Clinical Research Directory

Acupuncture for Post-Stroke Dysphagia: A Clinical Study

Employing a nested design, a partially randomized preference study (Study II) is embedded within a prospective, multicenter cohort study (Study I). The cohort study, with acupuncture as the exposure factor, explores the clinical efficacy and health economic value of different integrated Chinese and Western medicine treatment protocols. The nested partially randomized preference study of different acupuncture protocols generates high-level evidence through randomized cohorts while supplementing real-world decision-making with preference cohort data.

A Trial of Chinese Traditional Medicine Combining With Intradermal Acupuncture for Treating Precocious Puberty

A randomized controlled study will be conducted to evaluate the therapeutic effect of traditional Chinese medicine and acupoints stimulation on children with idiopathic precocious puberty.

The Use of Acupuncture to Reduce Chemotherapy Induced Peripheral Neuropathy in Gynaecological Cancer Patients

Objectives: To explore the feasibility and effectiveness of acupuncture on reducing Chemotherapy Induced Peripheral Neuropathy (CIPN) in gynaecological cancer patients who have received carboplatin and paclitaxel chemotherapy combination. Results of this pilot trial will provide preliminary information for a potential a larger scale multicentre study. Hypothesis: Acupuncture can significantly reduce CIPN in gynaecological cancer patients treated with chemotherapy Design and subjects: This is a pilot, prospective randomised controlled trial. This is an exploratory trial to evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of acupuncture in reducing CIPN in gynaecological cancer patients. Eligible patients will be 1:1:1 randomised to three groups: electroacupuncture group, sham acupuncture group and waiting-list (usual care) control group. For electroacupuncture and sham acupuncture groups, the assessors and the patients will be blinded to the treatment given. 1. Electroacupuncture group - patients will receive 6 weeks of electroacupuncture, 2 sessions per week, by a qualified Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioner from the School of Chinese Medicine. 2. Sham acupuncture group - patients will receive 6 weeks of sham acupuncture similar to the above. 3. Waiting-list (usual care) control group - patients will not receive any treatment. Main outcomes: Acupuncture effects will be assessed at baseline and 3, 6,12 weeks post intervention by: 1. Patient reported outcome measures: FACT/GOG-Ntx questionnaire for assessing CIPN symptoms and EORTC-QLQ-C30 and CIPN20 questionnaires for assessing quality of life symptom 2. Clinician reported outcome measures: NCI-CTCAE grading for CIPN by clinicians and Semmes-Weinstein monofilament test as an objective measurement of CIPN. Data analysis: Intention to treat analysis will be carried out. Baseline demographics will be compared between the 3 groups. Change from baseline total score will be calculated and analysed using 2-sample t-test. 95% CI will be reported for treatment differences. Score for different subcategories will be analysed in a similar manner. Data collected at week 6 will be used for outcome analysis. P\<0.05 will be considered as statistically significant. Acupuncture efficacy, effectiveness and placebo effect will be indicated by comparison of acupuncture vs. sham acupuncture, acupuncture vs. waiting-list, and sham acupuncture vs. waiting-list, respectively. Expected results: Patients in the acupuncture arm will have reduced numbness and peripheral neuropathy and improved quality of life without any adverse event.

Stress Reduction Through Acupuncture

This randomized controlled trial evaluates whether eight weeks of weekly acupuncture can reduce psychological distress in breast cancer patients who have recently completed primary therapy compared to standard-of-care wait-list control.

