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Auricular Electroacupuncture and Auricular Acupuncture With Health Education for Pain in Leprosy
Sponsor: Universidade Federal de Pernambuco
Summary
This randomized controlled pilot study evaluated the effects of auricular electroacupuncture and auricular acupuncture combined with health education on pain management in adults diagnosed with leprosy or who had completed pharmacological treatment. Participants were randomly allocated to three parallel groups: auricular electroacupuncture plus health education, auricular acupuncture plus health education, or an active control group receiving transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS). The primary outcome was pain intensity, assessed using the Visual Analog Scale. Secondary outcomes included functional mobility, upper limb function, physical disability, and quality of life. Assessments were performed at baseline and after the intervention period.
Official title: Electroacupuncture and Auricular Acupuncture Associated With Health Education in Pain Management in Leprosy: A Randomized Controlled Pilot Study
Key Details
Gender
All
Age Range
18 Years - Any
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
16
Start Date
2025-04-01
Completion Date
2026-05-31
Last Updated
2026-10-07
Healthy Volunteers
No
Conditions
Interventions
Auricular Electroacupuncture
Participants received 10 sessions of auricular electroacupuncture, twice weekly for 5 weeks. Sterile filiform acupuncture needles (0.25 mm × 30 mm) were inserted at predefined auricular points. Electrical stimulation was delivered using a continuous pulse at 2 Hz, pulse width of 0.5 ms, and intensity adjusted to the participant's maximum tolerance. Each electroacupuncture session lasted 30 minutes.
Auricular Acupuncture
Participants received 10 sessions of auricular acupuncture, twice weekly for 5 weeks. Sterile filiform acupuncture needles were inserted at the same predefined auricular points used in the auricular electroacupuncture group. Electrodes were connected to the needles, but no electrical stimulation was delivered. Each auricular acupuncture session lasted 30 minutes.
Health Education
Participants received approximately 10 minutes of health education during each treatment session. The intervention was based on pain neuroscience education and addressed leprosy, pain mechanisms, self-care, treatment, and strategies to promote autonomy and active participation in health care. Educational activities used accessible language and included interactive and educational resources adapted to participants' level of understanding.
Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS)
Participants received conventional transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) applied to the area of greatest pain intensity. Stimulation was delivered using a biphasic, rectangular, symmetrical, balanced waveform at 100 Hz, with a pulse width of 100 µs. Each session lasted 30 minutes. Treatment was administered twice weekly for 4 weeks, totaling 8 sessions.
Locations (1)
Laboratory of Electrothermophototherapy (LETER), Department of Physiotherapy, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco
Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil