Double-blind acupuncture needles: a multi-needle, multi-session randomized feasibility study.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Efficacy of acupuncture is difficult to demonstrate without a feasible double-blind milieu. Double-blind acupuncture needles have been validated in single session protocols with one or two needles but not been tested in a protocol requiring many needles and repeated sessions.

Methods

We determined the feasibility of a 13-needle, 10-session study protocol. Feasibility focused on (1) enrolling and retaining participants; (2) two acupuncturists accurately implementing a double-blind, multi-needle, multi-session protocol; (3) participants completing measures; and (4) protocol acceptability to participants. In this double-blind randomized controlled pilot study, participants were randomized 1:1 to a penetrating needle group or a skin-touch placebo control group.

Res

SUBMITTER: Schlaeger JM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5897935 | biostudies-literature | 2018

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature