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Understanding rationales for acupuncture treated individuals' beliefs in acupuncture effects, to be able to maximize therapeutic results: A qualitative analysis. Complement Ther Med 2018; 39:101-108. [PMID: 30012380 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctim.2018.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2018] [Revised: 03/23/2018] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate how individuals expressed rationales for their beliefs regarding efficacy of acupuncture. METHODS Qualitative data from participants of two different randomized sham-controlled trials, of relaxing (non-cancer volunteers of the general population) or antiemetic (patients with cancer undergoing radiotherapy) effects of acupuncture was analyzed. Participants (n = 441) received genuine (n = 120 and n = 100) or sham (n = 121 and n = 100) (telescopic blunt sham-needle) relaxing or antiemetic acupuncture. The participants (n = 428; 97% response rate) expressed their belief regarding the efficacy of acupuncture, and n = 264 delivered qualitative rationales for their belief, analyzed using qualitative content analysis. RESULTS Of the 428 participants, 35 (8%) believed entirely that the acupuncture was effective, 209 (49%) believed much, 136 (32%) believed moderately, 39 (9%) believed a little, and 9 (2%) did not believe that the acupuncture was effective. Five categories and seven subcategories represented the meaning units of the central message of the rationales for the treatment belief. Participants with positive beliefs (believed entirely/much, n = 244) presented rationales related to: "Experienced positive effects", "Knowledge regarding effect-mechanisms of acupuncture", and "General trustworthiness of acupuncture". Participants with more negative beliefs (believed a little or not, n = 48) presented rationales related to: "Lack of feasibility of the acupuncture", "Varying effects", and "The effect is individual, not available for everybody". CONCLUSION In order to strengthen acupuncture treated patients' beliefs in the efficacy of acupuncture during clinical practice or research, acupuncture therapists may consider emphasizing these aspects in the therapeutic situation.
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Liu L, Zhao LP, Zhang CS, Zeng L, Wang K, Zhao J, Wang L, Jing X, Li B. Acupuncture as prophylaxis for chronic migraine: a protocol for a single-blinded, double-dummy randomised controlled trial. BMJ Open 2018; 8:e020653. [PMID: 29858418 PMCID: PMC5988062 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2017-020653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Approximately 1.4%-2.2% of the global population suffers from chronic migraine. Acupuncture may serve as an alternative management for chronic migraine, where pharmacological prophylaxis is not suitable. However, the effects of acupuncture as migraine prophylaxis have not been confirmed. This study is designed as a single-blinded, double-dummy randomised controlled trial to evaluate the efficacy and safety of acupuncture compared with topiramate in patients with chronic migraine. METHODS AND ANALYSIS A total of 60 participants will be randomly assigned to two different groups. Participants will receive verum acupuncture and placebo medicine in the treatment group, while participants in the control group will be treated with sham acupuncture and real medicine (topiramate). All participants will receive a 12-week treatment and then be followed up for another 12 weeks. The primary outcome is the reduction of monthly headache days, and the secondary outcomes include the reduction of the number of days with acute headache medications, and changes of Migraine Disability Assessment, Migraine-Specific Quality of Life Questionnaire, Headache Impact Test, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory-trait, and Beck Depression Inventory-II scores from baseline to endpoints. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION Ethical approval of this study was granted by the Research Ethical Committee of Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine Affiliated to Capital Medical University (2017BL-045-01). Written informed consent will be obtained from all participants. Outcomes of the trial will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER ISRCTN13563102; Pre-results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Liu
- Acupuncture and Moxibustion Department, Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine Affiliated to Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Luo-Peng Zhao
- Acupuncture and Moxibustion Department, Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine Affiliated to Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Clinic and Basic Research with Traditional Chinese Medicine on Psoriasis, Beijing Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Claire Shuiqing Zhang
- School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Lin Zeng
- Peking University Third Hospital, Research Centre of Clinical Epidemiology, Beijing, China
| | - Kelun Wang
- Department of Health Science and Technology, Centre for Sensory-Motor Interaction (SMI), Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Jingxia Zhao
- Acupuncture and Moxibustion Department, Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine Affiliated to Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Clinic and Basic Research with Traditional Chinese Medicine on Psoriasis, Beijing Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Linpeng Wang
- Acupuncture and Moxibustion Department, Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine Affiliated to Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Xianghong Jing
- Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Bin Li
- Acupuncture and Moxibustion Department, Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine Affiliated to Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
