scholarly journals Kinesio Taping vs. Auricular Acupressure for the Personalised Treatment of Primary Dysmenorrhoea: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (8) ◽  
pp. 809
Author(s):  
Elena Mejías-Gil ◽  
Elisa María Garrido-Ardila ◽  
Jesús Montanero-Fernández ◽  
María Jiménez-Palomares ◽  
Juan Rodríguez-Mansilla ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pain Intensity ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Drug Intake ◽  
Menstrual Pain ◽  
Kinesio Tape ◽  
Menstrual Cycles ◽  
Primary Dysmenorrhoea ◽  
Auricular Acupressure ◽  
Maximum Pain

Background: Dysmenorrhoea is the medical term for menstrual pain. The World Health Organization estimates that up to 81% of women of childbearing age are affected by this condition, and it is one of the leading causes of absenteeism from work and school among women. Although there are pharmacological treatments available for menstrual-pain relief, they do not respond to all women’s needs. Therefore, there is a need to study and develop non-pharmacological alternatives to broaden the individualised treatment options for dysmenorrhea. There are scarce studies published on non-pharmacological treatments, such as kinesio tape and auricular acupressure for the relief of menstrual pain, but the scientific evidence available suggest that these techniques may be beneficial in addressing this problem. The objective of this pilot study was to assess and compare the effectiveness of kinesio tape and auricular acupressure to decrease pain and drug intake in women with primary dysmenorrhoea. Methods: This was a double-blind randomized clinical controlled trial. The period of study was from September 2017 to August 2018. Women enrolled in the University of Extremadura and who had primary dysmenorrhoea were randomized to five groups: control (n = 23), kinesio tape (n = 23), placebo kinesio tape (n = 23), auricular acupressure (n = 23) and placebo auricular acupressure (n = 22). Measures were taken during the pretreatment phase (at four menstrual cycles), during the post-intervention phase (at four menstrual cycles) and during the follow-up phase (at the first and third menstrual cycles after the treatment was completed). The primary outcome measures were mean pain intensity, maximum pain intensity, number of painful days and dose of drug intake during menstruation, measured with the Visual Analogue Scale. The secondary outcome measures were the length of the cycle, the length of menstruation, the drug intake and the type of drug. Results: In all, 108 participants completed the study. The statistical analysis (MANOVA, ANOVA, t-paired and McNemar tests) showed that kinesio tape and auricular acupressure have a beneficial effect on pain relief (mean pain intensity, p < 0.001; maximum pain intensity, p < 0.001; number of painful days, p = 0.021; dose of drug intake, p < 0.001). In addition, once the treatments were withdrawn, the auricular-acupressure group maintained lower scores during the first follow-up cycle (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Kinesio tape and auricular acupressure decrease pain and drug intake in women with primary dysmenorrhoea. The changes in the auricular-acupressure group seemed to last longer. The results suggest that these techniques could be used as complementary personalised therapies to the pharmacological treatment and not as a substitution.

scholarly journals Auricular acupressure for hot flashes in patients with prostate cancer: protocol for a pilot randomized controlled trial

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jianfu Zhou ◽  
Rongwu Lin ◽  
Xuehua Liu ◽  
Liguo Lv ◽  
Shusheng Wang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Prostate Cancer ◽  
Pilot Study ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Hot Flashes ◽  
Preliminary Evidence ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Random Allocation ◽  
Clinical Trial Registry ◽  
Auricular Acupressure

Abstract BackgroundHot flashes, characterized by intense heat sensation and diaphoresis, are common side effects resulted from hormonotherapy in patients with prostate cancer. Cumulated studies have revealed beneficial role of acupuncture as complementary and alternative recipe for the management of hot flashes. However, little is known about the auricular acupressure (AA), a micro-acupuncture technique whose therapeutic purpose is similar with conventional acupuncture. Therefore, this current study aims to explore the effects and determine the feasibility of AA for hot flashes in patients with prostate cancer.Methods/DesignThis proposed pilot study is a two-arm parallel, single-blinded, randomized sham-controlled trial. A total of 72 participants of prostate cancer suffered with hot flashes will be recruited and randomly allocated into two groups in a 1:1 ratio. Equal randomization is conducted using a computer-generated random allocation sequence. Sheng Zhi Qi (TF2), Nei Fen Mi (CO18), Shen Men (TF4), Shen (CO10) and Pi Zhi Xia (AT4) are selected as experimental acupressure points, and five helix points (HX 8-12) are used as sham control acupressure points. Participants in the experimental group and control group will receive AA and sham-AA treatment, respectively. The duration of the treatment is 6 weeks with two sessions per week, and the follow-up period is 12 weeks. The primary outcome is Hot Flash Score (HFS). The secondary outcomes include Quality of Life (QoL), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAS). All outcomes measurement will be conducted before and through treatment period as well as follow-up period. Safety assessment will be carried out through treatment and follow-up period.DiscussionThis pilot study will for the first time advance our knowledge on feasibility of AA in alleviating hot flashes in patients of prostate cancer and provide preliminary evidence for a further full-scale trial.Trial registrationChinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR1900026694. Registered on 19 October 2019.

