Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Interventional Ages 21 and up

Acupuncture for reducing pain in stable angina

Official title: Effects of Acupuncture on Symptoms of Stable Angina: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Run by University of California, Los Angeles · NCT06311461 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is testing if a specific acupuncture treatment can help people with stable angina feel less pain compared to those who just watch talks for five weeks.

Quick facts

Study typeInterventional
Ages21 Years and up
SexAll
Enrollment112 (estimated)
SponsorUniversity of California, Los Angeles
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Los Angeles, California)
StatusRecruiting
StartedApril 1, 2024
Main results expectedDecember 31, 2026
Study endsJune 30, 2027
Registry record updatedApril 3, 2025
Trial IDNCT06311461 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates include adults aged 21 and older with a diagnosis of stable angina or chest pain syndrome who have been on medical therapy for at least one month and experience symptoms weekly.

Probably not a fit

Patients who are pregnant, have cognitive or physical limitations, or are using certain medications like steroids or analgesics may not benefit from this study.

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This clinical trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a standardized 12-point acupuncture protocol in alleviating pain for individuals suffering from stable angina. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either acupuncture treatments or engage in attention control activities, such as watching non-pain related talks, over a period of five weeks. The study will assess various pain metrics and health-related quality of life measures to determine the impact of acupuncture on angina symptoms and overall patient outcomes. The long-term goal is to improve symptom management for diverse populations affected by angina, particularly those facing social disadvantages.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide a non-pharmacological option for managing pain in patients with stable angina.

How similar studies have gone: Other studies have shown promising results for acupuncture in managing chronic pain conditions, suggesting potential for success in this approach for stable angina.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Diagnosis of stable angina or chest pain syndrome for at least 1 month (pain, pressure, or discomfort in the chest or other areas of the upper body)
* Treated with medical therapy for at least 1 month
* Experiencing symptoms at least once per week
* Speak and read English
* 21 years of age minimum

Exclusion Criteria:

* Pregnancy as some acupuncture points included in the protocol are contraindicated in pregnancy
* Physical or cognitive limitations that will prevent informed consent or completion of study tasks
* Use of steroid or prescription analgesic medications
* Concomitant biofeedback, professional massage and acupuncture.

Where it's running

  • UCLA School of Nursing
    Los Angeles, California, United States
    Recruiting

Study contacts

  • Principal investigator: Holli A. DeVon, PhD — University of California, Los Angeles
  • Study coordinator: Holli A. DeVon, PhD
  • Email: hdevon@sonnet.ucla.edu
  • Phone: 3109107283

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.