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Acupuncture: How Might the Mechanisms of Treatment Have Contributed to the Diagnosis of “Patterns” and Pattern-based Treatments – Speculations on the Evolution of Acupuncture as a Therapy. Implications for Researchers. JOURNAL OF ACUPUNCTURE RESEARCH 2018. [DOI: 10.13045/jar.2018.00101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
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Smith CA, de Lacey S, Chapman M, Ratcliffe J, Norman RJ, Johnson NP, Boothroyd C, Fahey P. Effect of Acupuncture vs Sham Acupuncture on Live Births Among Women Undergoing In Vitro Fertilization: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA 2018; 319:1990-1998. [PMID: 29800212 PMCID: PMC6583254 DOI: 10.1001/jama.2018.5336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Acupuncture is widely used by women undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF), although the evidence for efficacy is conflicting. OBJECTIVE To determine the efficacy of acupuncture compared with a sham acupuncture control performed during IVF on live births. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS A single-blind, parallel-group randomized clinical trial including 848 women undergoing a fresh IVF cycle was conducted at 16 IVF centers in Australia and New Zealand between June 29, 2011, and October 23, 2015, with 10 months of pregnancy follow-up until August 2016. INTERVENTIONS Women received either acupuncture (n = 424) or a sham acupuncture control (n = 424). The first treatment was administered between days 6 to 8 of follicle stimulation, and 2 treatments were administered prior to and following embryo transfer. The sham control used a noninvasive needle placed away from the true acupuncture points. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES The primary outcome was live birth, defined as the delivery of 1 or more living infants at greater than 20 weeks' gestation or birth weight of at least 400 g. RESULTS Among 848 randomized women, 24 withdrew consent, 824 were included in the study (mean [SD] age, 35.4 [4.3] years); 371 [45.0%] had undergone more than 2 previous IVF cycles), 607 proceeded to an embryo transfer, and 809 (98.2%) had data available on live birth outcomes. Live births occurred among 74 of 405 women (18.3%) receiving acupuncture compared with 72 of 404 women (17.8%) receiving sham control (risk difference, 0.5% [95% CI, -4.9% to 5.8%]; relative risk, 1.02 [95% CI, 0.76 to 1.38]). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE Among women undergoing IVF, administration of acupuncture vs sham acupuncture at the time of ovarian stimulation and embryo transfer resulted in no significant difference in live birth rates. These findings do not support the use of acupuncture to improve the rate of live births among women undergoing IVF. TRIAL REGISTRATION anzctr.org.au Identifier: ACTRN12611000226909.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline A. Smith
- NICM Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Penrith, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Sheryl de Lacey
- College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Michael Chapman
- School of Women’s & Children Health, University of New South Wales, IVF Australia, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Julie Ratcliffe
- Institute for Choice, Business School, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Robert J. Norman
- Robinson Research Institute, University of Adelaide and Fertility SA, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Neil P. Johnson
- Robinson Research Institute, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- Repromed, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Clare Boothroyd
- Greenslopes Private Hospital, Greenslopes, Queensland, Australia
| | - Paul Fahey
- School of Science and Health, Western Sydney University, Penrith, New South Wales, Australia
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Takakura N, Takayama M, Nasu M, Nishiwaki M, Kawase A, Yajima H. Patient blinding with blunt tip placebo acupuncture needles: comparison between 1 mm and 2 mm skin press. JOURNAL OF INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE 2018; 16:164-171. [PMID: 29753429 DOI: 10.1016/j.joim.2018.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2017] [Accepted: 12/05/2017] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the influence of the depth of skin press in blunt tip placebo acupuncture needles on patient blinding and its relationship to needle diameter. METHODS Forty healthy volunteers were enrolled as subjects for patient blinding. Four acupuncturists applied the following needles randomly at three points in each forearm: 0.18 mm and 0.25 mm diameter penetrating needles inserted to a depth of 5 mm, and 0.18 mm and 0.25 mm diameter skin-touch needles depressing the skin at the acupoint to a depth of 1 mm and 2 mm from the skin surface. The subjects reported their guesses at the nature of needles they received, and rated needle pain and de qi. A blinding index was calculated to define the success of blinding for subjects. RESULTS The blinding status of subjects for 1 mm press needles of 0.18 mm diameter was "random guess", but "unblinded" for 1 mm press needles of 0.25 mm diameter. For 2 mm press needles of both diameters, the blinding status was "opposite guess" and the blinding status for penetrating needles of both diameters was "unblinded." The percentages of "felt pain" with 2 mm press needles of both diameters were similar to that with penetrating needles, but those were not similar for 1 mm press needles. The frequency of de qi occurrence with 2 mm press needles of 0.18 mm diameter was similar to that of penetrating needles of both diameters. CONCLUSION Placebo needles of 2 mm press made more subjects guess that the needles penetrated the skin than 1 mm press needles. The use of small diameter needles increased patient blinding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nobuari Takakura
- Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Faculty of Health Sciences, Tokyo Ariake University of Medical and Health Sciences, Tokyo 135-0063, Japan; Department of Physiology, Showa University School of Medicine, Tokyo 142-8555, Japan; Japan School of Acupuncture, Moxibustion and Physiotherapy, Tokyo 150-0031, Japan.
| | - Miho Takayama
- Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Faculty of Health Sciences, Tokyo Ariake University of Medical and Health Sciences, Tokyo 135-0063, Japan; Department of Physiology, Showa University School of Medicine, Tokyo 142-8555, Japan; Japan School of Acupuncture, Moxibustion and Physiotherapy, Tokyo 150-0031, Japan
| | - Morihiro Nasu
- Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Faculty of Health Sciences, Tokyo Ariake University of Medical and Health Sciences, Tokyo 135-0063, Japan
| | - Masako Nishiwaki
- Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Faculty of Health Sciences, Tokyo Ariake University of Medical and Health Sciences, Tokyo 135-0063, Japan
| | - Akiko Kawase
- Japan School of Acupuncture, Moxibustion and Physiotherapy, Tokyo 150-0031, Japan
| | - Hiroyoshi Yajima
- Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Faculty of Health Sciences, Tokyo Ariake University of Medical and Health Sciences, Tokyo 135-0063, Japan; Department of Physiology, Showa University School of Medicine, Tokyo 142-8555, Japan; Japan School of Acupuncture, Moxibustion and Physiotherapy, Tokyo 150-0031, Japan
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Abstract
Because acupuncture treatment is defined by the process of needles penetrating the body, placebo needles were originally developed with non-penetrating mechanisms. However, whether placebo needles are valid controls in acupuncture research is subject of an ongoing debate. The present review provides an overview of the characteristics of placebo needles and how they differ from placebo pills in two aspects: (1) physiological response and (2) blinding efficacy. We argue that placebo needles elicit physiological responses similar to real acupuncture and therefore provide similar clinical efficacy. We also demonstrate that this efficacy is further supported by ineffective blinding (even in acupuncture-naïve patients) which may lead to opposite guesses that will further enhances efficacy, as compared to no-treatment, e.g., with waiting list controls. Additionally, the manner in which placebo needles can exhibit therapeutic effects relative to placebo pills include enhanced touch sensations, direct stimulation of the somatosensory system and activation of multiple brain systems. We finally discuss alternative control strategies for the placebo effects in acupuncture therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Younbyoung Chae
- Acupuncture and Meridian Science Research Center, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Ye-Seul Lee
- Acupuncture and Meridian Science Research Center, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, South Korea.,Department of Anatomy and Meridians, College of Korean Medicine, Gachon University, Seongnam, South Korea
| | - Paul Enck
- Department of Internal Medicine, Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
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He Y, Liu Y, May BH, Zhang AL, Zhang H, Lu C, Yang L, Guo X, Xue CC. Effectiveness of acupuncture for cancer pain: protocol for an umbrella review and meta-analyses of controlled trials. BMJ Open 2017; 7:e018494. [PMID: 29229658 PMCID: PMC5778333 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2017-018494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines for adult cancer pain indicate that acupuncture and related therapies may be valuable additions to pharmacological interventions for pain management. Of the systematic reviews related to this topic, some concluded that acupuncture was promising for alleviating cancer pain, while others argued that the evidence was insufficient to support its effectiveness. METHODS AND ANALYSIS This review will consist of three components: (1) synthesis of findings from existing systematic reviews; (2) updated meta-analyses of randomised clinical trials and (3) analyses of results of other types of clinical studies. We will search six English and four Chinese biomedical databases, dissertations and grey literature to identify systematic reviews and primary clinical studies. Two reviewers will screen results of the literature searches independently to identify included reviews and studies. Data from included articles will be abstracted for assessment, analysis and summary. Two assessors will appraise the quality of systematic reviews using Assessment of Multiple Systematic Reviews; assess the randomised controlled trials using the Cochrane Collaboration's risk of bias tool and other types of studies according to the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. We will use 'summary of evidence' tables to present evidence from existing systematic reviews and meta-analyses. Using the primary clinical studies, we will conduct meta-analysis for each outcome, by grouping studies based on the type of acupuncture, the comparator and the specific type of pain. Sensitivity analyses are planned according to clinical factors, acupuncture method, methodological characteristics and presence of statistical heterogeneity as applicable. For the non-randomised studies, we will tabulate the characteristics, outcome measures and the reported results of each study. Consistencies and inconsistencies in evidence will be investigated and discussed. Finally, we will use the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach to evaluate the quality of the overall evidence. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION There are no ethical considerations associated with this review. The findings will be disseminated in peer-reviewed journals or conference presentations. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER CRD42017064113.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yihan He
