Therapeutic Effects and Central Mechanism of Acupuncture and Moxibustion for Treating Functional Dyspepsia: Study Protocol for An fMRI-Based Randomized Controlled Trial

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pan Zhang ◽  
Tao Yin ◽  
Yang-Ke Mao ◽  
Zhao-Xuan He ◽  
Sha Yang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Functional Dyspepsia ◽  
Short Form ◽  
Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders ◽  
Underlying Mechanism ◽  
Central Mechanism ◽  
Autonomic Nerve ◽  
Therapeutic Effects ◽  
Cerebral Activity ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Acupuncture And Moxibustion

Abstract Background: Functional dyspepsia (FD) is one of the most common functional gastrointestinal disorders, with a high prevalence and significant influence on the quality of life (QoL). Either acupuncture or moxibustion is effective for dyspepsia, which is confirmed by both ancient documents and modern research. However, the therapeutic advantage and underlying mechanism between acupuncture and moxibustion for FD remain unclear. Methods: This randomized controlled fMRI trial aims to (i) evaluate the therapeutic advantages of acupuncture and moxibustion treatment for FD; (ii) investigate the similarities and differences in cerebral activity elicited by acupuncture and moxibustion; and (iii) analyze the possible correlations between brain responses and clinical variables thus to explore the potential central mechanism of acupuncture and moxibustion for treating FD. Ninety-two FD patients will be randomly assigned to either the acupuncture group or the moxibustion group in a 1:1 ratio. Twenty sessions of acupuncture or moxibustion treatment over 4 weeks will be performed on each patient. The short form Leeds Dyspepsia Questionnaire, the Nepean Dyspepsia Index, etc. are used to evaluate the therapeutic effects. The Heart Rate Variability will be analyzed to investigate the autonomic nerve function. Thirty-six FD patients in each group will be randomly selected for the fMRI scan to detect cerebral activity changes. Discussion: We expect the results will deepen our knowledge on the clinical value and underlying mechanism of acupuncture and moxibustion, and provide a reference for a better selection of interventions for treating FD.Trial Registration: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (www.chictr.org.cn), ChiCTR2100049496 (registration date: 2nd August, 2021).

Efficacy And Central Mechanism of Acupuncture Treatment In Patients With Neck Pain: Study Protocol For A Randomized Controlled Trial

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhen Gao ◽  
Tao Yin ◽  
Lei Lan ◽  
Dehua Li ◽  
Ruirui Sun ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Randomized Controlled Trial ◽  
Neck Pain ◽  
Acupuncture Treatment ◽  
Clinical Symptoms ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Neck Disability Index ◽  
Pressure Pain Threshold ◽  
Central Mechanism ◽  
Cerebral Activity ◽  
Randomized Controlled

Abstract Background: Acupuncture is effective for reducing the symptoms of neck pain (NP). However, the underlying mechanisms are not fully elucidated. Based on evaluating the efficacy of two acupuncture prescriptions for treating NP. This study aims to investigate the potential central mechanism of acupuncture treatment for NP by functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Methods: This is a randomized controlled trial, 86 patients will be randomly assigned into two acupuncture treatment groups at a ratio of 1:1. The whole study period includes 2 weeks baseline, 2 weeks treatments and 12 weeks follow-up (4 and 12 weeks after treatment). The pain severity, the neck disability index, the cervical range of motion, the pressure pain threshold, etc. will be used to evaluate clinical efficacy of two acupuncture prescriptions for NP treatment. The MRI scans will be performed to detect cerebral activity changes of 20 patients in each group. The clinical data and MRI data will be analysed, respectively. Pearson correlation coefficient will be used to evaluate the association between changes of cerebral activity features and improvement of clinical symptoms.Discussion: The results might provide further evidence for the clinical application of acupuncture in the treatment of NP.Trial registration: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR2000040930. Registered on December 16, 2020.

scholarly journals Effect of acupuncture and its influence on cerebral activity in patients with persistent asthma: study protocol for a randomized controlled clinical trial

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Siyi Yu ◽  
Xiaohui Dong ◽  
Ruirui Sun ◽  
Zhaoxuan He ◽  
Chuantao Zhang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Clinical Trial ◽  
Persistent Asthma ◽  
Functional Brain Imaging ◽  
Central Mechanism ◽  
Life Questionnaire ◽  
Cerebral Activity ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Self Rating

