Investigating acupuncture for chronic low back pain in older adults
BackInAction Administrative Supplement
This study is looking at how well acupuncture can help older adults with chronic low back pain feel better and move more easily, comparing it to regular medical care over a year.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Kaiser Foundation Research Institute NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Oakland, UNITED STATES) |
| Project ID | NIH-10627304 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on evaluating the safety and effectiveness of acupuncture as a treatment for chronic low back pain (cLBP) in older adults aged 65 and above. The study will involve a pragmatic randomized trial comparing standard and enhanced acupuncture treatments against usual medical care. Participants will be recruited and monitored over a period of 12 months, with assessments of back-related function and other health measures at multiple time points. The goal is to determine how well acupuncture can improve pain management and overall function in this population, which often has more complex health needs.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are older adults aged 65 and above who suffer from chronic low back pain.
Not a fit: Patients under 65 years of age or those without chronic low back pain may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide older adults with a safe and effective alternative treatment for chronic low back pain.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that acupuncture can be effective for chronic pain in younger adults, but this study aims to specifically address the gap in knowledge regarding older adults.
Where this research is happening
Oakland, UNITED STATES
- Kaiser Foundation Research Institute — Oakland, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Debar, Lynn L. — Kaiser Foundation Research Institute
- Study coordinator: Debar, Lynn L.
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 below.