Developing computer controlled laser systems for double blind acupuncture trials

Rogers, CJ

Developing computer controlled laser systems for double blind acupuncture trials

Rogers, CJ

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Publication Type:: Thesis
Issue Date:: 2012

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Field	Value	Language
dc.contributor.author	Rogers, CJ
dc.date.accessioned	2012-10-10T03:04:05Z
dc.date.accessioned	2012-12-15T03:53:45Z
dc.date.available	2012-10-10T03:04:05Z
dc.date.available	2012-12-15T03:53:45Z
dc.date.issued	2012
dc.identifier.uri	http://hdl.handle.net/10453/20415
dc.description	University of Technology, Sydney. Faculty of Science.
dc.description.abstract	Background: Double blind clinical testing is considered critical for advancing most areas of medical research. Much of the acupuncture laser and Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) research lacks double blinding and suffers from poor trial design. While some research studies have shown a potential increased clinical effect in visible wavelength laser trials visible wavelength lasers are generally overlooked in research, due to the difficulties with double blinding. Objectives: This study sought to design, construct and test a system that could randomise, control, monitor and record the delivery of visible laser in real-time, and allow for double blinding. Method: The study utilised a novel approach to incorporate computer controlled lasers within opaque hoods. An optical sensor feedback was incorporated to objectively measure the delivery of laser in a double blinded randomised controlled trial (RCT) situation. The equipment was designed and tested for future researchers to operate with a minimum of training. The initial testing was designed around a proof of concept study using the equipment to stimulate Pericardium 6 (PC 6) with a visible (635 nm) 10 mW laser while monitoring changes in Heart Rate Variability (HRV). We only sought to trial the equipment under laboratory conditions to see if a double blind condition could be achieved. It was beyond the scope of this study to undertake a RCT of the effects of PC 6 on HRV. Results: The equipment was successful in maintaining double blind conditions. Laser was delivered and monitored in real-time, the operational parameters were recorded and test participants reported no discomfort associated with the use of the equipment. The computer successfully controlled the random delivery of laser. The test participants and operators were at no time aware of the state of the laser. The operators reported no difficulties in using the unit. Conclusion: A laser research tool was successfully created and the study demonstrated the system’s unique ability to overcome all the difficulties identified for visible laser wavelength double blind research. The system is currently designed with two laser hoods to allow for bilateral acupuncture point testing. Future improvements could include additional laser hoods for multiple acupuncture point treatments. Construction of alternate hoods would allow for testing of different wavelengths including infrared and different laser power levels. The system combines double blind testing with physiological monitoring, which allows researchers to record the physiological effects that accompany laser therapies.	en_US
dc.format	Thesis (MSc)	en_US
dc.language.iso	en	en_US
dc.relation	https://opus.lib.uts.edu.au/bitstream/10453/20415/10/02Whole.pdf
dc.relation.replaces	http://hdl.handle.net/2100/1387
dc.rights	The author owns the copyright in this thesis including all reproduction and reuse rights for the work. The work may not be altered without the permission of the copyright owner. Attribution is essential when quoting or paraphrasing from this thesis.
dc.rights	info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess
dc.rights	au.edu.uts.lib/ppc
dc.subject	Acupuncture.	en
dc.subject	Laser.	en
dc.title	Developing computer controlled laser systems for double blind acupuncture trials	en_US
dc.type	Thesis
utslib.copyright.status	open_access

Abstract:

Background: Double blind clinical testing is considered critical for advancing most areas of medical research. Much of the acupuncture laser and Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) research lacks double blinding and suffers from poor trial design. While some research studies have shown a potential increased clinical effect in visible wavelength laser trials visible wavelength lasers are generally overlooked in research, due to the difficulties with double blinding. Objectives: This study sought to design, construct and test a system that could randomise, control, monitor and record the delivery of visible laser in real-time, and allow for double blinding. Method: The study utilised a novel approach to incorporate computer controlled lasers within opaque hoods. An optical sensor feedback was incorporated to objectively measure the delivery of laser in a double blinded randomised controlled trial (RCT) situation. The equipment was designed and tested for future researchers to operate with a minimum of training. The initial testing was designed around a proof of concept study using the equipment to stimulate Pericardium 6 (PC 6) with a visible (635 nm) 10 mW laser while monitoring changes in Heart Rate Variability (HRV). We only sought to trial the equipment under laboratory conditions to see if a double blind condition could be achieved. It was beyond the scope of this study to undertake a RCT of the effects of PC 6 on HRV. Results: The equipment was successful in maintaining double blind conditions. Laser was delivered and monitored in real-time, the operational parameters were recorded and test participants reported no discomfort associated with the use of the equipment. The computer successfully controlled the random delivery of laser. The test participants and operators were at no time aware of the state of the laser. The operators reported no difficulties in using the unit. Conclusion: A laser research tool was successfully created and the study demonstrated the system’s unique ability to overcome all the difficulties identified for visible laser wavelength double blind research. The system is currently designed with two laser hoods to allow for bilateral acupuncture point testing. Future improvements could include additional laser hoods for multiple acupuncture point treatments. Construction of alternate hoods would allow for testing of different wavelengths including infrared and different laser power levels. The system combines double blind testing with physiological monitoring, which allows researchers to record the physiological effects that accompany laser therapies.

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http://hdl.handle.net/10453/20415