A Randomized Trial Comparing Acupuncture and Simulated Acupuncture, for Sub-acute and Chronic Whiplash.
Author: Cameron ID, Wang E, Sindhusake D.
Affiliation:
Rehabilitation Studies Unit, Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney Rehabilitation Studies Unit, Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney Epidemiology, Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney.
Conference/Journal: Spine (Phila Pa 1976).
Date published: 2011 Apr 7
Other:
Word Count: 277
ABSTRACT: Study design: A randomized controlled trial with 3 and 6 months follow up.Objective: To compare the effectiveness of acupuncture with simulated acupuncture in patients with sub-acute and chronic whiplash-associated disorders.Summary of background data: Acupuncture is widely used for the treatment of neck and other musculoskeletal pain and there is some evidence supporting its effectiveness for short term pain relief. The effectiveness of acupuncture in the treatment of WAD is not clear.Methods: 124 patients between 18 and 65 years with chronic (85%) or sub-acute WAD (grade I or II) were randomly allocated to real or simulated electro-acupuncture treatment for 12 sessions during a six week period. Both treatments involved skin penetration with acupuncture needles and were provided by a single university trained acupuncturist in a University Clinic in Sydney, Australia. Primary outcome measures were pain intensity (10cm Visual Analogue Scale), disability (Neck Disability Index), and health related quality of life (SF36). Secondary outcomes were patient specific activity scales, and the McGill Pain Rating Index.Results: Mean initial pain intensity for all participants was 5.6 cm. Participants receiving the real electro-acupuncture treatment had significantly greater reduction in pain intensity at 3 and 6 months, 0.9 cm (p = 0.05) and 1.3 cm (p = 0.007) respectively in comparison to the sham electro-acupuncture group. After adjustment for baseline status there was no significant reduction in disability, or improvement in health related quality of life. There was an improvement in the activity scales of a similar size to the reduction in pain, but no difference in the McGill Index.Conclusions: Real electro-acupuncture was associated with a significant reduction in pain intensity over at least 6 months. This reduction was probably not clinically significant. There was no improvement in disability or quality of life.
PMID: 21494196
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