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
follow-up 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.
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Article info
Footnotes
This work was supported by Mayo Foundation and the Mayo Anesthesia Clinical Research Unit. Dr Martin is supported in part by a Research Starter Grant from the Foundation for Anesthesia Education and Research.
Identification
Copyright
© 2006 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
