NCT02876432

Evaluating Acupuncture Relationship With the Catecholaminergic Pathway

Evaluating Acupuncture in the Treatment of Low Back Pain in Athletes and the Relationship With the Catecholaminergic Pathway

• Status: Completed
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 30 (actual)
• Sponsor: Universidad Autónoma Benito Juárez de Oaxaca · Academic / Other
• Sex: Male
• Age: 18 Years – 30 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Accepted

Summary

Activation of the sympathetic nervous system attenuates inflammation via catecholamines, recent advances in electroacupuncture allow activating critical neuronal networks with the release of catecholamines the aim of this research was to evaluate de effect of electroacupuncture in the activation of sympathetic nervous system and the control of low back pain in athletes

Detailed description

Activation of the sympathetic nervous system attenuates inflammation via activation of β2-adrenoreceptors by catecholamines, Electrical stimulation of vagus nerve limits the inflammatory response in several animal models of inflammatory diseases, In addition, voluntary activation of the sympathetic nervous system by meditation, training or breathing techniques limits production of proinflammatory cytokines in vivo during experimental endotoxemia in healthy human volunteers. Currently there are therapies that effectively antagonize proinflammatory cytokines and control pain, as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and opioid analgesics, but had serious side effects if used chronically. Therefore, alternative therapies as electroacupuncture, which may limit inflammatory cytokine production more physiologically, are warranted. The aim of this study was to evaluate de effect of electroacupuncture used for attenuation of low back pain in the activation of sympathetic nervous system and leukocyte inflammatory potential.

Conditions

• Low Back Pain

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
DEVICE	Electroacupuncture	The acupuncture points selected were ST36, BL25, GB30, BL40, GB34 the needles were inserted into acupoints and the depth of needle insertion depended of the acupoints selected to achieve Deqi sensation, which is characterized as a numb, heavy, sore and/or distending sensation. Electrical stimulation was delivered at 4 Hz. The stimulator (ITO EST-160) was then switched on, and the intensity was gradually increased to reach a strong but comfortable level the sensation of EA which is characterized for numbness, tingling and a light muscle cramp. For 15 minutes
DRUG	Diclofenac sodium	100 mg Diclofenac sodium was administrated orally every 12 hours for 5 days.
OTHER	Sham electroacupuncture	The investigators use 1.0 cm outside point of the real electroacupuncture, the depth of needle insertion was superficial to avoid Deqi sensation, the cables wasn't connected to the electro stimulator and was then switched on for 15 minutes. The participants were threaded separately to avoid sharing experiences about the electroacupuncture sessions

Timeline

• Start date: 2016-10-01
• Primary completion: 2017-01-01
• Completion: 2017-02-01
• First posted: 2016-08-23
• Last updated: 2018-08-01