Acupuncture for Erectile Dysfunction

Chronic Prostatitis/Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome (CP/CPPS) is a prevalent chronic urological disease. CP/CPPS severely impacts patients' quality of life. It is characterized by recurrent pelvic floor pain, lower urinary tract symptoms, and often accompanied by psychological issues and sexual dysfunction (duration ≥3 months, no confirmed infection/pathology). The investigators have completed a large-sample, multi-center randomized controlled trial (RCT) involving 440 patients with CP/CPPS before. The clinical trial confirmed the sustained efficacy of acupuncture for the symptoms of pain, lower urinary tract symptoms, and anxiety and depression among patients with CP/CPPS. However, the trial revealed no significant improvements in sexual dysfunction in the acupuncture group compared to the sham acupuncture group after 8 weeks of treatment.To address this limitation, the current study is designed, which aims to optimize the clinical acupuncture protocol for CP/CPPS and evaluate whether it can enhance outcomes for psychogenic erectile dysfunction (ED) associated. Additionally, mass cytometry and liquid suspension chip technology will be used to explore systemic and local immune mechanisms underlying acupuncture's effects for CP/CPPS. Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and metabolomics will be integrated to analyze patients' systemic states from central nervous system and metabolic perspectives, comprehensively elucidating the multi-dimensional mechanisms by which acupuncture alleviates CP/CPPS.

ACU-TENS on Pain and Stress Reduction Before and During TUGOR

Objectives: To demonstrate the use of acupuncture-type transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (acu-TENS) during transvaginal ultrasound-guided oocyte retrieval (TUGOR) will reduce 50% of the intensity of pain experienced by women. Hypothesis to be tested: Does the use of acu-TENS reduce 50% of pain in TUGOR? Design and subjects: A prospective randomized control trial will be carried out at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Prince of Wales Hospital. 144 women undergoing TUGOR will be randomized to receive acu-TENS or sham acu-TENS for pain control during TUGOR. Study instruments: During the TUGOR procedure, ultrasound of the pelvis will be performed by Aloka ProSound SSD-3500SX device (Japan). Each follicle will be pierced using a single lumen ovum aspiration needle or a double lumen ovum aspiration catheter (COOK Medical, UK) under ultrasound guidance. Acu-TENS will be done using MTR+ Myolito Multifunctional Stimulator. Main outcome measures: Primary outcome is the pain score before and during TUGOR. Secondary outcomes include (1) other pain level parameters including pain control satisfaction, surgeon's assessment of the patient co-operation score and patient intraoperative pain; (2) stress and anxiety levels, Stait Trait Anxiety Inventory, General Health Questionnaire, Beck Depression Inventory, and saliva cortisol; (3) patient's satisfaction measured by Client Satisfaction Questionnaire and satisfaction score on pain control; (4) difficulty in retrieving oocytes; (5) IVF parameters; (6) safety profile; and (7) bias assessment. Data analysis: Data analysis will be performed using Statistical Packages of Social Sciences for Windows. Expected results: The investigators expect that acu-TENS will reduce 50% of pain in TUGOR.

Acupuncture for ADHD: Acupoint Data Mining, Clinical Effectiveness, and Interviews to Explore Treatment Outcomes.

This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of acupuncture as a treatment for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in children aged 6-12 years. Using a mixed-methods approach, the research will triangulate data from acupoint data mining, treatment outcomes assessment, and patient perspectives to provide a comprehensive analysis of acupuncture's potential therapeutic benefits for ADHD. This prospective cohort study will recruit children diagnosed with ADHD, assigning them to receive either acupuncture combined with traditional Chinese herbal treatment or herbal treatment alone. Quantitative assessments using the the SNAP-IV, Conners 3-P, BRIEF-2, PedsQL™ 4.0 Generic Core Scales, PSQI and CGI that will be complemented by qualitative interviews to capture nuanced patient experiences and treatment outcomes. The study will span 12 months, commencing on March 1st, 2025 with an expected completion by February 28th, 2026. By integrating quantitative assessments with qualitative insights, it aims to provide comprehensive evidence on acupuncture's role in ADHD management. Findings may inform clinical guidelines and enhance patient-centered care approaches.

