Depressive Symptoms Mild to Moderate in SeverityPostmenopausalNCT07532512
Therapeutic Touch and Acupressure on Depressive Symptoms
A study testing Therapeutic touch intervention and Acupressure intervention in people with Depressive Symptoms Mild to Moderate in Severity, run by Osmaniye Korkut Ata University at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).
Trial summary
Therapeutic touch intervention Participants in the therapeutic touch group received eight sessions over four weeks (two sessions per week), with each session lasting approximately 20 minutes. The intervention was conducted by a researcher trained in therapeutic touch following a standardized protocol. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 45 to 65 years, women onlyHealthy volunteers can take part
- Conditions the study is for
- Depressive Symptoms Mild to Moderate in Severity
- What is being tested?
- Therapeutic touch intervention and Acupressure intervention
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 156 participants
- Where
- 1 siteTurkey (Türkiye)
- Study dates
- 3 Nov 2025to 30 Jan 2026
- 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 45 to 65 years
- Women only
- Healthy volunteers accepted
- Adult, Older adult
Who may be able to join
- Female participants aged 45 to 65 years
- Postmenopausal women
- Able to understand and respond to the data collection tools
- Willing to participate voluntarily
- Able to provide written informed consent
Who cannot join
- Younger than 45 years or older than 65 years
- Receiving hormone replacement therapy
- Having any psychiatric diagnosis
- Using psychiatric medication
- Having any condition that impairs the ability to understand or respond to the study questionnaires
- Refusing to participate in the study
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
Turkey (Türkiye)1 site
Osmaniye Korkut Ata University
Osmaniye, 80000
About this study
Official title: Effects of Therapeutic Touch and Acupressure on Depressive Symptoms Among Postmenopausal Women
Therapeutic touch intervention Participants in the therapeutic touch group received eight sessions over four weeks (two sessions per week), with each session lasting approximately 20 minutes. The intervention was conducted by a researcher trained in therapeutic touch following a standardized protocol.
The session began with a centering phase lasting approximately 2-3 minutes, during which the practitioner focused attention through controlled breathing and mental concentration. This was followed by an energy field assessment lasting approximately 5-7 minutes, during which the practitioner held the hands 5-10 cm above the body without direct contact and slowly moved from the head toward the feet to assess the energy field. The final phase consisted of energy balancing lasting approximately 10-12 minutes, during which slow and rhythmic hand movements were used to promote balance in the participant's energy field. Acupressure intervention Participants in the acupressure group also received eight sessions over four weeks (two sessions per week). During each session, pressure was applied to three acupressure points for two minutes each, resulting in a total active stimulation time of six minutes. Including short preparation and resting periods before and after the intervention, the total session duration was approximately ten minutes. The acupressure points used in this study were Yintang (EX-HN3), Shenmen (HT7), and Neiguan (PC6). Yintang is located on the midline between the medial ends of the eyebrows and is commonly used for calming and stress reduction. Shenmen (HT7) is located on the inner wrist crease on the radial side of the flexor carpi ulnaris tendon and is associated with emotional regulation. Neiguan (PC6) is located on the inner forearm approximately three fingerbreadths proximal to the wrist crease between the palmaris longus and flexor carpiradialis tendons and is associated with regulation of the autonomic nervous system. Pressure was applied using the thumb with mild-to-moderate intensity in rhythmic circular movements. HT7 and PC6 points were stimulated bilaterally, whereas Yintang was stimulated unilaterally. If a participant reported discomfort during the procedure, the pressure intensity was reduced.
Read the detailed description
Menopause is defined as the permanent cessation of menstrual bleeding as a natural consequence of the reproductive period and is confirmed after 12 consecutive months of amenorrhea. During this process, the decline in estrogen and progesterone levels leads not only to vasomotor and somatic symptoms but also to psychological changes. It has been reported that the prevalence of depressive symptoms increases particularly during the postmenopausal period, with biological, psychosocial, and environmental factors playing a significant role in this process. Depressive symptoms observed during the postmenopausal period are considered a public health problem because they negatively affect women's quality of life, social functioning, and overall health status. Hormonal fluctuations experienced during this period may influence the central nervous system, and alterations in serotonergic and noradrenergic neurotransmitter systems may contribute to the development of depressive symptoms. Furthermore, differences in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, which plays a central role in regulating the stress response, may also contribute to the development of these symptoms.
In addition to individual biological and psychosocial factors, traumatic life events such as natural disasters can profoundly affect mental health. Sudden and destructive disasters such as earthquakes may increase the risk of depression by causing multidimensional consequences including loss, displacement, economic hardship, and the weakening of social support systems. Women's experiences of disasters may vary depending on their stage of life. Menopause represents a period during which women's vulnerability during disasters may increase.
