RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Impact of ERCS on Perceived Stress in Patients Hospitalized in the Post-resuscitation Rehabilitation Service

This study is exploring a new way to help reduce stress for adults who are recovering in hospital after a stay in intensive care. Many people find this time challenging, experiencing stress, anxiety, or even after-effects like post-traumatic stress. We are investigating a technique called Energy Resonance by Skin Stimulation (ERCS), which is a gentle, drug-free method inspired by traditional Chinese medicine. It involves light touch on specific skin points to create a calming effect. The aim is to see if ERCS can help patients feel less stressed and improve their recovery, potentially offering a new way to support people during their healing journey in hospital.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

Hôpital Européen Marseille

Enrolment target

Start

08 Dec 2025

Estimated completion

08 Sep 2027

Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic

What is this study about?

After a very serious illness that requires a stay in an intensive care unit (ICU), many people face a long road to recovery. During this time, it's very common to experience high levels of stress, anxiety, or even develop post-traumatic stress after everything they've been through. These feelings can make recovery harder.

Doctors and researchers are always looking for new, gentle ways to help patients feel better without relying solely on medication. This study is focusing on a technique called Energy Resonance by Skin Stimulation (ERCS). It's a non-invasive method, meaning it doesn't involve needles or surgery. ERCS is based on ideas from traditional Chinese medicine and uses very light, gentle touch on parts of the skin to create a sense of calm and well-being. Think of it like a soothing contact that helps your body and mind relax.

The main goal of this research is to understand if ERCS sessions can help reduce the amount of stress that patients feel while they are recovering in a rehabilitation unit after leaving intensive care. By finding out if ERCS can make a real difference to how stress is managed, we hope to potentially introduce this gentle technique into standard hospital care. This could offer a new and comforting option to support patients' physical and emotional recovery.

Key takeaways

The study explores a gentle, drug-free way to reduce stress after intensive care.
It uses a technique called ERCS, based on traditional Chinese medicine, involving light skin touch.
Aims to see if ERCS can help with stress, anxiety, and recovery in hospital.
Could offer a new comfort and support option for patients.
Participation is voluntary, and you can withdraw anytime.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, you need to be an adult, aged 18 or over. You must currently be staying in a special hospital unit that helps people recover after they've been in intensive care.

It's very important that you understand what the study involves and willingly agree to take part. This means you must be able to give your clear permission in writing.

However, some people cannot participate. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, you would not be able to join. Also, if you are in prison, or if a court or other legal decision means you can't make your own choices about joining a study, then you wouldn't be eligible.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 18 years old or older?
Are you currently recovering in a hospital unit after being in intensive care?
Can you understand information about the study and give your consent in writing?
Are you currently pregnant or breastfeeding? (If yes, you cannot join.)
Are you able to make your own decisions about joining medical studies?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

The detailed description of what taking part involves is not provided in the summary. Typically, participation in a study like this would involve: attending several ERCS sessions over a set period, filling out questionnaires about your stress levels before and after these sessions, and possibly having some brief check-ups by the study team. Each ERCS session would likely last for a specific duration, perhaps 30-60 minutes, and the total length of your involvement in the study could range from a few weeks to a couple of months, depending on the number of sessions and follow-up assessments.

Potential risks and benefits

Potential benefits of taking part could include a reduction in your stress levels and an improved sense of well-being through a gentle, non-drug approach. As ERCS is non-invasive, serious risks are generally considered low. You might experience temporary feelings of relaxation or mild sensations where the skin is touched. However, there's always a chance the technique might not work for everyone. Remember, your participation is completely voluntary; you can choose to leave the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your usual medical care.

Locations (1)

Hôpital Européen Marseille
Verified postcode
Marseille, France· Recruiting

Common questions

What is ERCS and how does it work?

ERCS is a gentle, drug-free technique based on traditional Chinese medicine. It involves light touch on specific skin points to create a calming, soothing effect and help reduce stress.

Will this technique hurt?

No, ERCS is designed to be non-invasive and gentle. It uses light touch and should not cause any pain.

What kind of results are you hoping for?

We hope to see if ERCS can help patients feel less stressed and improve their overall recovery after being in intensive care. This could lead to a new way to manage stress in hospitals.

Do I have to stop my current medications?

The study information doesn't suggest that. ERCS is a complementary therapy. Always discuss any changes to your medication with your doctor.

What if I decide I don't want to continue in the study?

Taking part is completely voluntary. You can choose to leave the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care.

How to find out more

Myriam BENNANI

m.bennani@hopital-europeen.fr 0413428351 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.