Acupuncture for Post-hemorrhoidectomy Pain Control

The goal of this clinical trial is to learn if acupuncture improves pain control after hemorrhoidectomy in patients with symptomatic hemorrhoids. It will also learn about the safety of using acupuncture in surgical patients. The main questions it aims to answer are: Does acupuncture lower the maximal pain intensity after hemorrhoidectomy? Does acupuncture reduce analgesics requirement, length of hospital stay and quality of recovery? Researchers will compare fully active acupuncture to a sham treatment (a look-alike procedure with minimum acupuncture stimulation) to see if active acupuncture works to improve pain control. Participants will: Receive acupuncture treatment for 7 times over first 5 days after surgery. Visit the clinic once 2 weeks after surgery for checkups and tests. Keep a diary of their symptoms and the number of times they take pain-killers.

Integrative Medicine in Pain Management in Sickle Cell Disease, 2.0

The proposed research is to determine the clinical efficacy and neurobiological mechanisms of acupuncture analgesia in patients with sickle cell disease.

Integrative Medicine in Pain Management in Sickle Cell Disease

The proposed research is to determine the clinical efficacy and neurobiological mechanisms of acupuncture analgesia in patients with sickle cell disease.

Acupuncture for Anxiety/Depression in Patients With Breast Cancer

The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects and safety of acupuncture on anxiety and/or depression among patients with breast cancer.

Determining the Right Acupuncture for Good Recovery Over Neuropsychiatric Trauma

This study seeks to verify that a specific acupuncture treatment is effective at reducing symptoms of neuropsychiatric trauma found in those diagnosed with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

ACU_Knee: Role of Acupuncture in Knee Prosthetic Surgery

Post-operative analgesia after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) has always been a challenge in the anesthesiological setting, having to combine good pain control and the need for early mobilization, both factors that can affect the quality of rehabilitation treatment, prosthetic functional outcome, the onset of chronic pain, joint stiffness and the consequent quality of life of the patient. Recent loco-regional anesthesia (LRA) techniques have made an essential contribution to peri-operative management in the fast-track perspective of surgery, in terms of optimization of analgesia and rapid functional recovery. Inadequate post-operative analgesia, by affecting the normal rehabilitation pathway, is associated with medium-long term complications, such as chronic pain, joint stiffness and patient dissatisfaction, which often compromise functional autonomy and quality of life of the patient and may require invasive treatments (surgical revision, unlocking under general anesthesia). The local and systemic inflammatory state, evidenced by peri-operative dosage of specific biomarkers, appears to be related to prosthetic outcome.

Acupuncture for Persistent Dyspnea Despite Medical Treatment in COPD

This randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of acupuncture as an adjunctive non-pharmacological therapy in patients with stable COPD who continue to experience dyspnea despite optimal medical treatment.

Acupuncture Versus Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation on Pain Post Upper Abdominal Surgeries

This study was done to: * Determine the therapeutic efficacy of acupuncture as physical therapy approach in minimizing pain post upper abdominal surgeries. * Determine the therapeutic efficacy of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation in minimizing pain post upper abdominal surgeries. * Compare the efficacy and safety of Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation versus acupuncture in minimizing pain post upper abdominal surgeries.

Clinical Study on Dry Needling for Primary Dysmenorrhea and Its Preliminary Correlation With Acupoints

Primary dysmenorrhea refers to menstrual pain not caused by pelvic organic lesions, commonly seen in young women, significantly affecting patients' quality of life. Dry needling therapy targeting myofascial trigger points for primary dysmenorrhea has been preliminarily applied in clinical settings. However, related research is limited with questionable quality, hindering its widespread clinical application. Furthermore, is there a connection between myofascial trigger points in dry needling and acupuncture acupoints in terms of selection and mechanism of action? Could this be a new interpretation of acupuncture theory? These are important questions that have garnered widespread attention. This study employs a randomized patient-blinded controlled design, enrolling primary dysmenorrhea patients aged 18 to 30 years. They are randomly divided into three groups: the trigger point dry needling group, traditional acupuncture treatment group, and trigger point sham needle (placebo) group. Changes in pain levels, quality of life scores, inflammatory factor levels, and local blood flow before and after treatment among the three groups are observed. The aim is to assess the therapeutic effects of dry needling trigger points and acupuncture treatments on primary dysmenorrhea and explore their potential mechanisms of action. By comparing the differences and similarities between dry needling trigger points and acupuncture treatments in terms of acupoint selection, treatment effects, and potential mechanisms of action, this study seeks to preliminarily explore the feasibility of integrating trigger point theory into the meridian 'acupoint' theory, laying the foundation for a modern interpretation of acupuncture

