Acupuncture for chronic low back pain: a randomized controlled feasibility trial comparing treatment session numbers

Area of Science:

• Integrative Medicine
• Pain Management
• Clinical Trial Design

Background:

• Chronic low back pain (CLBP) is a leading cause of disability worldwide.
• Acupuncture is a common complementary therapy for CLBP, but optimal treatment dosage remains unclear.
• Previous research indicates potential benefits of acupuncture, yet feasibility studies for large-scale trials are limited.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the feasibility of a randomized controlled trial (RCT) for determining the optimal number of acupuncture sessions for CLBP.
• To evaluate recruitment, randomization, compliance, and retention rates for a future definitive trial.
• To explore preliminary efficacy of different acupuncture session numbers on pain and function.

Main Methods:

• A pilot RCT involving 45 participants with CLBP.
• Random allocation to usual care plus 4, 7, or 10 acupuncture sessions.
• Assessment of feasibility outcomes (recruitment, randomization, compliance, retention) and secondary outcomes (pain, function, satisfaction) at multiple time points.

Main Results:

• Successful recruitment (43.7%) and 100% randomization rate.
• High treatment compliance (86.7%-100%) and retention rates (84.4%-88.9%).
• Preliminary data suggested better outcomes in back function and pain bothersomeness with 10 sessions at 12 weeks; high participant satisfaction (>90%).

Conclusions:

• A full-scale RCT investigating acupuncture dosage for CLBP is feasible using the described methodology.
• The findings support the necessity of a definitive trial to confirm dose-response effects of acupuncture.
• Acupuncture appears to be a safe and satisfactory adjunct therapy for chronic low back pain management.