Testing acupuncture for chronic low back pain in older adults
Official title: Pragmatic Trial of Acupuncture for Chronic Low Back Pain in Older Adults
Funded at Kaiser Foundation Research Institute · NIH-10470916 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how well acupuncture helps older adults with chronic low back pain by comparing a regular treatment to one with extra sessions, to see if it works better than just regular medical care.
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 start | September 28, 2019 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2022 |
| Award (this year) | $2,105,544 |
| NIH project number | 5UH3AT010739-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-10470916 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults aged 65 and above who suffer from chronic low back pain.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are younger than 65 or do not have chronic low back pain may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the effectiveness of acupuncture as a treatment for chronic low back pain (cLBP) specifically in older adults. It aims to fill a gap in existing evidence by conducting a pragmatic randomized trial involving 828 participants aged 65 and older. The study will compare a standard 12-week acupuncture treatment with an enhanced version that includes additional maintenance sessions, against usual medical care. Participants will be evaluated on their back-related function and other health measures at multiple time points throughout the trial.
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 gone: Previous studies have shown acupuncture to be effective for chronic low back pain in younger adults, but this research specifically targets older adults, making it a novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Kaiser Foundation Research Institute
Oakland, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Debar, Lynn L. — Kaiser Foundation Research Institute
- Study coordinator: Debar, Lynn L.
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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.