scholarly journals Morinda citrifolia(Noni) as an Anti-Inflammatory Treatment in Women with Primary Dysmenorrhoea: A Randomised Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Trial

2013 ◽  
Vol 2013 ◽  
pp. 1-6 ◽  
Author(s):  
H. M. Fletcher ◽  
J. Dawkins ◽  
C. Rattray ◽  
G. Wharfe ◽  
M. Reid ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Morinda Citrifolia ◽  
Double Blind ◽  
Double Blind Placebo ◽  
Menstrual Cycles ◽  
Primary Dysmenorrhoea ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Laboratory Variables ◽  
Anti Inflammatory ◽  
Bleeding Score

Introduction. Noni (Morinda citrifolia) has been used for many years as an anti-inflammatory agent. We tested the efficacy of Noni in women with dysmenorrhea.Method. We did a prospective randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial in 100 university students of 18 years and older over three menstrual cycles. Patients were invited to participate and randomly assigned to receive 400 mg Noni capsules or placebo. They were assessed for baseline demographic variables such as age, parity, and BMI. They were also assessed before and after treatment, for pain, menstrual blood loss, and laboratory variables: ESR, hemoglobin, and packed cell volume.Results. Of the 1027 women screened, 100 eligible women were randomized. Of the women completing the study, 42 women were randomized to Noni and 38 to placebo. There were no significant differences in any of the variables at randomization. There were also no significant differences in mean bleeding score or pain score at randomization. Both bleeding and pain scores gradually improved in both groups as the women were observed over three menstrual cycles; however, the improvement was not significantly different in the Noni group when compared to the controls.Conclusion. Noni did not show a reduction in menstrual pain or bleeding when compared to placebo.

The clinical effectiveness of a myofeedback-based teletreatment service in patients with non-specific neck and shoulder pain: a randomized controlled trial

2010 ◽  
Vol 16 (6) ◽  
pp. 316-321 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephanie M Kosterink ◽  
Rianne MHA Huis in 't Veld ◽  
Barbara Cagnie ◽  
Monika Hasenbring ◽  
Miriam MR Vollenbroek-Hutten
Keyword(s):  
Pain Intensity ◽  
Shoulder Pain ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Conventional Care ◽  
Care Group ◽  
Efficient Treatment ◽  
Time Investment ◽  
Neck And Shoulder Pain

We investigated the effectiveness and efficiency of a four-week myofeedback-based teletreatment service in subjects with non-specific neck and shoulder pain. Subjects were recruited in Belgium, Germany and the Netherlands and randomly allocated to the intervention or conventional care. Subjects in the intervention group received four weeks of myofeedback training. Pain intensity and disability were evaluated by questionnaires at baseline, immediately after four weeks of treatment and at follow-up 3 months later. To investigate efficiency, the time-investment of both therapists and patients were assessed. Seventy-one subjects were included in the study (36 in the intervention group and 35 in the conventional care group). Myofeedback-based teletreatment was at least as effective clinically as conventional care. Pain intensity and disability decreased after 4 weeks of treatment in both groups and part of the effect remained at 3 months' follow-up. The teletreatment also increased efficiency for therapists by almost 20% and patients experienced the benefits of less travel time and travel costs by remote consultation. Myofeedback-based teletreatment has the potential to ensure more efficient treatment for patients with non-specific neck and shoulder pain.

