Sham acupressure
Sham acupressure has been studied in 3 papers since 2017: 2 trials in people, 1 review; 2 in the past year. The newest paper, Mar 31, 2026: “The Effect of Acupressure on Menopausal Symptoms: A Randomized, Sham-Controlled Study”.
3 papers study it2 findingsUpdated
See all 3 papers on sham acupressure
At a glance
The findings reach people, from one lab or study. 1 lab in 1 country.
“Compared with usual care, both verum and sham acupressure participants experienced significant improvements in WOMAC pain”
None of its findings points the other way.
- 1 lab in 1 country
- Funder: Arthritis Foundation
- Human trial2
What did studies of sham acupressure find?
2Studies of sham acupressure measured 2 outcomes; the most studied are WOMAC function score (1 study) and WOMAC pain score (1).
WOMAC function score
downin humans1
1 study
WOMAC function score
downin humans1
Sham acupressure decreases WOMAC function score in humans (sham acupressure vs usual care, 8 weeks) (mean difference -4.21 units (95% CI -6.37, -2.04) vs usual care).
“and WOMAC function (-4.83 units [95% CI -6.99, -2.67] and -4.21 units [95% CI -6.37, -2.04], respectively) at 8 weeks”
Human trialsham acupressure vs usual care, 8 weeksself-applied sham acupressureonce daily, 5 days/week8 weeksn = 150
Arthritis care & research
WOMAC pain score
downin humans1
1 study
WOMAC pain score
downin humans1
Sham acupressure decreases WOMAC pain score in humans (sham acupressure vs usual care, 8 weeks) (mean difference -1.24 units (95% CI -1.92, -0.55) vs usual care).
“Compared with usual care, both verum and sham acupressure participants experienced significant improvements in WOMAC pain”
Human trialsham acupressure vs usual care, 8 weeksself-applied sham acupressureonce daily, 5 days/week8 weeksn = 150
Arthritis care & research