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Trials
Published in: Trials 1/2015

Open Access 01-12-2015 | Study protocol

Evaluation of the immediate effect of acupuncture on pain, cervical range of motion and electromyographic activity of the upper trapezius muscle in patients with nonspecific neck pain: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

Authors: Simone Aparecida Penimpedo Calamita, Daniela Aparecida Biasotto-Gonzalez, Nivea Cristina De Melo, Douglas Meira dos Santos, Roberta de Lassa, Fabiana Sarilho de Mendonça, Claudia Santos Oliveira, César Ferreira Amorim, Tabajara Oliveira Gonzalez, Marco Antônio Fumagalli, Cid André Fidelis Paula de Gomes, Fabiano Politti

Published in: Trials | Issue 1/2015

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Abstract

Background

Nonspecific neck pain can cause considerable suffering, possible disability and reductions in quality of life and productivity. The aim of the proposed study is to evaluate the immediate effect of acupuncture on pain, cervical range of motion and electromyographic activity of the upper trapezius muscle in patients with nonspecific neck pain.

Methods/Design

A total of 12 patients with nonspecific neck pain and 12 healthy subjects will be enrolled in a randomized, single-blind crossover study. Each subject will receive two forms of treatment in random order: a single session of traditional acupuncture (acupoints: triple energizer 5, ‘Wai-guan’ and large intestine 11, ‘Qu-chi’) and sham acupuncture. To eliminate carry-over treatment effects, a one-week wash-out period will be respected between sessions. Surface electromyography will be used to determine motor control in the upper trapezius muscle before and after treatment. The outcome measures in the group with neck pain will be a numerical pain rating scale (range: 0 (no pain) to 10 (maximum pain)), documentation of the pain area on a body chart and cervical range of motion. Comparisons before and after acupuncture treatment will demonstrate whether acupoints affect the activity of the upper trapezius muscle, pain and cervical range of motion.

Discussion

The purpose of this randomized clinical trial is to evaluate the immediate effect of acupuncture on pain, cervical range of motion and electromyographic activity of the upper trapezius muscle in patients with nonspecific neck pain. Data will be published after the study is completed. The study will support the practice of evidence-based physical therapy for individuals with nonspecific neck pain.

Trial registration

This trial was registered with Clinicaltrials.gov (identifier: NCT0984021) on 7 November 2013 (https://​clinicaltrials.​gov/​ct2/​show/​NCT01984021).
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Metadata
Title
Evaluation of the immediate effect of acupuncture on pain, cervical range of motion and electromyographic activity of the upper trapezius muscle in patients with nonspecific neck pain: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Authors
Simone Aparecida Penimpedo Calamita
Daniela Aparecida Biasotto-Gonzalez
Nivea Cristina De Melo
Douglas Meira dos Santos
Roberta de Lassa
Fabiana Sarilho de Mendonça
Claudia Santos Oliveira
César Ferreira Amorim
Tabajara Oliveira Gonzalez
Marco Antônio Fumagalli
Cid André Fidelis Paula de Gomes
Fabiano Politti
Publication date
01-12-2015
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
Trials / Issue 1/2015
Electronic ISSN: 1745-6215
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s13063-015-0623-3

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