Journal of Acupuncture Research

Korean Acupuncture & Moxibustion Medicine Society (대한침구의학회)
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Alternation of Topical Heat and Cold for Chronic Low Back Pain : A Randomized Controlled Pilot Trial

  • Choi, Young Doo (Department of Acupuncture & Moxibustion, Dongguk University Ilsan International Hospital) ;
  • Jo, Su Jeong (Department of Acupuncture & Moxibustion, Dongguk University Ilsan International Hospital) ;
  • Jung, Chan Yung (College of Korean Medicine, Dongguk University) ;
  • Kim, Kap Sung (Department of Acupuncture & Moxibustion, Dongguk University Ilsan International Hospital) ;
  • Lee, Seung Deok (Department of Acupuncture & Moxibustion, Dongguk University Ilsan International Hospital)
  • Received : 2016.05.10
  • Accepted : 2016.06.01
  • Published : 2016.06.20
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Abstract

Objectives : This is a pilot study for a large randomized controlled trial to investigate the efficacy and safety of a newly developed contrast therapy device-- alternating topical heat and cold -- for patients with chronic low back pain. The main objective of this study is to confirm the feasibility of the study design. Methods : The design was a randomized, 2-arm, parallel-group, single-blind, placebo controlled trial. Patients in each group received real or sham contrast therapy in an acupuncture point 10 times over four weeks. The primary outcome measure was pain intensity on a 100-mm visual analogue scale (VAS). The secondary outcomes were back-related dysfunction based on the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), the Roland-Morris disability questionnaire (RMDQ), and range of motion of lumbar spine based on the modified Schober test (mSchober test), Finger-to-Floor distance (FTF distance), and Finger-to-Thigh distraction (FTT distraction). Results : A total of 30 subjects with chronic low back pain were randomly assigned to a contrast therapy group (n＝15) or a sham group (n＝15). A repeated-measures analysis of variance showed statistically significant group time interaction for VAS, RMDQ, mSchober test and FTF distance (p<0.05). The treatment group showed significant improvement in pain intensity and functional disability as compared to the sham group. Conclusion : Contrast therapy may be an effective and safe treatment for chronic low back pain.

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References

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