McKenzie Method of Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy was slightly more effective than placebo for pain, but not for disability, in patients with chronic non-specific low back pain: a randomised placebo controlled trial with short and longer term follow-up

2017 ◽  
Vol 52 (9) ◽  
pp. 594-600 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alessandra Narciso Garcia ◽  
Lucíola da Cunha Menezes Costa ◽  
Mark J Hancock ◽  
Fabrício Soares de Souza ◽  
Geórgia Vieira Freschi de Oliveira Gomes ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Low Back Pain ◽  
Back Pain ◽  
Pain Intensity ◽  
Treatment Effect ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Low Back ◽  
End Of Treatment ◽  
Mckenzie Method ◽  
Secondary Outcomes

BackgroundThe McKenzie Method of Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy (MDT) is one of the exercise approaches recommended by low back pain (LBP) guidelines. We investigated the efficacy of MDT compared with placebo in patients with chronic LBP.MethodsThis was a prospectively registered, two-arm randomised placebo controlled trial, with a blinded assessor. A total of 148 patients seeking care for chronic LBP were randomly allocated to either MDT (n=74) or placebo (n=74). Patients from both groups received 10 treatment sessions over 5 weeks. Patients from both groups also received an educational booklet. Clinical outcomes were obtained at the end of treatment (5 weeks) and 3, 6 and 12 months after randomisation. Primary outcomes were pain intensity and disability at the end of treatment (5 weeks). We also conducted a subgroup analysis to identify potential treatment effect modifiers that could predict a better response to MDT treatment.ResultsThe MDT group had greater improvements in pain intensity at the end of treatment (mean difference (MD) −1.00, 95% CI −2.09 to −0.01) but not for disability (MD −0.84, 95% CI −2.62 to 0.93). We did not detect between-group differences for any secondary outcomes, nor were any treatment effect modifiers identified. Patients did not report any adverse events.ConclusionWe found a small and likely not clinically relevant difference in pain intensity favouring the MDT method immediately at the end of 5 weeks of treatment but not for disability. No other difference was found for any of the primary or secondary outcomes at any follow-up times.Trial registration numberClinicalTrials.gov (NCT02123394)

scholarly journals Acupuncture to Treat Primary Dysmenorrhea in Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial

2011 ◽  
Vol 2011 ◽  
pp. 1-11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Caroline A. Smith ◽  
Caroline A. Crowther ◽  
Oswald Petrucco ◽  
Justin Beilby ◽  
Hannah Dent
Keyword(s):  
Randomized Controlled Trial ◽  
Treatment Effect ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Acupuncture Group ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Primary Dysmenorrhea ◽  
Menstrual Pain ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Significant Difference

We examined the effectiveness of acupuncture to reduce the severity and intensity of primary dysmenorrhea. A randomized controlled trial compared acupuncture with control acupuncture using a placebo needle. Eligible women were aged 14–25 years with a diagnosis of primary dysmenorrhea. Women received nine sessions of the study treatment over 3 months. The primary outcomes were menstrual pain intensity and duration, overall improvement in dysmenorrhea symptoms and reduced need for additional analgesia, measured at 3, 6 and 12 months from trial entry. A total of 92 women were randomly assigned to the intervention (acupuncture and control ). At 3 months although pain outcomes were lower for women in the acupuncture group compared with the control group, there was no significant difference between groups. Women receiving acupuncture reported a small reduction in mood changes compared with the control group, relative risk (RR) 0.72, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.53–1.00, . Follow-up at 6 months found a significant reduction in the duration of menstrual pain in the acupuncture group compared with the control group, mean difference –9.6, 95% CI –18.9 to –0.3, , and the need for additional analgesia was significantly lower in the acupuncture group compared with the control group, RR 0.69, 95% CI 0.49–0.96, , but the follow-up at 12 months found lack of treatment effect. To conclude, although acupuncture improved menstrual mood symptoms in women with primary dysmenorrhea during the treatment phase, the trend in the improvement of symptoms during the active phase of treatment, and at 6 and 12 months was non-significant, indicating that a small treatment effect from acupuncture on dysmenorrhea may exist. In the study, acupuncture was acceptable and safe, but further appropriately powered trials are needed before recommendations for clinical practice can be made.

