60
Participants
Start Date
July 5, 2011
Primary Completion Date
September 30, 2015
Study Completion Date
December 18, 2017
Acupuncture
Treatments will be performed by the PI, who is a licensed physician acupuncturist and has practiced acupuncture independently for 5 years with about 4000 patient/visit treatment history. A total of 10 acupuncture treatments represents a reasonable approach to optimal duration of treatment. Acupoint selection will be based on a combination of standardization and individualization for best treatment effects. At least 5 standardized body and auricular acupoints will be selected. Standardized sterile, disposable acupuncture needles will be applied for 20 minutes.
Sham Acupuncture
Treatments will be performed by the PI, who is a licensed physician acupuncturist and has practiced acupuncture independently for 5 years with about 4000 patient/visit treatment history. A total of 10 acupuncture treatments represent a reasonable approach to optimal duration of treatment. Acupoint selection will be based on a combination of standardization and individualization for best treatment effects. At least 5 standardized body and auricular acupoints will be selected. Standardized sterile, disposable acupuncture needles will be applied for 20 minutes. Each sham or real acupuncture needle will be applied through a tube as sham needles have blunt tip and telescopic shaft, the visual effect and percutaneous sensation of sham needle mimic the real needle penetration.
Atlanta VA Medical and Rehab Center, Decatur, GA, Decatur
VA Office of Research and Development
FED