Traditional acupuncture and laser acupuncture in chronic nonspecific neck pain: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

Rafaela Peron; Érika Patrícia Rampazo; Richard Eloin Liebano

doi:10.1186/s13063-022-06349-y

Traditional acupuncture and laser acupuncture in chronic nonspecific neck pain: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

Trials. 2022 May 16;23(1):408. doi: 10.1186/s13063-022-06349-y.

Authors

Rafaela Peron¹, Érika Patrícia Rampazo¹, Richard Eloin Liebano^{2

3}

Affiliations

¹ Department of Physical Therapy, Federal University of São Carlos (UFSCar), Rodovia Washington Luis, km 235, São Carlos, SP, CEP 13565-905, Brazil.
² Department of Physical Therapy, Federal University of São Carlos (UFSCar), Rodovia Washington Luis, km 235, São Carlos, SP, CEP 13565-905, Brazil. liebano@gmail.com.
³ Physiotherapeutics Resources Laboratory, Department of Physical Therapy, Federal University of São Carlos (UFSCar), São Carlos, Brazil. liebano@gmail.com.

Abstract

Background: Nonspecific neck pain is a multifactorial and very common condition in adult individuals, traditional acupuncture (TA) and laser acupuncture (LA) may be treatment options for certain individuals in such a condition. However, no reports were found in the literature comparing the effectiveness of TA and LA in cases of chronic nonspecific neck pain. Therefore, the aim of the present study is to investigate the effectiveness of TA and LA therapies in individuals with chronic nonspecific neck pain, noting which one is more efficient for this condition. The result of this research will have direct implications for pain management and, consequently, may benefit individuals suffering from nonspecific chronic neck pain.

Methods/design: This will be a controlled and randomized clinical trial. Eighty-four individuals will be recruited and distributed equally and randomly into 3 groups: TA (which will receive the acupuncture treatment with needles), LA (which will receive the laser acupuncture treatment), and Sham (who will receive the placebo intervention). The acupuncture points (Tianzhu, Fengchi, Jianjing, and Jianzhongshu) will be stimulated bilaterally. The primary outcome will be pain intensity, determined using the Numerical Rating Scale. The secondary outcomes will be pressure pain threshold, temporal summation of pain, conditioned pain modulation, use of analgesic medicines after treatment, and the global perceived effect scale. The assessments will be performed immediately before and after the treatment, which will be a single session, at the follow-up and 1 month after the end of the treatments; evaluation will be made of the pain intensity and the global perceived effect. Statistical analysis of the data obtained will consider a significance level of p < 0.05.

Discussion: This study will provide evidence concerning the effects of LA treatment, in comparison with TA and sham intervention, leading to benefits for individuals suffering from chronic nonspecific neck pain.

Trial registration: Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials - ReBEC RBR-7vbw5gd . Date of registration: August 06th, 2021.

Keywords: Laser acupuncture; Neck pain; Randomized controlled trial; Study protocol; Traditional acupuncture.

Publication types

Clinical Trial Protocol

MeSH terms

Acupuncture Therapy* / adverse effects
Acupuncture Therapy* / methods
Adult
Chronic Pain* / diagnosis
Chronic Pain* / therapy
Humans
Neck Pain / diagnosis
Neck Pain / therapy
Pain Measurement
Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
Treatment Outcome