- China-Australia International Research Center for Chinese Medicine, RMIT University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Guangdong Provincial Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine and The Second Clinical College, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yihong Liu
- China-Australia International Research Center for Chinese Medicine, RMIT University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Guangdong Provincial Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine and The Second Clinical College, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Brian H May
- China-Australia International Research Center for Chinese Medicine, RMIT University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Anthony Lin Zhang
- China-Australia International Research Center for Chinese Medicine, RMIT University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Haibo Zhang
- China-Australia International Research Center for Chinese Medicine, RMIT University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Guangdong Provincial Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine and The Second Clinical College, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - ChuanJian Lu
- China-Australia International Research Center for Chinese Medicine, RMIT University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Guangdong Provincial Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine and The Second Clinical College, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Lihong Yang
- China-Australia International Research Center for Chinese Medicine, RMIT University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Guangdong Provincial Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine and The Second Clinical College, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Xinfeng Guo
- China-Australia International Research Center for Chinese Medicine, RMIT University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Guangdong Provincial Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine and The Second Clinical College, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Charlie Changli Xue
- China-Australia International Research Center for Chinese Medicine, RMIT University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Guangdong Provincial Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine and The Second Clinical College, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
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Ee CC, Thuraisingam S, Pirotta MV, French SD, Xue CC, Teede HJ. Expectancy after the first treatment and response to acupuncture for menopausal hot flashes. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0186966. [PMID: 29077767 PMCID: PMC5659680 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0186966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2017] [Accepted: 10/11/2017] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Evidence on the impact of expectancy on acupuncture treatment response is conflicting. Objectives This secondary analysis of a randomized sham-controlled trial on acupuncture for menopausal hot flashes investigated whether treatment expectancy score was associated with hot flash score at end-of-treatment. Secondary analyses investigated whether there were associations between other pre-specified factors and hot flash score. Study design Women experiencing moderately-severe hot flashes were randomized to receive 10 sessions of real or sham acupuncture over eight weeks. Hot flash score was collected using a seven-day hot flash diary, and expectancy using the modified Credibility and Expectancy Questionnaire immediately after the first treatment. Linear mixed-effects models with random intercepts were used to identify associations between expectancy score and hot flash score at end-of-treatment. Regression was also used to identify associations between pre-specified factors of interest and hot flash score. Because there was no difference between real and sham acupuncture for the primary outcome of hot flash score, both arms were combined in the analysis. Results 285 women returned the Credibility and Expectancy Questionnaire, and 283 women completed both expectancy measures. We found no evidence for an association between expectancy and hot flash score at end-of-treatment for individual cases in either acupuncture or sham group. Hot flash scores at end-of-treatment were 8.1 (95%CI, 3.0 to 13.2; P = 0.002) points lower in regular smokers compared to those who had never smoked, equivalent to four fewer moderate hot flashes a day. Conclusion In our study of acupuncture for menopausal hot flashes, higher expectancy after the first treatment did not predict better treatment outcomes. Future research may focus on other determinants of outcomes in acupuncture such as therapist attention. The relationship between smoking and hot flashes is poorly understood and needs further exploration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolyn C. Ee
- National Institute of Complementary Medicine, Western Sydney University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Department of General Practice, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- * E-mail:
| | - Sharmala Thuraisingam
- Department of General Practice, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Marie V. Pirotta
- Department of General Practice, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Simon D. French
