Motion style acupuncture therapy for shoulder pain: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: San-Feng Sun
Qing-Nan Fu
Jian-Feng Tu
Cun-Zhi Liu
Jun Wang
Jing Li
Rui-Li Liang
Cheng Tan
Bao-Zhen Liu
Guang-Xia Shi
Journal: Journal of Pain Research (2018)
Discipline: NEUROSCIENCE & BEHAVIOR
Keywords: acupuncture therapy; motion style acupuncture; randomized controlled trial; shoulder pain.
Affiliations: Acupuncture and Moxibustion Department, Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine Affiliated to Capital Medical University, Beijing100010, China., Acupuncture and Moxibustion Department, Beijing Huairou District Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing 101400, China., Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing100010, China., Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Dongfang Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100078, China, .

Abstract:  Background: Strategies for preventing the persistence of pain and disability beyond the acute phase in shoulder pain patients are critically needed. Conventional acupuncture therapy (CAT) or motion style acupuncture therapy (MSAT) alone results in relative improvements in painful conditions in shoulder pain patients; combined interventions may have more global effects. The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of MSAT vs CAT for shoulder pain. Methods: A randomized controlled trial using a factorial design was conducted from January 2014 to December 2015. Patients with a primary complaint of one-sided shoulder pain participated at three study sites. Eligible individuals were randomly assigned to receive MSAT plus minimal CAT (mCAT), CAT plus minimal MSAT (mMSAT), MSAT plus CAT, or mMSAT plus mCAT for 6 weeks in a 1:1:1:1 ratio. The primary outcome was change in shoulder pain intensity (measured using visual analog scale). The secondary outcomes included change in function of the shoulder joint (Constant-Murley score) and the health-related quality of life (Short Form-36 Health Survey). Moreover, perceived credibility of acupuncture was measured using the Treatment Credibility Scale. The outcomes were assessed at baseline and at 6, 10, and 18 weeks after randomization. Analysis of covariance with the baseline score adjustment had been used to determine the primary end point. The between-group differences of MSAT vs mMSAT and CAT vs mCAT were estimated, respectively, after tests of interaction between the two-dimensional interventions. All main analyses followed the intention-to-treat principle. Results: A total of 164 patients completed the study. MSAT was superior to mMSAT in alleviating pain intensity at 10 weeks (P=0.024), and it was maintained for 18 weeks (P=0.013). Statistically significant differences were found when comparing MSAT with mMSAT for improvement in shoulder function (6 weeks, P=0.01; 10 weeks, P=0.006; and 18 weeks, P=0.01), physical health (10 weeks, P=0.023 and 18 weeks, P=0.015), and mental health (18 weeks, P=0.05). No significant differences were found in CAT when compared with mCAT. Conclusion: After 18 weeks of treatment, pain and joint functions are improved more with MSAT than with minimal motion style acupuncture or conventional acupuncture in patients with shoulder pain. 

Retracted: No

PubPeer comments:
 Fig 3A.  Effect of SNHG12 on apoptosis and metastasis of PTC cells. A B: The results of flow cytometry show that the apoptotic rate is significantly increased after the interference in the SNHG12 expression in PTC cells . The si-NC results for K1 and TPC-1 cells appear to be identical. The si-SNHG12 #2 results for the two cell lines have far more in common in the upper quadrants than chance can explain, yet there are also differences, ruling out a simple mistake. ![file] ,