Intensive Care Unit PatientsNCT07632781
THE EFFECT OF SU-JOK THERAPY APPLIED TO INTENSİVE CARE PATIENTS UNDER MECHANICVENTILATION SUPPORT
A study testing su jok therapy group in people with Intensive Care Unit Patients, run by Hasan Kalyoncu University at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).
Trial summary
The aim of this study is to examine the effect of Su Jok Therapy, applied to patients receiving mechanical ventilation support in the intensive care unit, on pain and physiological parameters. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 years and older
- Conditions the study is for
- Intensive Care Unit Patients
- What is being tested?
- su jok therapy group
- Could I receive a placebo?
- Yes, some participants may receive a placebo
- How many people
- 30 participants
- Where
- 1 siteTurkey (Türkiye)
- Study dates
- 1 Mar 2025to 1 Nov 2025
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- None posted in the registry
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 18 years and older
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult, Older adult
Who may be able to join
- Patients who are in intensive care,
- Patients receiving IMV support,
- Patients who were admitted to the ICU from the start date of the study and are planned to be monitored for at least 24 hours,
- Patients without any problems in the area where Su-Jok will be applied,
- Patients with GCS > 3, RASS between +1 and +4, BPS > 3
Who cannot join
- • Patients in the ward,
- Patients with any problems such as fungal infections or wounds in the area where Su Jok will be applied,
- Patients with a GCS of 3,
- Patients not receiving IMV support will not be included in the study.
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
Turkey (Türkiye)1 site
Kahramanmaraş
Kahramanmaraş, Kahramanmaraş, 46050
About this study
Official title: THE EFFECT OF SU-JOK THERAPY APPLIED TO INTENSIVE CARE PATIENTS UNDER MECHANICAL VENTILATION SUPPORT ON PAIN AND PHYSIOLOGICAL PARAMETERS.
The aim of this study is to examine the effect of Su Jok Therapy, applied to patients receiving mechanical ventilation support in the intensive care unit, on pain and physiological parameters.
Read the detailed description
Mechanical ventilation (MV), one of the most common treatment methods in Intensive Care Units (ICUs), is a critical treatment approach to ensure adequate respiratory function in patients.
Although mechanical ventilation is a life-saving treatment method in ICUs, it can cause many physiological and psychological problems for patients. Furthermore, excessive exposure to physical, psychosocial, and environmental stressors can affect the patient's autonomic response and vital parameters (tachycardia, hypertension, tachypnea), leading to hemodynamic instability
The World Health Organization (WHO) defines Integrated, Complementary, and Alternative Medicine Practices as the provision of healthcare services that are not part of a country's own tradition or conventional medicine and are not fully integrated into the dominant healthcare system In intensive care patients, non-pharmacological methods such as aromatherapy, music therapy, massage, reflexology, acupressure, and Reiki are used as complementary and alternative treatments. Su Jok, one of these non-pharmacological methods, is an alternative treatment method based on traditional Korean medicine. Su Jok is a treatment method that uses the feet and hands, derived from the Korean words Su (hand) and Jok (foot). In the literature, it is argued that nurses can apply Su Jok therapy as an integrative method in symptom management due to its simplicity of application, lack of side effects, and non-invasiveness, which is similar to the philosophy of integrative nursing. Looking at the literature, very few studies on Su Jok therapy have been found. No studies have been found in the literature regarding the effect of Su Jok therapy on intensive care patients and patients on mechanical ventilation support.
- Conditions
- Intensive Care Unit Patients
- Being tested
- su jok therapy group, Placebo Group
- Keywords
- SU-JOK THERAPY, Intensive Care Unit, pain, PHYSIOLOGICAL PARAMETERS
- Medical subject headings
- Pain
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
su jok therapy groupOther
In the intervention group, the reflex zones on the hands were identified with a probe. Buckwheat seeds were fixed to these areas with adhesive tape and massaged. The seeds remained in place for 4 hours. After 2 hours, these areas were stimulated with a 1-2 minute massage. Measurements were recorded on a data collection form. The application was carried out for 3 days.
