Assessing the Feasibility of Integrating Ear Acupuncture Into the Aeromedical Evacuation System From RAB to AAFB

The Feasibility of Integrating Ear Acupuncture for Pain in Patients Being Transported Via the Aeromedical Evacuation System From Ramstein Air Base to Andrews AFB, Maryland USA: An Observational Study

Status

Completed

Phases

Unknown

Study type

Observational

Source

ClinicalTrials.gov

Registry ID

NCT01278355

Enrollment

Registered

2011-01-17

Start date

2011-01-31

Completion date

2012-01-31

Last updated

2013-12-03

For informational purposes only — not medical advice. Sourced from public registries and may not reflect the latest updates. Terms

Conditions

Musculoskeletal Pain

Keywords

pain, acupuncture

Brief summary

The purpose of this study is twofold: 1) to test the feasibility of integrating a simple bilateral ear acupuncture procedure (Auricular Stimulation Procedure - ASP) into the standard care delivered in the Aeromedical Evacuation system and 2) to observe and document any changes in pain scores and in-flight related symptoms and factors (e.g. sinus block/pain, ear block pain, nausea/air sickness) typically monitored during transportation of wounded warriors from Ramstein Air Base (RAB) to Andrews Air Force Base (AAFB).

Interventions

DEVICEEar acupuncture

Ear acupuncture

Study design

Observational model

COHORT

Time perspective

PROSPECTIVE

Eligibility

Sex/Gender

ALL

Age

18 Years to 65 Years

Healthy volunteers

Inclusion criteria

* Age 18 or over * NRS Pain rating \> 0 * Military beneficiaries undergoing aeromedical evacuation from RAB to AAFB

Exclusion criteria

* Medically unstable or otherwise unable to participate including those with the inability to consent * Allergy to metals * Ear trauma * Sepsis * Unhealed wounds on the ears * Piercing or scar tissue in any of the ear acupuncture point areas * Pregnancy

Design outcomes

Primary

Measure	Time frame
Pain	March 2013

Countries

Germany

Outcome results

None listed

Source: ClinicalTrials.gov · Data processed: Feb 4, 2026