Evaluation of the immediate effect of acupuncture on pain, cervical range of motion and electromyographic activity of the upper trapezius muscle in patients with nonspecific neck pain: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

Simone Aparecida Penimpedo Calamita,Nivea Cristina De Melo,Douglas Meira Dos Santos,Fabiano Politti,Fabiana Sarilho De Mendonça,Roberta De Lassa,Daniela Aparecida Biasotto-Gonzalez,Marco Antônio Fumagalli,Claudia Santos Oliveira,César Ferreira Amorim,Tabajara Oliveira Gonzalez,Cid André Fidelis Paula De Gomes

doi:10.1186/s13063-015-0623-3

Abstract

BackgroundNonspecific neck pain can cause considerable suffering, possible disability and reductions in quality of life and productivity. The aim of the proposed study is to evaluate the immediate effect of acupuncture on pain, cervical range of motion and electromyographic activity of the upper trapezius muscle in patients with nonspecific neck pain.Methods/DesignA total of 12 patients with nonspecific neck pain and 12 healthy subjects will be enrolled in a randomized, single-blind crossover study. Each subject will receive two forms of treatment in random order: a single session of traditional acupuncture (acupoints: triple energizer 5, ‘Wai-guan’ and large intestine 11, ‘Qu-chi’) and sham acupuncture. To eliminate carry-over treatment effects, a one-week wash-out period will be respected between sessions. Surface electromyography will be used to determine motor control in the upper trapezius muscle before and after treatment. The outcome measures in the group with neck pain will be a numerical pain rating scale (range: 0 (no pain) to 10 (maximum pain)), documentation of the pain area on a body chart and cervical range of motion. Comparisons before and after acupuncture treatment will demonstrate whether acupoints affect the activity of the upper trapezius muscle, pain and cervical range of motion.DiscussionThe purpose of this randomized clinical trial is to evaluate the immediate effect of acupuncture on pain, cervical range of motion and electromyographic activity of the upper trapezius muscle in patients with nonspecific neck pain. Data will be published after the study is completed. The study will support the practice of evidence-based physical therapy for individuals with nonspecific neck pain.Trial registrationThis trial was registered with Clinicaltrials.gov (identifier: NCT0984021) on 7 November 2013 (https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01984021).

Highlights

Nonspecific neck pain can cause considerable suffering, possible disability and reductions in quality of life and productivity
The purpose of this randomized clinical trial is to evaluate the immediate effect of acupuncture on pain, cervical range of motion and electromyographic activity of the upper trapezius muscle in patients with nonspecific neck pain
The study will support the practice of evidence-based physical therapy for individuals with nonspecific neck pain

Summary

Introduction

Nonspecific neck pain can cause considerable suffering, possible disability and reductions in quality of life and productivity. The aim of the proposed study is to evaluate the immediate effect of acupuncture on pain, cervical range of motion and electromyographic activity of the upper trapezius muscle in patients with nonspecific neck pain. Individuals with nonspecific neck pain (NS-NP) exhibit mechanical alterations and signs of degeneration of the cervical spine [1], causing pain that can irradiate to the upper limbs [2], increased sensitivity, fatigue and stiffness in the muscles of the neck and shoulder, and headache that irradiates to the neck [3]. There is strong evidence that the motor control of the upper trapezius muscle is directly affected by cervical pain during isometric activities [5]. There is a lack of consensus on the best form of treatment for such patients

Objectives

Methods

Findings

Conclusion