Effects of a mechanical acupressure needle stimulation pad on chronic low back pain − prospective, single-armed trial

Saha, FJ; Ostermann, T; Jacob, N; Cramer, H; Dobos, G; Lauche, R

Effects of a mechanical acupressure needle stimulation pad on chronic low back pain − prospective, single-armed trial

Saha, FJ Ostermann, T Jacob, N Cramer, H Dobos, G Lauche, R

Permalink

Publication Type:: Journal Article
Citation:: European Journal of Integrative Medicine, 2016, 8 (4), pp. 368 - 372
Issue Date:: 2016-08-01

Closed Access

	Filename	Description	Size
	Saha 2016 Needle stimulation pad CORR PROOF.pdf	Published Version	608.66 kB	Adobe PDF	View/Open

Copyright Clearance Process

Recently Added
In Progress
Closed Access

This item is closed access and not available.

Full metadata record

Field	Value	Language
dc.contributor.author	Saha, FJ	en_US
dc.contributor.author	Ostermann, T	en_US
dc.contributor.author	Jacob, N	en_US
dc.contributor.author	Cramer, H	en_US
dc.contributor.author	Dobos, G	en_US
dc.contributor.author	Lauche, R https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4171-7935	en_US
dc.date.issued	2016-08-01	en_US
dc.identifier.citation	European Journal of Integrative Medicine, 2016, 8 (4), pp. 368 - 372	en_US
dc.identifier.issn	1876-3820	en_US
dc.identifier.uri	http://hdl.handle.net/10453/49955
dc.description.abstract	© 2016 Elsevier GmbH Introduction The needle stimulation mat, also known as fakirs mat or acupressure pad has regularly been advertised as an effective means to reduce chronic back pain, however little is known about the effectiveness of such device. This study aimed to test the effects of the needle stimulation pad for chronic or recurrent low back pain. Methods In this prospective, single-armed trial patients with non-specific chronic or recurrent low back pain were selected from a health insurance company database and advised to use the pad daily for two weeks; outcomes were assessed at baseline, weeks 2 and 14. Primary outcome measure was pain intensity at week 2; secondary outcome measures included disability, health-related quality of life, fear avoidance beliefs, analgesic medication and safety. Results 91 patients were included (50 males, 52.3 ± 10.5years). No significant differences were found for pain intensity between weeks 0, 2 and 14, however immediate pain relief was detected after the application (p < 0.001). Significant decreases were found for disability at weeks 2 (−4.6%,95%CI-6.6;−2.6;p < 0.001) and 14 (−4.3,95%CI-6.4;−2.2;p = 0.008). For quality of life the physical component summary, physical functioning and vitality changed significantly. Medication consumption significantly decreased. No further changes were observed. Concerning safety, eight patients perceived the intervention as too painful to continue, and one patient reported transient itching and skin reddening after use. Conclusions The needle stimulation pad provided immediate non-persistent pain relief in patients with chronic low back pain, but nearly 10% of participants reported adverse reactions discouraging them from further use. Further methodologically rigorous trials are warranted.	en_US
dc.relation.ispartof	European Journal of Integrative Medicine	en_US
dc.relation.isbasedon	10.1016/j.eujim.2016.06.015	en_US
dc.title	Effects of a mechanical acupressure needle stimulation pad on chronic low back pain − prospective, single-armed trial	en_US
dc.type	Journal Article
utslib.citation.volume	4	en_US
utslib.citation.volume	8	en_US
utslib.for	1104 Complementary and Alternative Medicine	en_US
utslib.for	11 Medical and Health Sciences	en_US
pubs.embargo.period	Not known	en_US
pubs.organisational-group	/University of Technology Sydney
pubs.organisational-group	/University of Technology Sydney/Faculty of Health
pubs.organisational-group	/University of Technology Sydney/Strength - CHSP - Health Services and Practice
utslib.copyright.status	closed_access
pubs.issue	4	en_US
pubs.publication-status	Published	en_US
pubs.volume	8	en_US

Abstract:

© 2016 Elsevier GmbH Introduction The needle stimulation mat, also known as fakirs mat or acupressure pad has regularly been advertised as an effective means to reduce chronic back pain, however little is known about the effectiveness of such device. This study aimed to test the effects of the needle stimulation pad for chronic or recurrent low back pain. Methods In this prospective, single-armed trial patients with non-specific chronic or recurrent low back pain were selected from a health insurance company database and advised to use the pad daily for two weeks; outcomes were assessed at baseline, weeks 2 and 14. Primary outcome measure was pain intensity at week 2; secondary outcome measures included disability, health-related quality of life, fear avoidance beliefs, analgesic medication and safety. Results 91 patients were included (50 males, 52.3 ± 10.5years). No significant differences were found for pain intensity between weeks 0, 2 and 14, however immediate pain relief was detected after the application (p < 0.001). Significant decreases were found for disability at weeks 2 (−4.6%,95%CI-6.6;−2.6;p < 0.001) and 14 (−4.3,95%CI-6.4;−2.2;p = 0.008). For quality of life the physical component summary, physical functioning and vitality changed significantly. Medication consumption significantly decreased. No further changes were observed. Concerning safety, eight patients perceived the intervention as too painful to continue, and one patient reported transient itching and skin reddening after use. Conclusions The needle stimulation pad provided immediate non-persistent pain relief in patients with chronic low back pain, but nearly 10% of participants reported adverse reactions discouraging them from further use. Further methodologically rigorous trials are warranted.

Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item:

http://hdl.handle.net/10453/49955