Effect of rhubarb (Rheum emodi) in primary dysmenorrhoea: a single-blind randomized controlled trial

2015 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hina Rehman ◽  
Wajeeha Begum ◽  
Farzana Anjum ◽  
Humyra Tabasum ◽  
Shabnam Zahid
Keyword(s):  
Randomized Controlled Trial ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Menstrual Pain ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Primary Dysmenorrhoea ◽  
Associated Symptoms ◽  
Experimental Group ◽  
Single Blind

Abstract: The aim of this study was to investigate and evaluate the efficacy of: A randomized, single-blind, standard controlled trial compared efficacy of: The menstrual pain was significantly decreased in both groups after three-cycle intervention. Significant changes were observed in VAS (p<0.001) and VMSS (p<0.001) in the experimental group. There is a significant (p<0.001) reduction in duration of pain in both the groups. Associated symptoms and QOL were markedly improved after treatment (p<0.001).: It has been clear from the above result that

A randomized controlled trial of cognitive behavioral therapy compared with diabetes education for diabetic peripheral neuropathic pain

2020 ◽  
pp. 135910532096226
Author(s):  
Diana M Higgins ◽  
Alicia A Heapy ◽  
Eugenia Buta ◽  
Kathryn M LaChappelle ◽  
Kristin L Serowik ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Neuropathic Pain ◽  
Pain Intensity ◽  
Behavioral Therapy ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Diabetes Education ◽  
Peripheral Neuropathic Pain ◽  
Mental Health Functioning ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Health Functioning

A randomized controlled trial compared cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and diabetes education (ED) as an adjunctive treatment for diabetic peripheral neuropathic pain (DPNP). We examined change from baseline to 12- and 36-week follow-up in overall pain intensity (NRS), neuropathic pain intensity/quality, pain interference, and mental health functioning, among others. Although CBT participants demonstrated improvement in pain intensity NRS, there were no between-condition differences at either follow-up. CBT reduced neuropathic pain intensity at 12-weeks more than ED. At 36-weeks, CBT was superior to ED for improving pain interference and mental health functioning. Results provide evidence of benefit of CBT for DPNP. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT00830011

scholarly journals Acupuncture and Auricular Acupressure in Relieving Menopausal Hot Flashes of Bilaterally Ovariectomized Chinese Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial

2011 ◽  
Vol 2011 ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jue Zhou ◽  
Fan Qu ◽  
Xisheng Sang ◽  
Xiaotong Wang ◽  
Rui Nan
Keyword(s):  
Chinese Women ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Hormone Replacement ◽  
Hot Flashes ◽  
Serum Levels ◽  
Auricular Acupressure ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Pre Treatment

The objective of this study is to explore the effects of acupuncture and auricular acupressure in relieving menopausal hot flashes of bilaterally ovariectomized Chinese women. Between May 2006 and March 2008, 46 bilaterally ovariectomized Chinese women were randomized into an acupuncture and auricular acupressure group (n= 21) and a hormone replacement therapy (HRT) group (Tibolone,n= 25). Each patient was given a standard daily log and was required to record the frequency and severity of hot flashes and side effects of the treatment felt daily, from 1 week before the treatment started to the fourth week after the treatment ended. The serum levels of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), LH and E2were detected before and after the treatment. After the treatment and the follow-up, both the severity and frequency of hot flashes in the two groups were relieved significantly when compared with pre-treatment (P<  .05). There was no significant difference in the severity of hot flashes between them after treatment (P>  .05), while after the follow-up, the severity of hot flashes in the HRT group was alleviated more. After the treatment and the follow-up, the frequency of menopausal hot flashes in the HRT group was reduced more (P<  .05). After treatment, the levels of FSH decreased significantly and the levels of E2increased significantly in both groups (P<  .05), and they changed more in the HRT group (P<  .05). Acupuncture and auricular acupressure can be used as alternative treatments to relieve menopausal hot flashes for those bilaterally ovariectomized women who are unable or unwilling to receive HRT.

