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Completed

NCT Number: NCT01017211

Does Auricular Acupuncture Improve Tolerance to Electromyography (EMG) Testing?

Needle Electromyography (EMG) is an important test used to assess muscle and nerve function, but the test can be uncomfortable. It is currently not standard practice to provide any pain-relieving intervention for this procedure. The purpose of this research study is to determine whether auricular (ear) acupuncture will make EMG testing less painful.

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Key information

Conditions

Pain Neurologic Manifestations Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms Signs and Symptoms

Age range

18 year–65 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Phase 1

Primary location

Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation

West Orange, New Jersey, 07052, United States

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • Gender: male or female
  • Of any racial or ethnic group
  • Adult between the ages 18 to 65 years
  • Healthy
  • Normal sensation and strength
  • Pain approximately the same on each side of body with no major difference between right and left sides
  • Can understand and are able to complete the outcomes questionnaires which will be explained before the study protocol begins

Exclusion criteria

  • Pregnant or actively trying to become pregnant
  • Diabetes mellitus or other systemic disease which may affect nerve function
  • History of a neurologic disorder or other cause for abnormal sensation or weakness
  • Have had recent trauma to an upper arm, hand or ear
  • Have scars or burns on an upper arm, hand or ear that causes abnormal or decreased sensation
  • Taking pain medications on a regular basis
  • Have a bleeding or clotting disorder
  • Taking blood thinners, such as aspirin, heparin, enoxaparin (Lovenox), clopidogrel (Plavix) or coumadin (Warfarin)
  • Have received chemotherapy or radiation
  • Have a permanent pacemaker
  • Have a serious psychiatric disorder (such as schizophrenia)
  • More sensitive to pain on one side of my body more than the other

Treatment and study plan

Auricular Acupuncture

Other

Experimental group to receive ear needles in the Battlefield Acupuncture points.

Sham group to receive ear needles at points thought to be ineffective but standardized.

Primary outcomes

  1. Numeric Rating Scale (NRS)

    Time frame: pre- and post- intervention

Secondary outcomes

  1. Global Impression of Change

    Time frame: pre- and post- intervention

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Kessler Foundation

Other

Registry information

Important dates

Study start
2009
Primary completion
2010
Study completion
2010
First posted
Nov 20, 2009
Registry last updated
May 17, 2011

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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