None listed
Conditions
Brief summary
The primary purpose of this study is to access the results of using laser acupuncture to assist long term smoking cessation. Long term smoking cessation is assessed at 26 weeks after treatment commences. This trial has attempted to remedy the deficiencies of a previous laser acupuncture trials. It has been designed to address several questions: 1. Does true [verum] laser acupuncture have better outcomes of smoking cessation than sham laser acupuncture ? This style of laser acupuncture treatment has been chosen because there is not enough evidence from trials of this type of treatment to assess its validity. The Cochrane Library Review, Acupuncture and Related Interventions for Smoking Cessation [White, Rampes et al, 2007] was updated in 2007 and stated that “there is no consistent evidence that acupuncture, acupressure, laser therapy or electro-stimulation are effective for smoking cessation, but methodological problems mean that no firm conclusions can be drawn.” Research has shown acupuncture is a safe therapy with few side effects. Using the drug therapy of nicotine replacement therapy and Bupropion therapy as aids to assist smoking cessation is not suitable for everybody. The outcome of this trial will be clearer information about the role of true [verum] laser acupuncture This will inform recommendations for interventions that will assist smokers wishing to quit. It will add worthwhile information to the debate concerning the use of acupuncture and may influence future meta-analysis and reviews concerning the efficacy of laser acupuncture treatment and its role in assisting people to cease smoking.
Interventions
Laser treatment will be given four times in the first two weeks of the quit attempt. Treatment will be given on acupuncture points on the ears, wrists and hands. Each point will be treated for one minute. Treatment will consist of a single diode laser with the following irradiation parameters: power output: 50mW; wavelength: 820nm; pulse repetition rate: 20HZ; radiant exposure: 24Jcm.
Sponsors
Dr Christopher Zaslawski
Study design
Allocation
Randomised controlled trial
Intervention model
Parallel
Primary purpose
Treatment
Masking
Blinded (masking used)
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
All
Age
18 Years to No maximum
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
Adults who are smokers. Adults who wish to give up smoking. Adults who can understand the consent form and agree to treatment and can read and write sufficiently to read and answer the questionnaires.
Exclusion criteria
Adults who have uncontrolled diabetes mellitus, ischemic heart disease, unstable epilepsy or asthma or are pregnant.
Outcome results
None listed