Chinese Journal of Geriatric Care · Oct 19, 2026
Effects of auricular acupressure combined with external diaphragmatic pacing on pulmonary function and quality of life in older patients with reduced pulmonary function
By 范玉婷
OBJECTIVE: To observe the effects of auricular acupressure combined with external diaphragmatic pacing on improving pulmonary function and quality of life in older patients with reduced pulmonary function. METHODS: Using a random number method, 60 older patients with reduced pulmonary function were divided into 3 groups, with 20 patients in each group. The control group underwent conventional respiratory training; the diaphragmatic pacing group received external diaphragmatic pacing in addition to conventional respiratory training; the auricular acupressure group received auricular acupressure and external diaphragmatic pacing in addition to conventional respiratory training. The intervention lasted 12 weeks. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease assessment test (COPD Assessment Test,CAT) scores, modified Medical Research Council dyspnea scale (mMRC) scores, 6-minute walking distance (6MWT), anxiety index, pulmonary function parameters (FVC%pred, FEV1%pred, FEV1/FVC%pred), maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP), and maximal expiratory pressure (MEP) were compared before and after treatment among the 3 groups. RESULTS: After treatment, CAT scores, mMRC scores, anxiety index, FVC%pred, FEV1%pred, FEV1/FVC%pred, MIP, and MEP improved in all 3 groups compared with their respective pretreatment values (P<0.05); improvements in 6MWT, anxiety index, and maximal expiratory pressure (MEP) in the diaphragmatic pacing group were greater than those in the control group (P<0.05); improvements in CAT scores, mMRC scores, 6MWT, anxiety index, FVC%pred, FEV1%pred, MIP, and MEP in the auricular acupressure group were greater than those in the control group (P<0.05); improvement in MIP in the auricular acupressure group was greater than that in the diaphragmatic pacing group (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Auricular acupressure combined with external diaphragmatic pacing has significant clinical efficacy in improving pulmonary function in older patients, increases ventilatory efficiency, and improves quality of daily life.