Efficacy of Acupuncture for Shoulder Pain Based on Remote Point Selection According to the Meridians

China Medical University

Status: Not yet enrolling

Conditions: Shoulder Pain; Meridians; Acupuncture

Treatments: Procedure: Acupuncture; Procedure: Rehabilitation

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT06939309

CMUH113-REC3-192

Details and patient eligibility

About

This double blind randomized controlled trial investigates the immediate efficacy of acupuncture for shoulder pain using remote point selection based on meridian theory. A total of 90 participants with shoulder pain (Numerical Rating Scale ≥ 4) will be randomly assigned in a 1:1:1 ratio to one of three groups: acupuncture SC, acupuncture CS, and rehabilitation. Meridian selection will be determined based on the patient's most painful shoulder movement and corresponding pain location, followed by standardized distal acupoint application. Outcome measures include changes in pain intensity (NRS) and shoulder range of motion assessed at baseline, post-first acupuncture, post-second acupuncture, and 30 minutes post-treatment. Blinded evaluators will conduct all assessments. The study aims to assess the effectiveness of meridian-based remote acupuncture and explore its relationship with shoulder movement patterns and soft tissue involvement.

Enrollment: 90 estimated patients

Sex: All

Ages: 18+ years old

Volunteers: No Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• Participants must be at least 18 years old.
• Shoulder pain persisting for at least one week.
• Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) score ≥ 4.

Exclusion criteria

• Patients with cervical radiculopathy or other localized neurological disorders affecting the upper limb.
• Psychiatric disorders that may interfere with examination, treatment, or evaluation of disease progression.
• Pregnant patients.
• Inability to provide informed consent.

Trial design

Primary purpose: Treatment

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Parallel Assignment

Masking: Double Blind

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90 participants in 3 patient groups

Acupuncture SC Group

Experimental group

Description:

The most affected meridian is determined based on location and movements. The physician first applies acupuncture to one standardized acupoint (LI10, TE7, SI7, or LU6) on the most affected meridian. After 3 minutes (3 minutes after the first acupuncture), the assessor performs the first evaluation. The physician then applies acupuncture to a controlled acupoint (PC6) not directly related to shoulder function. After another 5 minutes (8 minutes after the first acupuncture), the assessor performs the second evaluation. The final evaluation is conducted 30 minutes after the first acupuncture. The patient is instructed to perform shoulder movements throughout the treatment.

Treatment:

Procedure: Acupuncture

Acupuncture CS Group

Experimental group

Description:

The most affected meridian is determined using the same method by location and movements. The physician first applies acupuncture to the controlled acupoint (PC6). After 3 minutes, the assessor performs the first evaluation. The physician then applies acupuncture to one standardized acupoint (LI10, TE7, SI7, or LU6) on the most affected meridian. After another 5 minutes (8 minutes after the first acupuncture), the assessor performs the second evaluation. The final evaluation is conducted 30 minutes after the first acupuncture. The patient is instructed to perform shoulder movements throughout the treatment.

Treatment:

Procedure: Acupuncture

Rehabilitation Group

Active Comparator group

Description:

Participants will complete a 30-minute rehabilitation session, followed by an outcome assessment.

Treatment:

Procedure: Rehabilitation