Self-administered acupressure for veterans with chronic back pain
Self-Administered Acupressure for Veterans With Chronic Back Pain: A Multisite Evaluation of Effectiveness and Implementation
NA · VA Office of Research and Development · NCT05423145
This study is testing whether veterans with chronic back pain can find relief by using self-acupressure techniques they learn in a class.
Quick facts
| Phase | NA |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 300 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | VA Office of Research and Development (fed) |
| Locations | 1 site (Ann Arbor, Michigan) |
| Trial ID | NCT05423145 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of self-administered acupressure as a treatment for chronic low back pain in veterans. A total of 300 participants will be recruited from the VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System and will be randomly assigned to either an acupressure group or a waitlist control group. Participants will attend an introductory class on acupressure and complete surveys to assess pain interference, fatigue, sleep quality, and disability at baseline, 6 weeks, and 10 weeks. The study will also explore the facilitators and barriers to implementing acupressure programs within the Veterans Health Administration.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are veterans enrolled at the VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System who have chronic low back pain lasting at least 3 months.
Not a fit: Patients who have had back surgery in the past 2 years or have received acupuncture or acupressure in the past 3 months may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could provide veterans with an effective non-pharmacological option for managing chronic low back pain.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promising results for acupressure in managing chronic pain, suggesting that this approach may be effective.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Veterans enrolled at VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System * non-specific low back pain confirmed through electronic medical records (i.e., ICD-10 codes: M54.5, M54.40, 41, 42, M54.89) * reported pain severity of 4/10 that has persisted for at least 3 months and present on most days * medically stable (no hospitalizations in the past month lasting 3 or more days) * no changes in pain medication regimen in past 4 weeks * no planned surgery or injections for back pain during the next 10 weeks Exclusion Criteria: * pregnant * had back surgery in the past 2 years * received acupuncture or acupressure in past 3 months * evidence of cognitive impairment that could interfere with the ability to provide consent and follow the study protocol (defined as a score of 3 using the Callahan et al. 6-item screener)
Where this trial is running
Ann Arbor, Michigan
- VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Ann Arbor, MI — Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States (RECRUITING)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Sarah L. Krein, PhD RN — VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Ann Arbor, MI
- Study coordinator: Sarah L Krein, PhD RN
- Email: Sarah.Krein@va.gov
- Phone: (734) 845-3621
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions: Low Back Pain, acupressure, complementary therapies