Placebo GroupOther
In the placebo group, reflex zones on the hand were identified using a probe. Buckwheat seeds were fixed to a different area near these zones with a seed patch and massaged. The seeds remained in place for 4 hours. After 2 hours, these areas were stimulated with a 1-2 minute massage. Measurements were recorded on a data collection form. The application was carried out for 3 days.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Intervetion group | Experimental | In the intervention group, su-jok seed therapy will be applied to the su-jok reflection zones on the hands. Receives: Other: su jok therapy group |
| Placebo group | Placebo comparator | In the placebo group, su-jok seed therapy will be applied to areas on the hands that are different from the reflection zones. Receives: Other: Placebo Group |
| Control group | No intervention | No intervention will be applied to the control group. |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Systolic Blood Pressure
Hemodynamic response measured by systolic blood pressure
Measured: baseline, 15 minutes, 60 minutes, 4 hours after intervention
Heart Rate (Pulse Rate)
Heart rate measured in beats per minute
Measured: baseline, 15 minutes, 60 minutes, 4 hours after intervention
Oxygen Saturation (SpO₂)
Peripheral oxygen saturation
Measured: baseline, 15 minutes, 60 minutes, 4 hours after intervention
Body Temperature
Core body temperature
Measured: baseline, 15 minutes, 60 minutes, 4 hours after intervention
Respiratory Rate
Number of breaths per minute
Measured: baseline, 15 minutes, 60 minutes, 4 hours after intervention
Richmond Agitation-Sedation Scale (RASS)
Negative scores indicate sedation, positive scores indicate agitation
Measured: baseline, 1 hour, 4 hours after intervention
Behavioral Pain Scale (BPS)
Higher scores indicate more severe pain
Measured: baseline, 1 hour, 4 hours after intervention
Secondary outcomes (8)
Hemodynamic Stability Index (Systolic/Diastolic Blood Pressure Change)
Change in systolic and diastolic blood pressure from baseline to post-intervention measurements.
Measured: baseline, 15 minutes, 60 minutes, 4 hours after intervention
Oxygenation Trend (SpO₂ Change Over Time)
hanges in peripheral oxygen saturation over the intervention period.
Measured: baseline, 15 minutes, 60 minutes, 4 hours after intervention
Heart Rate Variability (Clinical Pulse Trend)
Changes in heart rate measured in beats per minute during and after intervention.
Measured: baseline, 15 minutes, 60 minutes, 4 hours after intervention
Sedation-Agitation Level Stability (RASS Trend)
Changes in Richmond Agitation-Sedation Scale (RASS) scores over time indicating sedation or agitation level.
Measured: baseline, 1 hour, 4 hours after intervention
Pain Intensity Change (Behavioral Pain Scale Trend)
Changes in Behavioral Pain Scale (BPS) scores indicating pain severity over time.
Measured: baseline, 1 hour, 4 hours after intervention
Respiratory Stability (Respiratory Rate Change)
Changes in respiratory rate indicating respiratory stability during intervention.
Measured: baseline, 15 minutes, 60 minutes, 4 hours after intervention
Temperature Stability
hanges in body temperature over time following intervention.
Measured: baseline, 15 minutes, 60 minutes, 4 hours after intervention
Non-pharmacological Intervention Effectiveness (Overall Clinical Stability Score)
Composite assessment of physiological stability based on vital signs and sedation/pain scores.
Measured: baseline, 4 hours after intervention
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted8 Jun 2026
- Study start1 Mar 2025
- Primary completion1 Mar 2025
- Study completion1 Nov 2025
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Intensive Care Unit PatientsStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Single blind
- Who is masked
- Outcomes assessor
- Enrolment
- 30 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Hasan Kalyoncu University
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, MELTEM KALAYCI, Hasan Kalyoncu University
- Investigators
- NERMİN OLGUN, Prof. Dr., Study chair, Hasan Kalyoncu UniversityMELTEM KALAYCI, Principal investigator, Hasan Kalyoncu University
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07632781
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- HKU-LEE-MK-01
- Status last verified
- Jun 2026
- First submitted
- 30 Dec 2025
- Last updated
- 8 Jun 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- Yes
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 8 Jun 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- THE EFFECT OF SU-JOK THERAPY APPLIED TO INTENSIVE CARE PATIENTS UNDER MECHANICAL VENTILATION SUPPORT ON PAIN AND PHYSIOLOGICAL PARAMETERS.
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07632781
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- HKU-LEE-MK-01
- Conditions
- Intensive Care Unit Patients
- Keywords
- SU-JOK THERAPY, Intensive Care Unit, pain, PHYSIOLOGICAL PARAMETERS
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 30 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- Hasan Kalyoncu UniversityUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 1 Mar 2025 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 1 Mar 2025 (actual)
- Study completion
- 1 Nov 2025 (actual)
- First posted
- 8 Jun 2026 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
The aim of this study is to examine the effect of Su Jok Therapy, applied to patients receiving mechanical ventilation support in the intensive care unit, on pain and physiological parameters.
Detailed description
Mechanical ventilation (MV), one of the most common treatment methods in Intensive Care Units (ICUs), is a critical treatment approach to ensure adequate respiratory function in patients.
