Study Results
The study team has not published outcome measurements, participant flow, or safety data for this trial yet. Check back later for updates.
Basic Information
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COMPLETED
NA
30 participants
INTERVENTIONAL
2014-10-31
2015-07-31
Brief Summary
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The investigators believe that the meridian balance method (BM) electro-acupuncture (EA) treatment (which includes a Traditional Chinese Medicine Health Consultation \[TCM HC\]) may be helpful in the management of CPP. Studies on the mechanisms of EA have demonstrated an analgesic effect. A recent individual patient data meta-analysis on the use of acupuncture for four chronic pain conditions found a small statistically significant effect size when compared to sham acupuncture. The effect size was larger and statistically significant when compared to usual care controls. This meta-analysis, and other large studies, suggests that, in addition to this analgesic effect, the interaction between the patient and the healthcare provider also plays a role in its effect on painful symptoms.
Our hypothesis is that the meridian BMEA treatment alleviates pain, and improves physical and emotional functioning, in women with CPP.
The investigators plan to undertake a single centre pilot study to assess the feasibility of performing a future three-armed randomised controlled, parallel group design trial to determine the efficacy of the meridian balance method electro-acupuncture (BMEA) treatment in the management of women with CPP.
The primary objective is to determine whether it is possible to achieve acceptable recruitment and retention rates within defined inclusion/exclusion criteria.
The secondary objectives are to determine the effectiveness and acceptability to patients of the proposed methods of recruitment, randomisation, interventions and assessment tools.
The investigators aim to recruit 30 women with CPP in NHS Lothian over a 12-month period and randomise them to BMEA treatment, TCM HC or standard care (SC). Response to the intervention will be monitored by validated pain, physical and emotional functioning questionnaires at weeks 0 (baseline), 4 (end of study) 8 and 12. Focus group discussion to gain feedback on study experience will be conducted at the completion of the study.
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Detailed Description
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Conditions
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Study Design
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RANDOMIZED
PARALLEL
TREATMENT
NONE
Study Groups
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EA treatment and TCM health consult
Participants randomized to the EA treatment will receive 2 EA +TCM health consult once a week x 4 weeks (8 total)
EA treatment
Electro acupuncture and traditional Chinese Medicine Health consult
TCM health consult
Participants randomized to TCM health consult will receive 2 TCM health consult once a week x 4 weeks ( 8 total)
TCM health consult
Traditional Chinese Medicine Health Consult without needling
Usual care
Participants randomized to usual care will continue with their usual care
Usual Care
Standard NHS care
Interventions
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EA treatment
Electro acupuncture and traditional Chinese Medicine Health consult
TCM health consult
Traditional Chinese Medicine Health Consult without needling
Usual Care
Standard NHS care
Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria
* Average numerical pain score of at least 4 out of 10 in the previous week
* Able and willing to comply with intervention
* Women aged 18 and above
Exclusion Criteria
* Malignancy
* Severe bleeding disorders (e.g. Type 2, 3 Von Willebrand disease)
* Severe needle phobia
* Taking anti-coagulants
* A history of seizure
* A pace-maker in situ
* Moderate to severe psychiatric illness (currently under the care of a psychiatrist)
* Had received electro-acupuncture and meridian balanced method within the last 6 months
18 Years
FEMALE
No
Sponsors
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NHS Lothian
OTHER_GOV
University of Edinburgh
OTHER
Responsible Party
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Principal Investigators
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Marie Fallon, MD PhD
Role: PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR
University of University
Locations
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Ooi Thye Chong
Edinburgh, City of Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Countries
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References
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Chong OT, Critchley HO, Horne AW, Elton R, Haraldsdottir E, Fallon M. The BMEA study: the impact of meridian balanced method electroacupuncture on women with chronic pelvic pain-a three-arm randomised controlled pilot study using a mixed-methods approach. BMJ Open. 2015 Nov 17;5(11):e008621. doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2015-008621.
Other Identifiers
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14/SS/1022
Identifier Type: -
Identifier Source: org_study_id
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