Abstract BackgroundPrevious studies suggested that acupuncture was a promising adjunct treatment for asthma. However, the underlying mechanism of acupuncture for asthma remains unclear. The present trial aimed to explore whether and how specific meridian acupuncture works in quality of life and symptomatic improvement by modulating brain function in asthma patients.Methods: A randomized controlled functional brain imaging trial is currently being conducted in Sichuan, China. In total 48 patients with mild to moderate, persistent asthma will be recruited randomly allocated to two acupuncture groups: acupuncturing at Lung Meridian and acupuncturing at Heart Meridian. The treatment period will last for 4 weeks. The Asthma quality of life questionnaire (AQLQ) is the primary outcome. Asthma control test (ACT), the rate of Peak expiratory flow (PEFR), Forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1), Montreal cognitive assessment (MoCA), Self-rating Anxiety Scale (SAS) and Self-rating Depression Scale (SDS) will also assess the clinical efficacy of different interventions. Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) scans will be performed to detect cerebral activity changes in each group. The clinical data and fMRI data will be analyzed, respectively. Pearson correlation analysis will be used to assess the association between the changes of cerebral activity features and the improvement of clinical outcomes in each group.Discussion: The present study has been established on the “meridians-viscera relationship” theory of traditional Chinese medicine and modern central mechanism of acupuncture. The results of this trial would be useful to identify the efficiency of the specific meridian acupuncture for asthma. The investigation of its central mechanism would further expand our knowledge of the acupuncture for asthma. Trial registration: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR1900027478. Registered on 15 November 2019.

scholarly journals Efficacy and central mechanism of acupuncture treatment in patients with neck pain: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

Trials ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhen Gao ◽  
Tao Yin ◽  
Lei Lan ◽  
Dehua Li ◽  
Ruirui Sun ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Randomized Controlled Trial ◽  
Neck Pain ◽  
Acupuncture Treatment ◽  
Clinical Symptoms ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Neck Disability Index ◽  
Pressure Pain Threshold ◽  
Central Mechanism ◽  
Cerebral Activity ◽  
Randomized Controlled

Abstract Background Acupuncture is effective for reducing the symptoms of neck pain (NP). However, the underlying mechanisms are not fully elucidated. Based on evaluating the efficacy of two acupuncture prescriptions for treating NP, this study aims to investigate the potential central mechanism of acupuncture treatment for NP by functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Methods This is a randomized controlled trial; 86 patients will be randomly assigned into two acupuncture treatment groups at a ratio of 1:1. The whole study period includes 2 weeks baseline, 2 weeks treatments, and 12 weeks follow-up (4 and 12 weeks after treatment). The pain severity, the neck disability index, the cervical range of motion, and the pressure pain threshold, etc., will be used to evaluate the clinical efficacy of two acupuncture prescriptions for NP treatment. The MRI scans will be performed to detect cerebral activity changes of 20 patients in each group. The clinical data and MRI data will be analyzed, respectively. Pearson correlation coefficient will be used to evaluate the association between changes of cerebral activity features and improvement of clinical symptoms. Discussion The results will provide further evidence for the clinical application of acupuncture in the treatment of NP. Trial registration Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR2000040930. Registered on 16 December 2020.

scholarly journals Effect of acupuncture and its influence on cerebral activity in patients with persist asthma: study protocol for a randomized controlled clinical trial

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Siyi Yu ◽  
Xiaohui Dong ◽  
Ruirui Sun ◽  
Zhaoxuan He ◽  
Chuantao Zhang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Pearson Correlation ◽  
Depression Scale ◽  
Functional Brain Imaging ◽  
Central Mechanism ◽  
Life Questionnaire ◽  
Cerebral Activity ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Self Rating

Abstract Background Previous studies suggested that acupuncture was a promising adjunct treatment for asthma. However, the underlying mechanism of acupuncture for asthma remains unclear. The present trail aimed to explore whether and how specific meridian acupuncture works in quality of life and symptomatic improvement by modulating brain function in asthma patients. Methods A randomized controlled functional brain imaging trial is currently being conducted in Sichuan, China. In total 48 patients with mild to moderate, persist asthma will be recruited randomly allocated to two acupuncture groups: acupuncturing at Lung Meridian and acupuncturing at Heart Meridian . The treatment period will last for 4 weeks. The Asthma quality of life questionnaire (AQLQ) is the primary outcome. Asthma control test (ACT), the rate of Peak expiratory flow (PEFR), Forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1), Montreal cognitive assessment (MoCA), Self-rating Anxiety Scale (SAS) and Self-rating Depression Scale (SDS) will also assess the clinical efficacy of different interventions. Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) scans will be performed to detect cerebral activity changes in each group. The clinical data and fMRI data will be analyzed, respectively. Pearson correlation analysis will be used to assess the association between the changes of cerebral activity features and the improvement of clinical outcomes in each group. DiscussionThe present study has been established on the “meridians-viscera relationship” theory of traditional Chinese medicine and modern central mechanism of acupuncture. The results of this trial would be useful to identify efficiency of the specific meridian acupuncture for asthma. The investigation of its central mechanism would further expand our knowledge of the acupuncture for asthma.