Although pharmacological treatments are effective in the management of depression, interest in complementary and holistic approaches has increased due to potential side effects, the need for long-term use, and some women's reluctance to use medication. In this context, non-pharmacological interventions such as therapeutic touch and acupressure have gained attention. Therapeutic touch is a holistic nursing intervention that aims to balance an individual's energy field and enhance the relaxation response. Touch has been suggested to increase oxytocin release, reduce sympathetic nervous system activity, and support parasympathetic activation. Through these physiological mechanisms, stress levels may decrease and psychological well-being may be improved.
Acupressure, on the other hand, is a method based on traditional Chinese medicine that aims to regulate energy flow through the application of pressure to specific meridian points. From a neurophysiological perspective, acupressure may increase endorphin release and produce beneficial effects on autonomic nervous system balance. These effects may play a potential role in alleviating depressive symptoms, particularly in conditions accompanied by traumatic stress.
Previous studies have examined the effects of therapeutic touch and acupressure on anxiety, pain, and sleep quality, and their effects on depressive symptoms among women who have experienced earthquakes have also been investigated. However, no studies have been found examining the effects of these interventions on depressive symptoms in postmenopausal women. Evaluating safe, low-cost, and easily applicable holistic interventions in the post-disaster period is important for community-based mental health services. Therefore, this study was designed to investigate the effects of therapeutic touch and acupressure on depressive symptoms among postmenopausal women who experienced an earthquake.
- Being tested
- Therapeutic touch intervention, Acupressure intervention
- Keywords
- acupressure, depression, disaster, complementary therapies, menopause, therapeutic touch
- Medical subject headings
- Depression
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Therapeutic touch interventionOther
Participants in the therapeutic touch group received eight sessions over four weeks (two sessions per week), with each session lasting approximately 20 minutes. The intervention was conducted by a researcher trained in therapeutic touch following a standardized protocol.
The session began with a centering phase lasting approximately 2-3 minutes, during which the practitioner focused attention through controlled breathing and mental concentration. This was followed by an energy field assessment lasting approximately 5-7 minutes, during which the practitioner held the hands 5-10 cm above the body without direct contact and slowly moved from the head toward the feet to assess the energy field. The final phase consisted of energy balancing lasting approximately 10-12 minutes, during which slow and rhythmic hand movements were used to promote balance in the participant's energy field.
Acupressure interventionOther
Participants in the therapeutic touch group received eight sessions over four weeks (two sessions per week), with each session lasting approximately 20 minutes. The intervention was conducted by a researcher trained in therapeutic touch following a standardized protocol.
The session began with a centering phase lasting approximately 2-3 minutes, during which the practitioner focused attention through controlled breathing and mental concentration. This was followed by an energy field assessment lasting approximately 5-7 minutes, during which the practitioner held the hands 5-10 cm above the body without direct contact and slowly moved from the head toward the feet to assess the energy field. The final phase consisted of energy balancing lasting approximately 10-12 minutes, during which slow and rhythmic hand movements were used to promote balance in the participant's energy field.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Therapeutic touch intervention | Other | Not described Receives: Other: Therapeutic touch intervention |
| Acupressure intervention | Other | Not described Receives: Other: Acupressure intervention |
| Control group | No intervention | Not described |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Conclusion
The primary outcome measure of this study is the change in depressive symptom levels in postmenopausal women. Depressive symptoms will be assessed using the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), a 21-item self-report scale in which each item is scored from 0 to 3. Total scores range from 0 to 63, with higher scores indicating more severe depressive symptoms. A BDI score of 17 or higher will be considered indicative of clinically significant depressive symptoms.
Assessments will be performed for all participants at baseline before the intervention (pretest) and again at the end of the 4-week intervention period (posttest). Participants in the therapeutic touch group will receive 8 sessions of therapeutic touch, administered twice weekly for 4 weeks. Participants in the acupressure group will receive 8 sessions of acupressure, also administered twice weekly for 4 weeks. Participants in the control group will not receive any intervention and will only undergo pretest and posttest assessments
Measured: From baseline to 4 weeks
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted16 Apr 2026
- Study start3 Nov 2025
- Primary completion10 Jan 2026
- Study completion30 Jan 2026
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Depressive Symptoms Mild to Moderate in SeverityStudies 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
- Supportive care
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Model description
- This study was a randomized controlled experimental study with a pretest-posttest control group design conducted to evaluate the effects of therapeutic touch and acupressure on depressive symptoms in postmenopausal women.
