CompletedNot Applicable

Brain Mechanisms of Psychosocial Aspects of Acupuncture Therapy

United States180 participantsStarted 2016-09

Plain-language summary

The overall aim of the present proposal is to investigate how patients' and clinicians' (Licensed acupuncturists, LAc) neural and autonomic processes during treatment interaction correlate to patient outcomes. Male and female healthy clinicians and fibromyalgia patients will be recruited for the study.

Who can participate

Age range

21 Years – 65 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Exclusion criteria

. Male and female healthy clinicians.
. 25-65 years of age (clinicians)
. Ability to read and understand English; English can be a second language provided that the participant feels that he/she understand all the questions used in the assessment measures.
. Have a clinical diagnosis of fibromyalgia and meet the Wolfe et al 2011 research criteria for fibromyalgia for at least one year
. Are on stable doses of medication for 30 days prior to entering the study and agree not to change medications or dosages during the trial
. 21-65 years of age
. Ability to read and understand English; English can be a second language provided that the participant feels that he/she understand all the questions used in the assessment measures.

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

Magnitude of patient/clinician concordance in brain activation of mirror brain circuitry during electroacupuncture therapy

Timeframe: Up to 60 months

Trial details

NCT IDNCT02908022

SponsorMassachusetts General Hospital

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2024-05

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Physician-patient Relationship trials