- School of Rehabilitation Therapy, Queens University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Chiropractic, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Macquarie University, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Charlie C. Xue
- School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Helena J. Teede
- Monash Centre for Health Research and Implementation: a partnership between Monash Health and the School of Public Health, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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Kim M, Kim JE, Lee HY, Kim AR, Park HJ, Kwon OJ, Kim BK, Cho JH, Kim JH. Electroacupuncture for treating insomnia in patients with cancer: a study protocol for a randomised pilot clinical trial. BMJ Open 2017; 7:e016269. [PMID: 28801421 PMCID: PMC5629657 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2017-016269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Although insomnia is one of the most prevalent and disturbing symptoms among patients with cancer, it has not been properly managed. Electroacupuncture (EA) has received attention as a promising intervention for insomnia, and a few previous studies have reported that this intervention may be beneficial for treating insomnia in patients with cancer. The aim of this pilot study is to explore the feasibility and preliminary effectiveness of EA on the sleep disturbance of patients with cancer with insomnia using a subjective method, patient-reported questionnaires and an objective tool, actigraphy, to measure the quality of sleep. METHODS AND ANALYSIS This is a study protocol for a randomised, three-arm, multicentre, pilot clinical trial. A total of 45 patients with cancer who have continuous insomnia related to cancer treatment or cancer itself will be randomly allocated to an EA group, sham EA group or usual care group in equal proportions. The EA group will receive 10 sessions of EA treatment over 4 weeks. The sham EA group will receive sham EA at non-acupoints using non-penetrating Streitberger acupuncture needles with mock EA. The usual care group will not receive EA treatment. All participants will be provided a brochure on the management of sleep disorders regardless of their group assignment. The primary outcome measure is the mean change in the insomnia severity index from the baseline to week 5. Information related to sleep quality will also be obtained through the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, a sleep diary and actigraphy. Participants will complete the trial by visiting the research centre at week 9 for follow-up assessment. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION This study protocol was approved by the institutional review boards of each research centre. Written informed consent will be obtained from all participants. The result of this study will be published in peer-reviewed journals or presented at academic conferences. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER KCT0002162; Pre-results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mikyung Kim
- Clinical Research Division, Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung-Eun Kim
- Clinical Research Division, Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Hye-Yoon Lee
- Clinical Research Division, Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Ae-Ran Kim
- Clinical Research Division, Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyo-Ju Park
- Clinical Research Division, Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - O-Jin Kwon
- Clinical Research Division, Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Bo-Kyung Kim
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, College of Oriental Medicine, Dong-eui University, Busan, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung Hyo Cho
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Traditional Korean Medicine, Daejeon University, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Joo-Hee Kim
- Clinical Research Division, Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
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Razavy S, Gadau M, Zhang SP, Wang FC, Bangrazi S, Berle C, Harahap M, Li T, Li WH, Zaslawski C. Investigation of the Phenomenon of Propagated Sensation along the Channels in the Upper Limb Following Administration of Acupuncture and Mock Laser. J Acupunct Meridian Stud 2017; 10:307-316. [PMID: 29078965 DOI: 10.1016/j.jams.2017.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2017] [Revised: 06/22/2017] [Accepted: 06/26/2017] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Similar to De Qi psychophysical responses, propagated sensation along the channels (PSC) is considered an important phenomenon in traditional Chinese acupuncture. In acupuncture clinical trials, different acupuncture manipulation techniques are used to enhance the propagation of sensation along the channels to facilitate an optimum therapeutic result. AIM To examine and compare the PSC reported by participants in a clinical trial following the administration of acupuncture and inactive mock laser. METHODS The study was embedded in a two-arm parallel design multicenter, randomized clinical trial, the Tennis Elbow Acupuncture-International Study-China, Hong Kong, Australia, Italy (TEA IS CHAI). Needle sensations were measured using a validated instrument, the Massachusetts General Hospital Acupuncture Sensation Spreading Scale. Ninety-six participants with lateral elbow pain were randomly allocated into two groups in a 1:1 ratio; the acupuncture treatment group (n = 47) and the mock laser control group (n = 49). Participants in both groups received the intervention at two acupoints, LI10 and LI11, consisting of 2 minutes of either standardized needle manipulation or mock laser at each acupoint with a rest period between each intervention period. Data were collected immediately following the interventions at the first and the ninth session within the clinical trial. RESULTS Although participants in both groups