Effect of the Auricular Acupunture of the Lower Limbs on the Equilibrium Response Evaluated by Static Stabilometry

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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By using a static stabilometry platform, the investigators believe the possible verification of the efficiency of auricular acupuncture points that correlates with regions of our body that may interfere with static equilibrium. The present work aims to analyze the effect of the stimulation of atrial points of the lower limbs on the equilibrium response evaluated by static stabilometry.

Detailed Description
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Balance is an extremely relevant subject because of the large and increasing incidence of falls mainly in the elderly population. This leads to a significant social impact since falls can lead an elderly to increasing dependence on the family and can be the cause of depression and reduce their quality of life. Studies have already demonstrated the efficacy of acupuncture stimulation in the treatment of vertigo and also for the improvement of postural control. For this, the option of auricular acupuncture was chosen because it is a non-invasive and safe method. Thus, the objective of this study will be to analyze the effects of atrial stimulation of the lower limbs on the equilibrium response by static stabilometry. Participants in this study were 40 healthy individuals aged between 18 and 30 years who will be divided into two groups: GA (acupuncture group) (n = 20) and CG (control group) (n = 20). The acupuncture group will be stimulated unilaterally according to the motor preference side of each individual in the points referring to the three joints of the lower limb (knee and ankle hip). The control group will not receive stimulation. Balance evaluations will be performed before the stimuation (initial), 20 minutes after the initiation of the protocol (second evaluation) and 5 minutes after the second evaluation, with eyes open and closed. Participants will be positioned standing with their arms along their body, mouth closed not with force and parallel feet. Statistical analysis will be performed by means of a one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and the differences between the data will be evidenced by Holm Sidack's post-test. Values of p≤0.05 will be considered significant.

Official Title
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Auricular Acupuncture Versus Control Group in the Treatment of Balance: a Randomized Controlled Trial

Conditions
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Balance, Postural

Intervention / Treatment
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* Device: Auricular acupunture
* Other: Control


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: 40 healthy individuals between the ages of 18 and 30 Exclusion Criteria: Disorders of the central nervous system Joint pathologies Peripheral neuropathies

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 18 Years
Maximum Age: 30 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: Other
Allocation: Randomized
Intervention Model: Single Group Assignment
Interventional Model Description: This study is a randomized controlled clinical trial to analyze the influence of auricular points on lower limbs on the equilibrium response assessed by static stabilometry
Masking: None (Open Label)


Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Experimental: Auricular acupuncture<br>Stimulated with needles at three joint points of the lower limb, knee and ankle. Balance assessments will be performed prior to (initial) pacing, 20 minutes after the initiation of the pacing protocol (second evaluation) and after 5 minutes the final evaluation. | Device: Auricular acupunture<br>* Evaluation of balance before, during and after applying of auricular acupuncture.<br>|
| Placebo Comparator: Control<br>Not receive stimulation. | Other: Control<br>* Not receive stimulation.<br>|

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Evaluation of center of force through stabilometry | Evaluation shall be performed during the treatment period. | 1 day | 

 Terms related to the study
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Keywords Provided by Centre Hospitalier Valida
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Acupunture, Acupunture Therapy, Acupunture Points, Acupunture Ear, Postural Balance