive auricular acupressure (AA) for 4 weeks (n = 17) or placebo AA at non-cervical/stress points (n = 14). The primary outcome was neck pain (Numeric Rating Scale [NRS] and Neck Disability Index [NDI]); secondary outcome was perceived stress (Perceived Stress Scale [PSS]). Outcomes were assessed weekly for NRS/NDI and at weeks 0, 2, and 4 for PSS. Overall, the results revealed greater reductions in pain with AA versus placebo: NRS improved over time with significant between-group and group×time interaction; NDI favored AA between groups though without significant time or interaction effects; PSS decreased over time without between-group differences. These findings suggest 4-week AA is a safe, noninvasive option that reduces neck pain in this population.