Using Battlefield Acupuncture to Help Veterans with Chronic Pain
Official title: A Randomized Clinical Trial Utilizing Battlefield Acupuncture to Treat Chronic Pain in Veterans With a History of Substance Use Disorder.
Run by Edith Nourse Rogers Memorial Veterans Hospital · NCT06128772 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing if Battlefield Acupuncture can help veterans with chronic pain and a history of substance use feel better and improve their mood, stress, and sleep over eight weeks.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 125 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Edith Nourse Rogers Memorial Veterans Hospital Federal |
| Locations | 1 site (Bedford, Massachusetts) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | December 30, 2023 |
| Main results expected | December 30, 2025 |
| Study ends | December 30, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | August 28, 2024 |
| Trial ID | NCT06128772 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates for this study are veterans aged 18 and older who have chronic pain and a history of substance use disorder.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients who are pregnant, have bleeding disorders, or fear needles 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 research evaluates the effectiveness of Battlefield Acupuncture (BFA) in treating chronic pain among veterans with a history of substance use disorder over an 8-week period. The study aims to assess not only pain relief but also improvements in stress, mood, and sleep patterns. Participants will complete behavioral assessments to measure changes in depression, anxiety, and substance use at three different points during the study. The hypothesis is that BFA will reduce pain and substance use while enhancing the overall quality of life for these veterans.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could provide veterans with a non-pharmacological method to manage chronic pain and reduce substance use.
How similar studies have gone: While the use of acupuncture for pain management is established, the specific application of Battlefield Acupuncture in this context is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: Eligibility criteria include: * they are 18 years or older * they have a history of substance use disorder, * history of chronic pain * availability to participate in the study for 16 weeks. Exclusion Criteria: * female veterans who are pregnant. * history of bleeding disorders or currently on older blood thinning medications that cause excessive bleeding. * currently being treated for an active infection of the outer ear (relative contraindication). -- currently have a PICC line in their body or are receiving IV antibiotics. * fear of needles/tacks, and/or * undiagnosed pain complaint
Where it's running
-
Bedford VA Healthcare System
Bedford, Massachusetts, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Cathy M St Pierre, PhD
- Email: Cathy.StPierre@va.gov
- Phone: 781-687-2983
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.