RESEARCH - Improvement in fibromyalgia symptoms with acupuncture: results of a randomized controlled trial

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Mayo Clin Proc. 2006;81:749-757 © 2006 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education

and Research

ORIGINAL ARTICLE

Improvement in Fibromyalgia Symptoms With Acupuncture: Results of a

Randomized Controlled Trial

DAVID P. MARTIN, MD, PHD; CHRISTOPHER D. SLETTEN , PHD; BRENT A. WILLIAMS,

MS; INES H. BERGER , MD

Address reprint requests and correspondence to P. , MD, PhD,

Department of Anesthesiology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, 200 First St

SW, Rochester, MN 55905 (e-mail: martin.david@...).

OBJECTIVE: To test the hypothesis that acupuncture improves symptoms of

fibromyalgia.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: We conducted a prospective, partially blinded,

controlled, randomized clinical trial of patients receiving true acupuncture

compared with a control group of patients who received simulated

acupuncture. All patients met American College of Rheumatology criteria for

fibromyalgia and had tried conservative symptomatic treatments other than

acupuncture. We measured symptoms with the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire

(FIQ) and the Multidimensional Pain Inventory at baseline, immediately after

treatment, and at 1 month and 7 months after treatment. The trial was

conducted from May 28, 2002, to August 18, 2003.

RESULTS: Fifty patients participated in the study: 25 in the acupuncture

group and 25 in the control group. Total fibromyalgia symptoms, as measured

by the FIQ, were significantly improved in the acupuncture group compared

with the control group during the study period (P=.01). The largest

difference in mean FIQ total scores was observed at 1 month (42.2 vs 34.8 in

the control and acupuncture groups, respectively; P=.007). Fatigue and

anxiety were the most significantly improved symptoms during the followup

period. However, activity and physical function levels did not change.

Acupuncture was well tolerated, with minimal adverse effects.

CONCLUSION: This study paradigm allows for controlled and blinded clinical

trials of acupuncture. We found that acupuncture significantly improved

symptoms of fibromyalgia. Symptomatic improvement was not restricted to pain

relief and was most significant for fatigue and anxiety.

Mayo Clin Proc. 2006;81(6):749-757

http://www.mayoclinicproceedings.com/Abstract.asp?AID=2482 & Abst=Abstract & UID=

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