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

Kessler Foundation

Status and phase

Completed

Phase 1

Conditions

Pain

Treatments

Other: auricular acupuncture

Study type

Interventional

Funder types

Other

Identifiers

NCT01017211

R-654-09

Details and patient eligibility

About

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.

Enrollment

21 patients

Sex

All

Ages

18 to 65 years old

Volunteers

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

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