perceived PSC radiating to similar sites along the upper limb, the frequency of the reported radiation sites among the two intervention groups for both radiation up the limb (p < 0.05) and radiation down the limb (p < 0.001) were statistically significantly different. Among the radiating sensation sites recorded within the two study groups, the sensations were reported as radiating a greater distance down the forearm to the wrist compared to up the arm. Evaluation of PSC across the four study sites revealed a statistically significant difference in frequency of the reported radiation down the limb sites in each study group and radiation up the limb sites only in control group only (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION The findings of the study demonstrated that the PSC phenomenon is not just associated with needling but can be perceived when using a mock laser. TRIAL REGISTRATION Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trial Registry reference: ACTRN12613001138774 on 11th of October 2013.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shohreh Razavy
- School of Life Sciences, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, 2007, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Marcus Gadau
- School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, SAR, China
| | - Shi Ping Zhang
- School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, SAR, China
| | - Fu Chun Wang
- School of Acupuncture and Tuina, Changchun University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changchun, 130117, Jilin, China
| | | | - Christine Berle
- School of Life Sciences, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, 2007, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Mahrita Harahap
- School of Life Sciences, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, 2007, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Tie Li
- School of Acupuncture and Tuina, Changchun University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changchun, 130117, Jilin, China
| | - Wei Hong Li
- School of Life Sciences, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, 2007, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Christopher Zaslawski
- School of Life Sciences, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, 2007, New South Wales, Australia.
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Yang Y, Yan X, Deng H, Zeng D, Huang J, Fu W, Xu N, Liu J. The efficacy of traditional acupuncture on patients with chronic neck pain: study protocol of a randomized controlled trial. Trials 2017; 18:312. [PMID: 28693563 PMCID: PMC5504675 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-017-2009-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2016] [Accepted: 05/22/2017] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Background A large number of randomized trials on the use of acupuncture to treat chronic pain have been conducted. However, there is considerable controversy regarding the effectiveness of acupuncture. We designed a randomized trial involving patients with chronic neck pain (CNP) to investigate whether acupuncture is more effective than a placebo in treating CNP. Methods/design A five-arm, parallel, single-blinded, randomized, sham-controlled trial was designed. Patients with CNP of more than 3 months’ duration are being recruited from Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine (China). Following examination, 175 patients will be randomized into one of five groups (35 patients in each group) as follows: a traditional acupuncture group (group A), a shallow-puncture group (group B), a non-acupoint acupuncture group (group C), a non-acupoint shallow-puncture group (group D) and a sham-puncture group (group E). The interventions will last for 20 min and will be carried out twice a week for 5 weeks. The primary outcome will be evaluated by changes in the Northwick Park Neck Pain Questionnaire (NPQ). Secondary outcomes will be measured by the pain threshold, the Short Form McGill Pain Questionnaire-2 (SF-MPQ-2), the 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36) and diary entries. Analysis of the data will be performed at baseline, at the end of the intervention and at 3 months’ follow-up. The safety of acupuncture will be evaluated at each treatment period. Discussion The purpose of this trial is to determine whether traditional acupuncture is more effective for chronic pain relief than sham acupuncture in adults with CNP, and to determine which type of sham acupuncture is the optimal control for clinical trials. Trial registration Chinese Clinical Trial Registry: ChiCTR-IOR-15006886. Registered on 2 July 2015. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13063-017-2009-1) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiling Yang
- Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 12 Jichang Road, Guangzhou, 510006, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoxia Yan
- Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 12 Jichang Road, Guangzhou, 510006, People's Republic of China
| | - Hongmei Deng
- Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 12 Jichang Road, Guangzhou, 510006, People's Republic of China
| | - Dian Zeng
- Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 12 Jichang Road, Guangzhou, 510006, People's Republic of China
| | - Jianpeng Huang
- The Secondary Medical College, Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 111 Dade Road, Guangzhou, 510120, People's Republic of China
| | - Wenbin Fu
- Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 12 Jichang Road, Guangzhou, 510006, People's Republic of China.,The Secondary Medical College, Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 111 Dade Road, Guangzhou, 510120, People's Republic of China
| | - Nenggui Xu
- Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 12 Jichang Road, Guangzhou, 510006, People's Republic of China.
