Effects of auriculotherapy on anxiety and biomarkers in Primary Health Care: a clinical trial

Efeitos da auriculoterapia na ansiedade e biomarcadores na Atenção Primária à Saúde: um ensaio clínico

Efectos de la auriculoterapia sobre la ansiedad y biomarcadores en Atención Primaria de Salud: un ensayo clínico

ABSTRACT

Objective:

to assess the effects of auriculotherapy on anxiety and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), neuron-specific enolase (NSE) and S100 calcium-binding protein B (S100B) serum levels in adults assisted in Primary Health Care.

Methods:

a pre-experimental pilot clinical trial. Information was obtained from 19 patients using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) and analysis of BDNF, NSE and S100B serum levels.

Results:

the pre-intervention anxiety score in the IDATE-Trait was 52.11±6.691 (CV 12.84%) and the assessment after auriculotherapy was significantly lower (43.72±8.141; CV 18.62%; P=0.0007). S100B levels were significantly reduced after auriculotherapy (from 64.03±72.18 to 54.03±68.53 pg/mL; CV 126.8%; P=0.0023).

Conclusion:

auriculotherapy effectively reduced anxiety levels. It proved to be safe and easy to apply, allowing nurses to perform this technique autonomously. A reduction of S100B was also evidenced, demonstrating possible prevention of neuronal damage.

Descriptors:
Anxiety; Auriculotherapy; Biomarkers; Primary Health Care; Nursing Assessment