Does Auricular Acupuncture Improve Tolerance to Electromyography (EMG) Testing?

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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Needle Electromyography (EMG) is an important test used to assess muscle and nerve function, but the test can be uncomfortable. It is currently not standard practice to provide any pain-relieving intervention for this procedure. The purpose of this research study is to determine whether auricular (ear) acupuncture will make EMG testing less painful.

Official Title
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Does Auricular Acupuncture Improve Tolerance to Electromyography (EMG) Testing?

Conditions
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Pain

Intervention / Treatment
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* Other: auricular acupuncture


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: Gender: male or female Of any racial or ethnic group Adult between the ages 18 to 65 years Healthy Normal sensation and strength Pain approximately the same on each side of body with no major difference between right and left sides Can understand and are able to complete the outcomes questionnaires which will be explained before the study protocol begins Exclusion Criteria: Pregnant or actively trying to become pregnant Diabetes mellitus or other systemic disease which may affect nerve function History of a neurologic disorder or other cause for abnormal sensation or weakness Have had recent trauma to an upper arm, hand or ear Have scars or burns on an upper arm, hand or ear that causes abnormal or decreased sensation Taking pain medications on a regular basis Have a bleeding or clotting disorder Taking blood thinners, such as aspirin, heparin, enoxaparin (Lovenox), clopidogrel (Plavix) or coumadin (Warfarin) Have received chemotherapy or radiation Have a permanent pacemaker Have a serious psychiatric disorder (such as schizophrenia) More sensitive to pain on one side of my body more than the other

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 18 Years
Maximum Age: 65 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Design Details

Primary Purpose: Treatment
Allocation: Randomized
Intervention Model: Parallel Assignment
Masking: Single


Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Experimental: auricular acupuncture protocol<br> | Other: auricular acupuncture<br>* Experimental group to receive ear needles in the Battlefield Acupuncture points. Sham group to receive ear needles at points thought to be ineffective but standardized.<br>|
| Sham Comparator: sham auricular acupuncture<br> | Other: auricular acupuncture<br>* Experimental group to receive ear needles in the Battlefield Acupuncture points. Sham group to receive ear needles at points thought to be ineffective but standardized.<br>|

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) |  | pre- and post- intervention | 

Secondary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Global Impression of Change |  | pre- and post- intervention | 

 Terms related to the study
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Keywords Provided by Centre Hospitalier Valida
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Pain, Electromyography, Acupuncture, Randomized controlled trial, Rehabilitation