Evaluating Acupuncture Relationship With the Catecholaminergic Pathway

Universidad Autónoma Benito Juárez de Oaxaca

Status: Completed

Conditions: Low Back Pain

Treatments: Device: Electroacupuncture; Drug: Diclofenac sodium; Other: Sham electroacupuncture

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT02876432

PEL0011FO

Details and patient eligibility

About

Activation of the sympathetic nervous system attenuates inflammation via catecholamines, recent advances in electroacupuncture allow activating critical neuronal networks with the release of catecholamines the aim of this research was to evaluate de effect of electroacupuncture in the activation of sympathetic nervous system and the control of low back pain in athletes

Full description

Activation of the sympathetic nervous system attenuates inflammation via activation of β2-adrenoreceptors by catecholamines, Electrical stimulation of vagus nerve limits the inflammatory response in several animal models of inflammatory diseases, In addition, voluntary activation of the sympathetic nervous system by meditation, training or breathing techniques limits production of proinflammatory cytokines in vivo during experimental endotoxemia in healthy human volunteers.

Currently there are therapies that effectively antagonize proinflammatory cytokines and control pain, as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and opioid analgesics, but had serious side effects if used chronically. Therefore, alternative therapies as electroacupuncture, which may limit inflammatory cytokine production more physiologically, are warranted. The aim of this study was to evaluate de effect of electroacupuncture used for attenuation of low back pain in the activation of sympathetic nervous system and leukocyte inflammatory potential.

Enrollment: 30 patients

Sex: Male

Ages: 18 to 30 years old

Volunteers: Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

(Controls)

• Healthy
• Non Smokers
• Athletes

(Cases)

• Acute Low Back Pain (less than 1 month)
• Athletes
• Non Smokers

Exclusion criteria

• Sciatic Pain
• Smokers
• Chronic Low Back Pain

Trial design

Primary purpose: Basic Science

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Parallel Assignment

Masking: Double Blind

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30 participants in 3 patient groups

Device: Electroacupuncture

Experimental group

Description:

The acupuncture points selected were ST36, BL25, GB30, BL40, GB34 the needles were inserted into acupoints and the depth of needle insertion depended of the acupoints selected to achieve Deqi sensation, which is characterized as a numb, heavy, sore and/or distending sensation. Electrical stimulation was delivered at 4 Hz. The stimulator (ITO EST-160) was then switched on, and the intensity was gradually increased to reach a strong but comfortable level the sensation of EA which is characterized for numbness, tingling and a light muscle cramp. For 15 minutes

Treatment:

Other: Sham electroacupuncture

Device: Electroacupuncture

Device: Sham Electroacupuncture

Sham Comparator group

Description:

In sham electroacupuncture (Sham) the investigators use 1.0 cm outside point of the real electroacupuncture, the depth of needle insertion was superficial to avoid Deqi sensation, the cables wasn't connected to the electro stimulator and was then switched on for 15 minutes. The participants were threaded separately to avoid sharing experiences about the electroacupuncture sessions

Treatment:

Other: Sham electroacupuncture

Device: Electroacupuncture

Drug: Diclofenac sodium

Active Comparator group

Description:

100 mg Diclofenac sodium was administrated orally every 12 hours for 5 days.

Treatment:

Drug: Diclofenac sodium