None listed
Conditions
Brief summary
This study will investigate if Acu-TENS is able to reduce symptoms of breathlessness in people with COPD presenting to the Emergency Department (ED) of the Gold Coast University Hospital (GCUH) and if it is enough to reduce the need for hospital admission. We will also try to clarify the brain and nerve system (neurochemical) pathways whereby Acu-TENS relieves breathlessness - this will be assessed by blood samples.
Interventions
Participants in the Acu-TENS group will get be educated on breathing techniques in management of dyspnoea prior to their discharge.And besides this,they will have two small electrodes placed on the skin on two acupoints (called Ding Chuan) on either side of the spine at the base of the neck (spinal level C7). The points will be identified by an experienced research assistant who is trained in traditional Chinese medicine as well as western medicine, specialized in management of respiratory condi
Participants in the Acu-TENS group will get be educated on breathing techniques in management of dyspnoea prior to their discharge.And besides this,they will have two small electrodes placed on the skin on two acupoints (called Ding Chuan) on either side of the spine at the base of the neck (spinal level C7). The points will be identified by an experienced research assistant who is trained in traditional Chinese medicine as well as western medicine, specialized in management of respiratory conditions. The skin over the acupoints will be cleaned with an alcohol swab. TENS electrodes (3M Registered Trademark) will be pressed against the skin at the acupoints. The electrodes wires will then be attached to a TENS unit (ITO320) and a pre-set stimulation protocol (Burst Modulation,Frequency 2Hz,Pulse duration 200 microsec)will be activated. Participants having Acu-TENS should expect to feel a strong but comfortable tingling sensation at the site of the electrodes; it must not be painful. The duration of the stimulation will be 45 minutes in a relaxed sitting position only once.
Sponsors
Liisa Laakso
Study design
Allocation
Randomised controlled trial
Primary purpose
Treatment
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
All
Age
40 Years to 80 Years
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
Participants who have been previously diagnosed with COPD of mild or moderate severity. Inclusion criteria for enrolment into this study were all adult patients who presented with symptoms of breathlessness and/or wheezing and a self-reported previous history of COPD.
Exclusion criteria
Participants who have a co-existing condition of the heart or lungs other than COPD; or other medical diseases that might require you to be admitted to hospital (for example, unstable diabetes, respiratory failure, cardiac condition etc.).
Outcome results
None listed