| | - Jianhua Liu
- Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 12 Jichang Road, Guangzhou, 510006, People's Republic of China. .,The Secondary Medical College, Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 111 Dade Road, Guangzhou, 510120, People's Republic of China.
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Razavy S, Gadau M, Zhang SP, Wang FC, Bangrazi S, Berle C, Harahap M, Li T, Li WH, Zaslawski C. Psychophysical responses in patients receiving a mock laser within context of an acupuncture clinical trial: an interoceptive perspective. BMC COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2017; 17:348. [PMID: 28673350 PMCID: PMC5496139 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-017-1859-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2017] [Accepted: 06/26/2017] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Background The psychophysical responses induced by verum acupuncture are characterized by a constellation of unique subjective sensory responses commonly termed De Qi. Furthermore, a variety of sham interventions have been used as a control for acupuncture clinical trials. Indeed, one such control has been mock laser which has been used as control intervention in several acupuncture clinical controlled trials. The current study aim was to examine the De Qi sensory responses and its related characteristics elicited from acupuncture and compare them to those reported following sham laser in participants enrolled in a clinical trial. Methods The study was embedded in a multi-center, two-arm randomised clinical trial, which evaluated the effect of acupuncture on lateral elbow pain. De Qi was assessed using the Massachusetts General Hospital Acupuncture Sensation Scale (MASS). Ninety-six participants were randomly allocated to receive either acupuncture (n = 47) or mock laser (n = 49) at the acupoints LI 10 and LI 11. Results Participants in both intervention groups reported similar De Qi psychophysical characteristics; however, both intensity and frequency of the individually perceived De Qi characteristics were significantly higher in the acupuncture group. ‘Soreness’, ‘deep pressure’, and ‘fullness-distension’ in the acupuncture group and ‘tingling’, and ‘sharp pain’ in mock laser group, were identified as the leading characteristics. Similar level of MASS De Qi Index (MDI) scores were reported for ‘Hong Kong-China’ and ‘Australia-Italy’ with a significantly higher level of De Qi reported by ‘Hong Kong-China’. Furthermore, two distinct De Qi categories were identified, namely De Qi (in line with classical sensory responses of Suan, Ma, Zhang, and Zhong) and pain. Conclusions Subjective ‘somatic or interoceptive awareness’ should be taken into account when De Qi psychophysical responses are examined. The study accentuates the necessity and the significance of further research into interoception phenomenon which may contribute to a better understanding of the placebo effect and De Qi psychophysical responses. Trial registration Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trial Registry reference: ACTRN12613001138774 on 11th of October 2013.
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Birch S, Lee MS, Robinson N, Alraek T. The U.K. NICE 2014 Guidelines for Osteoarthritis of the Knee: Lessons Learned in a Narrative Review Addressing Inadvertent Limitations and Bias. J Altern Complement Med 2017; 23:242-246. [PMID: 28394671 DOI: 10.1089/acm.2016.0385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Several systematic reviews suggest that acupuncture is effective for knee osteoarthritis (OA), and furthermore a safe and cost-effective treatment for this condition. A recent clinical practice guideline (CPG) from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), in the United Kingdom, recommended against the use of acupuncture on the grounds that the effect size (ES) in comparison with sham acupuncture is too small. Safety data were not considered in the review, in addition the levels of evidence for acupuncture against other recommended therapies were not compared. Consequently, it is argued that this NICE guideline has limitations that lead to several potential biases in its evaluation of acupuncture, which were not addressed correctly: (1) NICE's prior scoping process limited its review. (2) NICE introduced the method of developing recommendations based on the consideration of which interventions make "minimal important differences" of an ES of 0.5 or greater, rather than the statistical significance of the effect of an intervention when compared with an appropriate comparison. (3) Evidence that sham acupuncture is not physiologically inert and has some level of beneficial effect, hence artificially reducing the magnitude of the ES in comparison with sham. (4) The low adverse effects profile of acupuncture. (5) Evidence from trials comparing acupuncture with usual or standard care was not considered, nor was cost-effectiveness data. (6) Lack of the usual CPG "head-to-head" comparisons between interventions. If the same criteria and methods that have been applied to acupuncture were applied to other NICE-recommended therapies for knee OA, including patient centeredness, patient education, self-management and weight loss, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAIDs), and cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor (COX-2 inhibitors), these too would no longer be recommended and opiates would become the first line of drug prescription. Given the problems with sham acupuncture, perhaps now is the time to embrace pragmatic studies and employ comparative effectiveness studies instead.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen Birch
- 1 Kristiania University College , Institute of Health Sciences, Oslo, Norway
| | - Myeong Soo Lee
- 2 Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine , Daejeon, Republic of Korea.,3 Allied Health Sciences, London South Bank University , London, United Kingdom
| | - Nicola Robinson
- 3 Allied Health Sciences, London South Bank University , London, United Kingdom
| | - Terje Alraek
- 1 Kristiania University College , Institute of Health Sciences, Oslo, Norway .,4 National Research Centre in Complementary and Alternative Medicine, Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, UiT The Arctic University of Norway , Tromso, Norway
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Reduced Need for Rescue Antiemetics and Improved Capacity to Eat in Patients Receiving Acupuncture Compared to Patients Receiving Sham Acupuncture or Standard Care during Radiotherapy. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2017; 2017:5806351. [PMID: 28270851 PMCID: PMC5320299 DOI: 10.1155/2017/5806351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2016] [Accepted: 01/10/2017] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Objective. To evaluate if consumption of emesis-related care and eating capacity differed between patients receiving verum acupuncture, sham acupuncture, or standard care only during radiotherapy. Methods. Patients were randomized to verum (n = 100) or sham (n = 100) acupuncture (telescopic blunt sham needle) (median 12 sessions) and registered daily their consumption of antiemetics and eating capacity. A standard care group (n = 62) received standard care only and delivered these data once. Results. More patients in the verum (n = 73 of 89 patients still undergoing radiotherapy; 82%, Relative Risk (RR) 1.23, 95% Confidence Interval (CI) 1.01–1.50) and the sham acupuncture group (n = 79 of 95; 83%, RR 1.24, CI 1.03–1.52) did not need any antiemetic medications, as compared to the standard care group (n = 42 out of 63; 67%) after receiving 27 Gray dose of radiotherapy. More patients in the verum (n = 50 of 89; 56%, RR 1.78, CI 1.31–2.42) and the sham acupuncture group (n = 58 of 94 answering patients; 62%, RR 1.83, CI 1.20–2.80) were capable of eating as usual, compared to the standard care group (n = 20 of 63; 39%). Conclusion. Patients receiving acupuncture had lower consumption of antiemetics and better eating capacity than patients receiving standard antiemetic care, plausible by nonspecific effects of the extra care during acupuncture.
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Blinding in Physical Therapy Trials and Its Association with Treatment Effects. Am J Phys Med Rehabil 2017; 96:34-44. [DOI: 10.1097/phm.0000000000000521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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Affiliation(s)
- S W Choi
- Department of Anaesthesiology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, HKSAR
| | - D M H Lam
- Department of Anaesthesiology, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong, HKSAR
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