Treatment in a Randomized Multicenter Trial of Acupuncture for Migraine (ART Migraine)
Abstract:
Background: This paper aims to describe the characteristics of
physicians and interventions of a large, multicenter randomized
trial of acupuncture for migraine (ART Migraine) in order to enable
acupuncturists to assess the study interventions. Patients and
Methods: 302 patients suffering from migraine were randomized to
12 sessions of semi-standardized acupuncture (6 predefined basic
points, recommendations for optional individual choice of additional
points given), standardized minimal acupuncture (superficial
needling of at least 5 of 10 predefined, distant non-acupuncture
points) or a waiting list. 30 physicians trained and experienced in
acupuncture from 18 centers in Germany participated in the trial.
Results: The median duration of acupuncture training of trial physicians
was 500 h (range 140-1350). Physicians had acupuncture experience
for 10 (<1 to 25) years and had treated 200 (60 to >1000)
patients with acupuncture in the year preceding trial participation.
The 6 basic points were needled in 76-93% of sessions. Compliance
with treatment instructions varied considerably among centers in
the acupuncture group. In contrast, compliance with the minimal
acupuncture protocol was very good. 6 of the 30 physicians stated
that they would have treated patients somewhat differently outside
the trial, 1 completely differently. The trial found a significant effect
of those treated with acupuncture compared to those on the waiting
list for treatment, but minimal acupuncture was as effective as
acupuncture. Conclusions: The treatment protocols for acupuncture
and minimal acupuncture in ART Migraine appeared an adequate
compromise in the specific situation and for the predefined purposes.
However, a relevant minority of participating physicians would
have treated patients differently outside the trial.
Zeitschriftentitel:
Forschende Komplementärmedizin / Research in Complementary Medicine
Dieser Beitrag ist mit Zustimmung des Rechteinhabers aufgrund einer (DFG-geförderten) Allianz- bzw. Nationallizenz frei zugänglich.
This publication is with permission of the rights owner freely accessible due to an Alliance licence and a national licence (funded by the DFG, German Research Foundation) respectively.
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