Use Therapeutic Chinese Massage to Treat Peripheral Neuropathy in People With HIV

University of Houston Downtown

Status: Unknown

Conditions: Peripheral Neuropathy

Treatments: Behavioral: Three Weekly Therapeutic Chinese Massage Sessions; Behavioral: Three Weekly Placebo Massage Sessions

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT05379140

CPHS #44-21

Details and patient eligibility

About

Background: Peripheral neuropathy (PN) occurs in half of the people with human immunodeficiency virus (PHIV). Currently, there is no Food and Drug Administration-approved treatment for HIV-related PN. Only half of PHIV who take medications report a significant reduction in pain. Therapeutic Chinese Massage, structured palpations or movements of soft tissues of the body, is a promising non-harmful, and non-costly intervention that can potentially alleviate or even treat PN but relevant research is limited.

Method: Investigators conducted a single centered, two-arm, single-blinded randomized controlled trial pilot study to examine if a series of three weekly 25-minute therapeutic Chinese massage sessions by a therapist of therapeutic Chinese massage, compared with placebo massage, could reduce PN-related pain and improve lower extremity functioning in PHIV. Twenty PHIV were recruited from the AIDS Foundation Houston, Inc in Texas. Pain, lower extremity functioning, and health-related quality of life were assessed for both groups prior to and post-massage.

Enrollment: 24 patients

Sex: All

Ages: 18+ years old

Volunteers: No Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

Clinical diagnosis of HIV and peripheral neuropathy have self-reported PN-related pain in lower extremity are not taking any kind of medications to alleviate PN symptoms age at least 18 years old not pregnant or lactating

Exclusion criteria

have received any kind of massage in the past three months Can not give informed consent

Trial design

Primary purpose: Treatment

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Parallel Assignment

Masking: Single Blind

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24 participants in 2 patient groups, including a placebo group

The Therapeutic Chinese Massage Group

Experimental group

Description:

Participants in the therapeutic Chinese massage group received three weekly 25-minute therapeutic Chinese massage sessions. The intervention included acupressure to points along the distal lower extremity acupuncture points of the Gall Bladder Channel (GB 40 and then 34). Further Chinese Massage incorporates kneading, rolling, movement of the ankle, rotating, pulling, and scrubbing to the lower extremity.

Treatment:

Behavioral: Three Weekly Therapeutic Chinese Massage Sessions

The Placebo Massage Group

Placebo Comparator group

Description:

The placebo massage group received three weekly 25-minute placebo massage that included gentle rubbing to the foot and toes without point stimulation or other techniques of Chinese Massage. The control group had the opportunity to receive the treatment after the study was completed.

Treatment:

Behavioral: Three Weekly Placebo Massage Sessions