Effect of trigger point acupuncture on pain and functional activity in patients with chronic non-specific low back pain: a randomised controlled trial.

BACKGROUND

Trigger point (TrP) acupuncture is commonly used to treat chronic non-specific low back pain (CNLBP). Evidence for the efficacy of most TrP acupuncture modalities is weak or lacking.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the effect of TrP acupuncture on pain, disability, gait and muscle activation in patients with CNLBP.

METHODS

From May 2019 to February 2020, a randomised, single-blind clinical trial was carried out involving 33 participants with CNLBP, divided into one of two intervention groups or a control group ( = 11 per group). The intervention groups received TrP acupuncture or traditional acupuncture treatment three times a week for 4 weeks, and the control group remained on a waiting list and received no treatment. Pain, disability, gait and muscle activation were assessed at baseline and at 4 and 8 weeks of follow-up.

RESULTS

At baseline, the three groups showed no significant differences in age, gender, height, weight, body mass index (BMI) or disease course ( ⩾ 0.05). At 4 weeks, pain was relieved (measured by visual analogue scores, = 0.036) and disability was improved (reflected by lower Oswestry disability index scores, = 0.029) in TrP acupuncture versus waiting list groups. Moreover, lumbar extension range of motion was increased in TrP acupuncture versus both traditional acupuncture and waiting list groups ( = 0.029 and = 0.027, respectively). At 8 weeks, there were no significant differences in any parameter between the three groups ( > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

TrP acupuncture had a significant short-term effect on pain relief and disability in patients with CNLBP, but there was no evidence of a long-term influence (at 8 weeks following the intervention). Further high-quality randomised controlled trials are needed for verification in the future. ChiCTR1900022838 (Chinese Clinical Trial Registry).