Designing an Acupuncture Study: II. The Nationwide, Randomized, Controlled German Acupuncture Trials on Low-Back Pain and Gonarthrosis

Molsberger, Albrecht; Streitberger, Konrad; Kraemer, Juergen; Brittinger, Carmen Schade; Witte, Steffen; Boewing, Gabriele; Haake, M.

doi:10.1089/acm.2006.12.733

Cited by 27 publications

(11 citation statements)

References 13 publications

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“…While adherents of the theory insist that individual specific points have identifiable and reproducible clinical effects, some practitioners of modern (Western) medical acupuncture find that it makes little difference exactly where the needles are inserted [24]. This conclusion is supported by results from several large multi-center trials showing that while acupuncture may be more effective than no treatment, it is generally not better than sham acupuncture in non-specific points [25-27]. In addition, such findings do not rule out the possibility that the effects of acupuncture are due to psychological mechanisms, e.g., “placebo-effects” resulting from positive expectation on the part of the patient and/or the practitioner.…”

Section: Research Questions and Methodological Challengesmentioning

confidence: 99%

A Methodological Framework for Evaluating the Evidence for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) for Cancer

Zachariae

Johannessen

2011

Cancers

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In spite of lacking evidence for effects on cancer progression itself, an increasing number of cancer patients use various types of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). There is disagreement between CAM practitioners, researchers and clinical oncologists, as to how evidence concerning effects of CAM can and should be produced, and how the existing evidence should be interpreted. This represents a considerable challenge for oncologists; both in terms of patient needs for an informed dialogue regarding CAM, and because some types of CAM may interact with standard treatments. There is a need for insight into which kinds of CAM may work, for whom they work, what the possible effects and side-effects are, and in what ways such effects may come about. The present article presents a framework for evaluating effects of CAM by suggesting a taxonomy of different levels of evidence related to different types of research questions and discussing the relevance of different research methodologies for different types of effects.

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Section: Research Questions and Methodological Challengesmentioning

confidence: 99%

A Methodological Framework for Evaluating the Evidence for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) for Cancer

Zachariae

Johannessen

2011

Cancers

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“…These sham points could be considered to be real acupuncture points, or therapeutic points, selected based on "scientific relationships of point function". For instance, a German acupuncture trial for cLBP used points on the back as the sham points [63]. However, these points are located within the same dermatomes as the real acupuncture points, and can be considered therapeutic points for cLBP (segmental theory) [64].…”

Section: What Constitutes a Credible Treatment And Control?mentioning

confidence: 99%

Acupuncture Pain Research: Quantitative and Qualitative

Lee

Zheng

2013

Acupuncture for Pain Management

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“…National and international experts suggest a total of 15 sessions; however, there is no evidence from research studies to support the use of that number. 19 In addition, there are differences in the studies regarding the composition of control groups. Typically, either sham acupuncture or no treatment (delayed acupuncture) groups are used.…”

Section: Treatment Of Oamentioning

confidence: 99%

Acupuncture as an Adjuvant Modality With Physical Therapy for Patients With Knee Osteoarthritis

Galantino

Sowers

Mao

et al. 2009

Medical Acupuncture

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Context: Knee osteoarthritis is a prevalent condition that is often accompanied by pain and limited mobility. Acupuncture has been suggested as a potential treatment for osteoarthritis, particularly in conjunction with other modalities such as physical therapy (PT). Objective: To critically evaluate the literature investigating the efficacy of acupuncture as an adjunctive treatment for knee osteoarthritis in conjunction with or in comparison to PT treatment programs. Design and Sources: This literature review included studies that incorporated a PT protocol along with true or sham acupuncture. The goal was to identify specific PT and acupuncture protocols used and to determine if a specific treatment had a more beneficial effect on functional mobility or pain. Criteria for article selection included diagnosis of knee osteoarthritis and the use of acupuncture and PT. The following electronic databases were searched between January 2007 and January 2008: EBSCO Host, CINAHL, MEDLINE, Cochrane Database, and Healthsource. Results: Seven studies were identified for use in this review. There was high variability among the PT and acupuncture protocols used in the studies. Of the 6 studies with published results, only 2 compared acupuncture directly to PT. Conclusions: Because acupuncture has become popular in the United States, it is important to ascertain effectiveness of acupuncture compared with conventional treatment. There are limited publications concerning the use of acupuncture in combination with or in comparison to PT treatment. Published studies have high variability in protocols for both acupuncture and PT, making it difficult to make accurate conclusions.

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Designing an Acupuncture Study: II. The Nationwide, Randomized, Controlled German Acupuncture Trials on Low-Back Pain and Gonarthrosis

Cited by 27 publications

References 13 publications

A Methodological Framework for Evaluating the Evidence for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) for Cancer

A Methodological Framework for Evaluating the Evidence for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) for Cancer

Acupuncture Pain Research: Quantitative and Qualitative

Acupuncture as an Adjuvant Modality With Physical Therapy for Patients With Knee Osteoarthritis

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