scholarly journals Effect of acupuncture and its influence on cerebral activity in patients with persistent asthma: study protocol for a randomized controlled clinical trial

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Siyi Yu ◽  
Xiaohui Dong ◽  
Ruirui Sun ◽  
Zhaoxuan He ◽  
Chuantao Zhang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Clinical Trial ◽  
Persistent Asthma ◽  
Functional Brain Imaging ◽  
Central Mechanism ◽  
Life Questionnaire ◽  
Cerebral Activity ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Self Rating

Abstract Background Previous studies suggested that acupuncture was a promising adjunct treatment for asthma. However, the underlying mechanism of acupuncture for asthma remains unclear. The present trial aimed to explore whether and how specific meridian acupuncture works in quality of life and symptomatic improvement by modulating brain function in asthma patients. Methods : A randomized controlled functional brain imaging trial is currently being conducted in Sichuan, China. In total 48 patients with mild to moderate, persistent asthma will be recruited randomly allocated to two acupuncture groups: acupuncturing at Lung Meridian and acupuncturing at Heart Meridian . The treatment period will last for 4 weeks. The Asthma quality of life questionnaire (AQLQ) is the primary outcome. Asthma control test (ACT), the rate of Peak expiratory flow (PEFR), Forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1), Montreal cognitive assessment (MoCA), Self-rating Anxiety Scale (SAS) and Self-rating Depression Scale (SDS) will also assess the clinical efficacy of different interventions. Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) scans will be performed to detect cerebral activity changes in each group. The clinical data and fMRI data will be analyzed, respectively. Pearson correlation analysis will be used to assess the association between the changes of cerebral activity features and the improvement of clinical outcomes in each group. Discussion : The present study has been established on the “meridians-viscera relationship” theory of traditional Chinese medicine and modern central mechanism of acupuncture. The results of this trial would be useful to identify the efficiency of the specific meridian acupuncture for asthma. The investigation of its central mechanism would further expand our knowledge of the acupuncture for asthma. Trial registration: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR1900027478. Registered on 15 November 2019.

scholarly journals Acupuncture for Functional Dyspepsia: What Strength Does It Have? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

2016 ◽  
Vol 2016 ◽  
pp. 1-17 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bo Pang ◽  
Tao Jiang ◽  
Yuan-Hao Du ◽  
Jing Li ◽  
Bo Li ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Acupuncture Therapy ◽  
Randomized Controlled Trials ◽  
Functional Dyspepsia ◽  
Short Form ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Sham Acupuncture ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
Controlled Trials ◽  
Postprandial Fullness ◽  
Randomized Controlled

Background. Although the effectiveness of acupuncture therapy on functional dyspepsia (FD) has been systematically reviewed, the available reports are still contradictive and no robust evidence has been provided to date. Objective. To assess the current evidence of high quality on the effects of acupuncture for patients with FD. Methods. A comprehensive literature database search was conducted to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing acupuncture therapies (including manual acupuncture and electroacupuncture) to sham acupuncture and medication use. A meta-analysis was performed following a strict methodology. Results. 16 RCTs involving 1436 participants were included. The majority of the trials were determined to be of low quality. Positive results were found for acupuncture in improving the Nepean Dyspepsia Index (NDI) and scores of the MOS 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36), as well as in alleviating relevant symptoms (especially postprandial fullness and early satiation) of FD patients. Conclusion. Based on current available evidence, acupuncture therapy achieves statistically significant effect for FD in comparison with sham acupuncture and is superior to medication (prokinetic agents) in improving the symptoms and quality of life of FD patients. Nonetheless, despite stringent methodological analyses, the conclusion of our review still needs to be strengthened by additional RCTs of higher quality.

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