Effect of laser acupuncture on obesity: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Chi-Chuan Tseng1,2, Alan Tseng3, Chia-Hao Chang4,5
1Division of Chinese Medicine, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chiayi, 61363, Taiwan. acupmox@hotmail.com.
Trials
|May 15, 2015
Summary
This study investigates laser acupuncture for obesity treatment. The randomized, sham-controlled trial aims to provide evidence for its effectiveness in managing weight and related health metrics.
Area of Science:
- Integrative Medicine
- Acupuncture Research
- Obesity Management
Background:
- Obesity poses significant economic burdens on healthcare systems.
- Laser acupuncture shows promise for obesity treatment, but rigorous trials are lacking.
- Previous studies often lacked randomization, blinding, or used low-calorie diets.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of laser acupuncture in treating obesity.
- To conduct a patient-assessor-blinded, randomized, sham-controlled crossover trial.
- To establish a foundation for future large-scale investigations.
Main Methods:
- 104 participants (BMI > 25 kg/m²) were randomized into experimental and control groups.
- Treatments were administered thrice weekly for 8 weeks, followed by a 2-week washout period and group crossover.
- Key metrics included BMI, body fat percentage, waist-to-hip ratio, and SF-36 scores.
Main Results:
- Data collection included anthropometric measurements, body composition, and health survey outcomes.
- Blood pressure, heart rate, and hunger levels were also monitored.
- Detailed results are pending completion of the trial.
Conclusions:
- This trial will generate crucial data on laser acupuncture's effectiveness for obesity.
- Findings will inform the design of larger, multicenter studies.
- The study contributes to evidence-based obesity interventions.
