Acupuncture for Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome in the Primary Care Setting (NCT03753373) | Clinical Trial Compass
CompletedNot Applicable
Acupuncture for Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome in the Primary Care Setting
United States81 participantsStarted 2019-01-11
Plain-language summary
The investigators want to investigate whether the KB2 acupuncture protocol is an effective method for decreasing pain and improving physical function in adult subjects with medial tibial stress syndrome. The investigators hypothesize that there will be significant improvement in both the acute and long-term timeframes, with respect to measures of pain and function. The investigators will measure shin pain immediately prior to treatment (baseline), immediately after initial treatment, one-, two-, and four-weeks following treatment, then again at three months post-treatment. Functional status will be evaluated at the above intervals using the Pain Disability Index. The Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome (MTSS) Score is a newly developed scoring system for subject-reported outcomes in evaluating treatment of MTSS, and this will be used to evaluate pain relief and physical functional status at initial treatment (baseline) and again at the four-week follow-up. If at the four-week follow-up no significant improvement is noted, subjects in the non-acupuncture treatment group will be given the option to crossover to another KB2 acupuncture treatment regimen, with follow-up as previously noted.
Who can participate
Age range
18 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.
\*\*\*THIS STUDY IS BEING CONDUCTED AT A MILITARY INSTALLATION. YOU MUST HAVE MILITARY INSURANCE IN ORDER TO PARTICIPATE IN THIS STUDY.\*\*\*
Inclusion Criteria:
* Male and female DoD beneficiaries, age 18 years or older,
* Diagnosed with medial tibial stress syndrome (in one or both of their lower extremities) OR subjects meeting criteria of pain in the posteromedial tibia with exercise and direct palpation of the posteromedial tibia. Subjects with acute and chronic diagnoses will be included.
Exclusion Criteria:
* Pregnant
* Any of the following in the lower extremity being included into the study:
* Active cellulitis of lower extremity
* Tibial stress fracture
* If they have ever had any prior acupuncture for medial tibial stress syndrome using the defined KB-2 points.
* Use of anticoagulants
* Neurologic deficits, to include abnormal sensation, hypo- or hyper-active reflexes, muscle weakness not attributable to pain
* History of needle-shock with acupuncture
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
1
Change in pain over time as measured by 11-point numerical pain rating score (NPRS-11)