Although mechanical ventilation is a life-saving treatment method in ICUs, it can cause many physiological and psychological problems for patients. Furthermore, excessive exposure to physical, psychosocial, and environmental stressors can affect the patient's autonomic response and vital parameters (tachycardia, hypertension, tachypnea), leading to hemodynamic instability
The World Health Organization (WHO) defines Integrated, Complementary, and Alternative Medicine Practices as the provision of healthcare services that are not part of a country's own tradition or conventional medicine and are not fully integrated into the dominant healthcare system In intensive care patients, non-pharmacological methods such as aromatherapy, music therapy, massage, reflexology, acupressure, and Reiki are used as complementary and alternative treatments. Su Jok, one of these non-pharmacological methods, is an alternative treatment method based on traditional Korean medicine. Su Jok is a treatment method that uses the feet and hands, derived from the Korean words Su (hand) and Jok (foot). In the literature, it is argued that nurses can apply Su Jok therapy as an integrative method in symptom management due to its simplicity of application, lack of side effects, and non-invasiveness, which is similar to the philosophy of integrative nursing. Looking at the literature, very few studies on Su Jok therapy have been found. No studies have been found in the literature regarding the effect of Su Jok therapy on intensive care patients and patients on mechanical ventilation support.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Single blind (outcomes assessor)
- Number of arms
- 3
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Intervetion group | Experimental | Other: su jok therapy groupIn the intervention group, su-jok seed therapy will be applied to the su-jok reflection zones on the hands. |
| Placebo group | Placebo comparator | Other: Placebo GroupIn the placebo group, su-jok seed therapy will be applied to areas on the hands that are different from the reflection zones. |
| Control group | No intervention | –No intervention will be applied to the control group. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 years and older
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult, Older adult
Key inclusion criteria (5 listed)
- Patients who are in intensive care,
Key exclusion criteria (4 listed)
- • Patients in the ward,
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| su jok therapy groupIn the intervention group, the reflex zones on the hands were identified with a probe. Buckwheat seeds were fixed to these areas with adhesive tape and massaged. The seeds remained in place for 4 hours. After 2 hours, these areas were stimulated with a 1-2 minute massage. Measurements were recorded on a data collection form. The application was carried out for 3 days. | Other | Intervetion group |
| Placebo GroupIn the placebo group, reflex zones on the hand were identified using a probe. Buckwheat seeds were fixed to a different area near these zones with a seed patch and massaged. The seeds remained in place for 4 hours. After 2 hours, these areas were stimulated with a 1-2 minute massage. Measurements were recorded on a data collection form. The application was carried out for 3 days. | Other | Placebo group |
Primary outcome
Systolic Blood Pressure
Time frame: baseline, 15 minutes, 60 minutes, 4 hours after intervention
Hemodynamic response measured by systolic blood pressure
Heart Rate (Pulse Rate)
Time frame: baseline, 15 minutes, 60 minutes, 4 hours after intervention
Heart rate measured in beats per minute
Oxygen Saturation (SpO₂)
Time frame: baseline, 15 minutes, 60 minutes, 4 hours after intervention
Peripheral oxygen saturation
Body Temperature
Time frame: baseline, 15 minutes, 60 minutes, 4 hours after intervention
Core body temperature
Respiratory Rate
Time frame: baseline, 15 minutes, 60 minutes, 4 hours after intervention
Number of breaths per minute
Richmond Agitation-Sedation Scale (RASS)
Time frame: baseline, 1 hour, 4 hours after intervention
Negative scores indicate sedation, positive scores indicate agitation
Behavioral Pain Scale (BPS)
Time frame: baseline, 1 hour, 4 hours after intervention
Higher scores indicate more severe pain
8 secondary outcomes
Hemodynamic Stability Index (Systolic/Diastolic Blood Pressure Change)
Time frame: baseline, 15 minutes, 60 minutes, 4 hours after intervention
Oxygenation Trend (SpO₂ Change Over Time)
Time frame: baseline, 15 minutes, 60 minutes, 4 hours after intervention
Heart Rate Variability (Clinical Pulse Trend)
Time frame: baseline, 15 minutes, 60 minutes, 4 hours after intervention
Sedation-Agitation Level Stability (RASS Trend)
Time frame: baseline, 1 hour, 4 hours after intervention
Pain Intensity Change (Behavioral Pain Scale Trend)
Time frame: baseline, 1 hour, 4 hours after intervention
Respiratory Stability (Respiratory Rate Change)
Time frame: baseline, 15 minutes, 60 minutes, 4 hours after intervention
Temperature Stability
Time frame: baseline, 15 minutes, 60 minutes, 4 hours after intervention
Non-pharmacological Intervention Effectiveness (Overall Clinical Stability Score)
Time frame: baseline, 4 hours after intervention
Results and safety
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 8 Jun 2026.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
NERMİN OLGUN, Prof. Dr. study chair
Hasan Kalyoncu University
MELTEM KALAYCI principal investigator
Hasan Kalyoncu University
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing su jok therapy group in people with Intensive Care Unit Patients, run by Hasan Kalyoncu University at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 5 inclusion and 4 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 8 Jun 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye). Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. Some participants in this study may receive a placebo. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Systolic Blood Pressure (time frame: baseline, 15 minutes, 60 minutes, 4 hours after intervention). The study lists 7 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 8 Jun 2026.