Article

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the feasibility of a randomized controlled trial
investigating the optimal number of treatment sessions of acupuncture, used as an
adjunct to usual care, for managing chronic low back pain. METHODS: In total, 45
participants with chronic low back pain were recruited and randomly allocated to
receive usual care plus 4, 7,
or 10 sessions of acupuncture (15/group). Primary
outcomes were recruitment rate, randomization rate, treatment compliance,
completion of the outcome measures, and retention rates. Secondary outcomes
included back function, pain intensity and bothersomeness, generic health status,
activity disability, and participant satisfaction. Data were collected at
baseline and discharge, and at 6 and 12 weeks post randomization. RESULTS: The
recruitment method was demonstrated to be successful: recruitment rate was 43.7%,
and randomization rate was 100%. Compliance with treatment was high among
participants (86.7%, 86.7%, and 100% for the 4-, 7-, and 10-session group,
respectively). Outcome questionnaires used in this study were found to be
appropriate for a future randomized controlled trial. Participant retention rates
were 88.9% at discharge and at 6 weeks post randomization and 84.4% at 12 weeks
post randomization. Secondary outcomes (except for pain intensity) favored the
10-session acupuncture group at 12 weeks post randomization. Over 90% of
participants indicated that they were "very satisfied" and/or "extremely
satisfied" with the acupuncture treatment. CONCLUSION:
This study demonstrated
that a full-scale randomized controlled trial using the methodology described
above is feasible, and such a trial is essential to test the dose dependence of
acupuncture.

Langue : ANGLAIS