Is a combined programme of manual therapy and exercise more effective than usual care in patients with non-specific chronic neck pain? A randomized controlled trial

2019 ◽  
Vol 33 (12) ◽  
pp. 1908-1918 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lucia Domingues ◽  
Fernando Manuel Pimentel-Santos ◽  
Eduardo Brazete Cruz ◽  
Ana Cristina Sousa ◽  
Ana Santos ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Randomized Controlled Trial ◽  
Neck Pain ◽  
Usual Care ◽  
Pain Intensity ◽  
Manual Therapy ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Chronic Neck Pain ◽  
Randomized Controlled

Objective: The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of a combined intervention of manual therapy and exercise (MET) versus usual care (UC), on disability, pain intensity and global perceived recovery, in patients with non-specific chronic neck pain (CNP). Design: Randomized controlled trial. Setting: Outpatient care units. Subjects: Sixty-four non-specific CNP patients were randomly allocated to MET ( n = 32) or UC ( n = 32) groups. Interventions: Participants in the MET group received 12 sessions of mobilization and exercise, whereas the UC group received 15 sessions of usual care in physiotherapy. Main measures: The primary outcome was disability (Neck Disability Index). The secondary outcomes were pain intensity (Numeric Pain Rating Scale) and global perceived recovery (Patient Global Impression Change). Patients were assessed at baseline, three weeks, six weeks (end of treatment) and at a three-month follow-up. Results: Fifty-eight participants completed the study. No significant between-group difference was observed on disability and pain intensity at baseline. A significant between-group difference was observed on disability at three-week, six-week and three-month follow-up (median (P25–P75): 6 (3.25–9.81) vs. 15.5 (11.28–20.75); P < 0.001), favouring the MET group. Regarding pain intensity, a significant between-group difference was observed at six-week and three-month follow-up (median (P25–P75): 2 (1–2.51) vs. 5 (3.33–6); P < 0.001), with superiority of effect in MET group. Concerning the global perceived recovery, a significant between-group difference was observed only at the three-month follow-up ( P = 0.001), favouring the MET group. Conclusion: This study’s findings suggest that a combination of manual therapy and exercise is more effective than usual care on disability, pain intensity and global perceived recovery.

Comparison of the efficacy of Acupuncture and Conventional Physiotherapy treatment in the management of SIJ dysfunction- A Randomised controlled trial (RCT)

2016 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ganiyu Oluwaleke Sokunbi ◽  
Fatima Gujba Kachalla
Keyword(s):  
Pain Intensity ◽  
Functional Disability ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Invasive Treatment ◽  
Pain Scores ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Conventional Physiotherapy ◽  
Randomised Controlled

Background: The question of what form of non-invasive treatment is most effective for sacroiliac joint (SIJ) dysfunction has not been sufficiently addressed. The quality of evidence regarding the efficacy of a conservative treatment approach is low, and there is no evidence for sustained benefits.Objectives: To compare the efficacy of acupuncture and conventional physiotherapy in the management of pain and functional disability in patients with SIJ dysfunction.Methods: Forty women with SIJ dysfunction with a mean age of 29.3± 4.3 years participated in the study. Ten participants were randomised into each of three intervention groups (acupuncture (ACT); conventional physiotherapy (CPT); and acupuncture combined with conventional physiotherapy (ACPT)) and a control group (CG) (education and advice). Treatment interventions were provided three times a week for five weeks. The main outcome measures were pain intensity measured with visual analogue scale (VAS) and functional disability measured with Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ). Assessments were carried out by an independent examiner before and after the intervention and at 3 months follow-up.Results: Baseline VAS and RMDQ scores did not show significant differences among the groups. After treatment, the participants in all the intervention groups had reduced pain scores on the VAS scale (ACT= 3.5±0.06, CPT =3.0±0.08 and ACPT=1.2±0.98) and improved function on RMDQ scores (ACT =7.0±1.53, CPT = 6.0±.01, ACPT = 3.0± 0.08) compared to those in the control group, who recorded 7.4±0.08 and 17.5± 4.32 for pain intensity and functional disability, respectively. However, pain reduction and improvement in function was greatest in the ACPT at the end of the 5-week treatment and at 3-month follow-up (VAS=1.0±0.04, RMDQ =2.0± 0.07) compared with the other intervention groups (VAS: ACT= 4.0±0.97, CPT = 3.5±1.00 and RMDQ: ACT=7.0±1.6, CPT=5.0±0.87). There was a significant difference in the pain scores on VAS (F =67.171, P=0.000) and functional disability on RMDQ scores (F=62.467, P=0.000) among the groups after 5 weeks of treatment and at 3-month post-treatment follow-up assessment VAS (F =79.903, P=0.000) and RMDQ (F =75.301, P=0.000), which was not present at the baseline.Conclusion: Findings from this study showed that acupuncture or conventional physiotherapy alone or in combination is more effective than advice and education. The combination of acupuncture and conventional therapy is more effective than both treatments alone.

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