Pain
Conditions
Keywords
Pain, Electromyography, Acupuncture, Randomized controlled trial, Rehabilitation
Brief summary
Needle Electromyography (EMG) is an important test used to assess muscle and nerve function, but the test can be uncomfortable. It is currently not standard practice to provide any pain-relieving intervention for this procedure. The purpose of this research study is to determine whether auricular (ear) acupuncture will make EMG testing less painful.
Interventions
OTHERauricular acupuncture
Experimental group to receive ear needles in the Battlefield Acupuncture points. Sham group to receive ear needles at points thought to be ineffective but standardized.
Sponsors
Kessler Foundation
Study design
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
SINGLE (Subject)
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
18 Years to 65 Years
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
* Gender: male or female * Of any racial or ethnic group * Adult between the ages 18 to 65 years * Healthy * Normal sensation and strength * Pain approximately the same on each side of body with no major difference between right and left sides * Can understand and are able to complete the outcomes questionnaires which will be explained before the study protocol begins
Exclusion criteria
* Pregnant or actively trying to become pregnant * Diabetes mellitus or other systemic disease which may affect nerve function * History of a neurologic disorder or other cause for abnormal sensation or weakness * Have had recent trauma to an upper arm, hand or ear * Have scars or burns on an upper arm, hand or ear that causes abnormal or decreased sensation * Taking pain medications on a regular basis * Have a bleeding or clotting disorder * Taking blood thinners, such as aspirin, heparin, enoxaparin (Lovenox), clopidogrel (Plavix) or coumadin (Warfarin) * Have received chemotherapy or radiation * Have a permanent pacemaker * Have a serious psychiatric disorder (such as schizophrenia) * More sensitive to pain on one side of my body more than the other
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame |
|---|---|
| Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) | pre- and post- intervention |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame |
|---|---|
| Global Impression of Change | pre- and post- intervention |
Countries
United States
Outcome results
None listed