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BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies

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Open Access 01-12-2021 | Acupuncture | Study protocol

Electro-acupuncture for central obesity: randomized, patient-assessor blinded, sham-controlled clinical trial protocol

Authors: Linda L. D. Zhong, Xingyao Wu, Tsz Fung Lam, Ying Ping Wong, Peihua Cao, Emily Yen Wong, Shipping Zhang, Zhaoxiang Bian

Published in: BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies | Issue 1/2021

Abstract

Background

Obesity is a common medical condition. Among all the classifications of obesity, central obesity is considered to be a significant threat on the health of individuals. Scientific researches have demonstrated that the accumulation of intra-abdominal fat is associated with higher metabolic and cardiovascular disease risks independently from Body Mass Index (BMI). Our previous research found that the combination of electro-acupuncture and auricular acupressure could significantly reduce the body weight and the BMI compared to sham control group.

Methods/design

This is a patient-assessor blinded, randomized, sham-controlled clinical trial on electro-acupuncture for central obesity. One hundred sixty-eight participants with central obesity will be randomly assigned to two groups, which are the acupuncture group and the sham control group. The whole study duration will be 8-week treatment plus 8-week follow up. The primary outcome is the change in waist circumference before and after the treatment. The secondary outcomes include the changes in hip circumference, waist-to-hip circumference ratio, BMI and body fat percentage during the treatment and follow-up.

Conclusion

The trial will evaluate the efficacy and safety of electro-acupuncture for central obesity compared with sham acupuncture. The study may provide the solid evidence of electro-acupuncture on central obesity in Hong Kong.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03815253,Registered 24 Jan 2019.

Available only for authorised users

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Title: Electro-acupuncture for central obesity: randomized, patient-assessor blinded, sham-controlled clinical trial protocol
Authors: Linda L. D. Zhong
Xingyao Wu
Tsz Fung Lam
Ying Ping Wong
Peihua Cao
Emily Yen Wong
Shipping Zhang
Zhaoxiang Bian
Publication date: 01-12-2021
Publisher: BioMed Central
Keywords: Acupuncture
Obesity
Obesity
Published in: BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies / Issue 1/2021
Electronic ISSN: 2662-7671
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12906-021-03367-2

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Electro-acupuncture for central obesity: randomized, patient-assessor blinded, sham-controlled clinical trial protocol

Abstract

Background

Methods/design

Conclusion

Trial registration

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods/design

Conclusion

Trial registration

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