Exploring acupuncture as a treatment for chronic pain in older adults
Official title: Addressing Chronic Pain in Older Adult Populations: Acupuncture Healthcare Delivery Model Innovation in the United States
Funded at Michigan State University · NIH-10994778 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how acupuncture can help older adults with chronic pain feel better without relying on medications, especially for those who might not have easy access to this kind of care.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Michigan State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (East Lansing, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2025 |
| Project end | December 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $46,710 |
| NIH project number | 1F30AT013025-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10994778 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults aged 65 and over who experience chronic pain.
✕Less likely to help
Patients under the age of 65 or those who do not experience chronic pain may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how acupuncture can be effectively integrated into pain management for older adults suffering from chronic pain. It aims to understand the feasibility, acceptability, and appropriateness of acupuncture as a non-pharmacological treatment option, especially in underserved populations. The study will assess the differences in priorities between healthcare institutions and individual patients regarding acupuncture treatment. By addressing gaps in current knowledge, the research seeks to develop a sustainable model for delivering acupuncture care to older adults.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide older adults with a safe and effective alternative to opioid medications for managing chronic pain.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that acupuncture can be an effective treatment for chronic pain, but this specific approach focusing on older adults is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Michigan State University
East Lansing, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ding, Jessica Lu — Michigan State University
- Study coordinator: Ding, Jessica Lu
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.