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Evaluation of the Effect of Acupuncture on Objective Outcomes in Patients With Chronic Neck Discomfort
Sponsor: Hualien Tzu Chi General Hospital
Summary
The goal of this clinical trial is to determine whether acupuncture can improve neck pain and shoulder movement in people with chronic neck pain. Researchers will compare acupuncture with sham acupuncture (a procedure designed to resemble acupuncture without therapeutic effects) to determine whether acupuncture provides specific benefits. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either acupuncture or sham acupuncture. They will attend 1 treatment session and undergo assessments of neck and shoulder movement, muscle activity, pain intensity, and neck-related disability before and after treatment. Researchers will also monitor any adverse events associated with treatment.
Official title: Evaluation of the Effect of Acupuncture on 3 Dimensional Scapular Kinematics and Electromyographic Activity in Patients With Chronic Neck Discomfort
Key Details
Gender
All
Age Range
18 Years - 65 Years
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
50
Start Date
2020-08-21
Completion Date
2021-01-15
Last Updated
2026-07-02
Healthy Volunteers
No
Conditions
Interventions
Acupuncture
Participants receive standardized acupuncture treatment administered by licensed acupuncturists. Disposable sterile needles are inserted at predefined acupuncture points selected for chronic neck pain management. Manual needle stimulation is applied to elicit deqi sensation, and needles are retained for approximately 20-30 minutes per session. Treatments are delivered according to a standardized protocol throughout the study period.
Sham Acupuncture
Participants receive sham acupuncture using non-penetrating placebo needles that simulate needle insertion without skin penetration. The sham procedure is performed at predefined non-acupuncture locations and follows the same treatment frequency, duration, and clinical procedures as the acupuncture group. The intervention is designed to maintain participant blinding while minimizing specific physiological effects associated with acupuncture.
Locations (1)
Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital
Hualien City, Hualien, Taiwan