Acupuncture Versus Compound Diclofenac Sodium for Pain Relief in Non-Traumatic Acute Abdominal

The investigators designed this clinical study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of semi-standardized acupuncture and moxibustion combined with compound diclofenac sodium injection in the emergency department (ED) compared with acupuncture or compound diclofenac sodium injection alone.

Efficacy of Acupuncture for Shoulder Pain Based on Remote Point Selection According to the Meridians

This double blind randomized controlled trial investigates the immediate efficacy of acupuncture for shoulder pain using remote point selection based on meridian theory. A total of 90 participants with shoulder pain (Numerical Rating Scale ≥ 4) will be randomly assigned in a 1:1:1 ratio to one of three groups: acupuncture SC, acupuncture CS, and rehabilitation. Meridian selection will be determined based on the patient's most painful shoulder movement and corresponding pain location, followed by standardized distal acupoint application. Outcome measures include changes in pain intensity (NRS) and shoulder range of motion assessed at baseline, post-first acupuncture, post-second acupuncture, and 30 minutes post-treatment. Blinded evaluators will conduct all assessments. The study aims to assess the effectiveness of meridian-based remote acupuncture and explore its relationship with shoulder movement patterns and soft tissue involvement.

Hypoglossal Acupuncture for Dysgeusia in Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy

This randomized controlled trial aims to investigate hypoglossal acupuncture in comparison to sham acupuncture and standard medical treatment (dietary recommendations) in the treatment of dysgeusia in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.

Acupuncture for Chronic Pelvic Pain

The objective of this study is to determine if alternative pain management strategies, namely acupuncture, may help reduce intensity of female pelvic pain compared to other pain control modalities. This research study will focus specifically on the Dragon's protocol of acupuncture which will seek to alleviate chronic non-endometriosis pelvic pain for women both with and without a history of sexual assault. This study may support evidence for an inexpensive alternative means of treatment for patients with or without traumatic sexual history and chronic pelvic pain.

A Clinical Follow-up Study on the Efficacy of Thumbtack Needle for Postoperative Sleep and Recovery Treatment

To understand the impact of thumb-tack needle therapy on postoperative sleep and recovery in patients who have undergone general anesthesia, and to explore the clinical significance of thumb-tack needle therapy in improving postoperative sleep quality, preventing postoperative sleep disorders, and promoting postoperative recovery

Study of Acupuncture to Control Weight and Improve Pregnancy Rates in Overweight/Obese PCOS Patients

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common cause of anovulatory infertility and is characterized by ovulatory dysfunction, increased androgens, and polycystic ovaries. The goal of this randomized control study is to compare the efficacy between acupuncture and metformin both with intensive lifestyle intervention for overweight /obese PCOS patients in weight and pregnancy rates improvement.

Acupuncture for Post COVID-19 Condition (Long COVID) Neuropsychiatric Symptoms

In this study, a 12-week pragmatic, randomized, double-blinded clinical trial will be conducted to evaluate the efficacy of acupuncture for the treatment of long Covid neuropsychiatric symptoms and provide reference for clinical non-drug treatment.

Exploring the Impact of VR-based Acupuncture Treatment on Patient Experience and Doctor-patient Interaction.

Develop and establish a virtual reality acupuncture system, and introduce the technology acceptance model to systematically explore the impact of acupuncture treatment effectiveness and its related medical experience and doctor-patient interaction