- Masking
- Triple blind
- Who is masked
- Participant, Investigator, Outcomes assessor
- Enrolment
- 156 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Osmaniye Korkut Ata University
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, CANSU AĞRALI, Osmaniye Korkut Ata University
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07532512
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- OsmaniyeKAU-SBF-CA-03
- Acronym
- Postmenopausal
- Status last verified
- Apr 2026
- First submitted
- 30 Mar 2026
- Last updated
- 20 Apr 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- 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 20 Apr 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Effects of Therapeutic Touch and Acupressure on Depressive Symptoms Among Postmenopausal Women
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07532512
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- Postmenopausal / OsmaniyeKAU-SBF-CA-03
- Keywords
- acupressure, depression, disaster, complementary therapies, menopause, therapeutic touch
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 156 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- Osmaniye Korkut Ata UniversityUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 3 Nov 2025 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 10 Jan 2026 (actual)
- Study completion
- 30 Jan 2026 (actual)
- First posted
- 16 Apr 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.
Therapeutic touch intervention Participants in the therapeutic touch group received eight sessions over four weeks (two sessions per week), with each session lasting approximately 20 minutes. The intervention was conducted by a researcher trained in therapeutic touch following a standardized protocol.
The session began with a centering phase lasting approximately 2-3 minutes, during which the practitioner focused attention through controlled breathing and mental concentration. This was followed by an energy field assessment lasting approximately 5-7 minutes, during which the practitioner held the hands 5-10 cm above the body without direct contact and slowly moved from the head toward the feet to assess the energy field. The final phase consisted of energy balancing lasting approximately 10-12 minutes, during which slow and rhythmic hand movements were used to promote balance in the participant's energy field. Acupressure intervention Participants in the acupressure group also received eight sessions over four weeks (two sessions per week). During each session, pressure was applied to three acupressure points for two minutes each, resulting in a total active stimulation time of six minutes. Including short preparation and resting periods before and after the intervention, the total session duration was approximately ten minutes. The acupressure points used in this study were Yintang (EX-HN3), Shenmen (HT7), and Neiguan (PC6). Yintang is located on the midline between the medial ends of the eyebrows and is commonly used for calming and stress reduction. Shenmen (HT7) is located on the inner wrist crease on the radial side of the flexor carpi ulnaris tendon and is associated with emotional regulation. Neiguan (PC6) is located on the inner forearm approximately three fingerbreadths proximal to the wrist crease between the palmaris longus and flexor carpiradialis tendons and is associated with regulation of the autonomic nervous system. Pressure was applied using the thumb with mild-to-moderate intensity in rhythmic circular movements. HT7 and PC6 points were stimulated bilaterally, whereas Yintang was stimulated unilaterally. If a participant reported discomfort during the procedure, the pressure intensity was reduced.
Detailed description
Menopause is defined as the permanent cessation of menstrual bleeding as a natural consequence of the reproductive period and is confirmed after 12 consecutive months of amenorrhea. During this process, the decline in estrogen and progesterone levels leads not only to vasomotor and somatic symptoms but also to psychological changes. It has been reported that the prevalence of depressive symptoms increases particularly during the postmenopausal period, with biological, psychosocial, and environmental factors playing a significant role in this process. Depressive symptoms observed during the postmenopausal period are considered a public health problem because they negatively affect women's quality of life, social functioning, and overall health status. Hormonal fluctuations experienced during this period may influence the central nervous system, and alterations in serotonergic and noradrenergic neurotransmitter systems may contribute to the development of depressive symptoms. Furthermore, differences in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, which plays a central role in regulating the stress response, may also contribute to the development of these symptoms.
In addition to individual biological and psychosocial factors, traumatic life events such as natural disasters can profoundly affect mental health. Sudden and destructive disasters such as earthquakes may increase the risk of depression by causing multidimensional consequences including loss, displacement, economic hardship, and the weakening of social support systems. Women's experiences of disasters may vary depending on their stage of life. Menopause represents a period during which women's vulnerability during disasters may increase.
Although pharmacological treatments are effective in the management of depression, interest in complementary and holistic approaches has increased due to potential side effects, the need for long-term use, and some women's reluctance to use medication. In this context, non-pharmacological interventions such as therapeutic touch and acupressure have gained attention. Therapeutic touch is a holistic nursing intervention that aims to balance an individual's energy field and enhance the relaxation response. Touch has been suggested to increase oxytocin release, reduce sympathetic nervous system activity, and support parasympathetic activation. Through these physiological mechanisms, stress levels may decrease and psychological well-being may be improved.
Acupressure, on the other hand, is a method based on traditional Chinese medicine that aims to regulate energy flow through the application of pressure to specific meridian points. From a neurophysiological perspective, acupressure may increase endorphin release and produce beneficial effects on autonomic nervous system balance. These effects may play a potential role in alleviating depressive symptoms, particularly in conditions accompanied by traumatic stress.
Previous studies have examined the effects of therapeutic touch and acupressure on anxiety, pain, and sleep quality, and their effects on depressive symptoms among women who have experienced earthquakes have also been investigated. However, no studies have been found examining the effects of these interventions on depressive symptoms in postmenopausal women. Evaluating safe, low-cost, and easily applicable holistic interventions in the post-disaster period is important for community-based mental health services. Therefore, this study was designed to investigate the effects of therapeutic touch and acupressure on depressive symptoms among postmenopausal women who experienced an earthquake.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Supportive care
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Triple blind (participant, investigator, outcomes assessor)
- Number of arms
- 3
- Model description
- This study was a randomized controlled experimental study with a pretest-posttest control group design conducted to evaluate the effects of therapeutic touch and acupressure on depressive symptoms in postmenopausal women.
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Therapeutic touch intervention | Other | Other: Therapeutic touch intervention |
| Acupressure intervention | Other | Other: Acupressure intervention |
| Control group | No intervention | – |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 45 to 65 years
- Sex
- Female only
- Healthy volunteers
- Accepted
- Age groups
- Adult, Older adult
Key inclusion criteria (5 listed)
- Female participants aged 45 to 65 years
- Postmenopausal women
- Able to understand and respond to the data collection tools
- Willing to participate voluntarily
- Able to provide written informed consent
Key exclusion criteria (6 listed)
- Younger than 45 years or older than 65 years
- Receiving hormone replacement therapy
- Having any psychiatric diagnosis
- Using psychiatric medication
- Having any condition that impairs the ability to understand or respond to the study questionnaires
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Therapeutic touch interventionParticipants in the therapeutic touch group received eight sessions over four weeks (two sessions per week), with each session lasting approximately 20 minutes. The intervention was conducted by a researcher trained in therapeutic touch following a standardized protocol. The session began with a centering phase lasting approximately 2-3 minutes, during which the practitioner focused attention through controlled breathing and mental concentration. This was followed by an energy field assessment lasting approximately 5-7 minutes, during which the practitioner held the hands 5-10 cm above the body without direct contact and slowly moved from the head toward the feet to assess the energy field. The final phase consisted of energy balancing lasting approximately 10-12 minutes, during which slow and rhythmic hand movements were used to promote balance in the participant's energy field. | Other | Therapeutic touch intervention |
| Acupressure interventionParticipants in the therapeutic touch group received eight sessions over four weeks (two sessions per week), with each session lasting approximately 20 minutes. The intervention was conducted by a researcher trained in therapeutic touch following a standardized protocol. The session began with a centering phase lasting approximately 2-3 minutes, during which the practitioner focused attention through controlled breathing and mental concentration. This was followed by an energy field assessment lasting approximately 5-7 minutes, during which the practitioner held the hands 5-10 cm above the body without direct contact and slowly moved from the head toward the feet to assess the energy field. The final phase consisted of energy balancing lasting approximately 10-12 minutes, during which slow and rhythmic hand movements were used to promote balance in the participant's energy field. | Other | Acupressure intervention |
Primary outcome
Conclusion
Time frame: From baseline to 4 weeks
The primary outcome measure of this study is the change in depressive symptom levels in postmenopausal women. Depressive symptoms will be assessed using the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), a 21-item self-report scale in which each item is scored from 0 to 3. Total scores range from 0 to 63, with higher scores indicating more severe depressive symptoms. A BDI score of 17 or higher will be considered indicative of clinically significant depressive symptoms. Assessments will be performed for all participants at baseline before the intervention (pretest) and again at the end of the 4-week intervention period (posttest). Participants in the therapeutic touch group will receive 8 sessions of therapeutic touch, administered twice weekly for 4 weeks. Participants in the acupressure group will receive 8 sessions of acupressure, also administered twice weekly for 4 weeks. Participants in the control group will not receive any intervention and will only undergo pretest and posttest assessments
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 20 Apr 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.
The record lists no contact. Use the official record to reach the sponsor.
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Therapeutic touch intervention and Acupressure intervention in people with Depressive Symptoms Mild to Moderate in Severity, run by Osmaniye Korkut Ata 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 6 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 20 Apr 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. 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?
Conclusion (time frame: From baseline to 4 weeks). 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 20 Apr 2026.