Effect of the Auricular Acupunture of the Lower Limbs on the Equilibrium Response Evaluated by Static Stabilometry

Balance, Postural Clinical Trial

Official title:

Auricular Acupuncture Versus Control Group in the Treatment of Balance: a Randomized Controlled Trial

Clinical Trial Details — Status: Completed

Administrative data

• NCT number: NCT03156530
• Other study ID #: 50015413300005440
• Status: Completed
• Phase: N/A
• First received: May 5, 2017
• Last updated: May 15, 2017
• Start date: March 1, 2015
• Est. completion date: November 1, 2016

Study information

• Verified date: March 2016
• Source: University of Sao Paulo
• Contact: n/a
• Is FDA regulated: No
• Study type: Interventional

Clinical Trial Summary

By using a static stabilometry platform, the investigators believe the possible verification of the efficiency of auricular acupuncture points that correlates with regions of our body that may interfere with static equilibrium.

The present work aims to analyze the effect of the stimulation of atrial points of the lower limbs on the equilibrium response evaluated by static stabilometry.

Description:

Balance is an extremely relevant subject because of the large and increasing incidence of falls mainly in the elderly population. This leads to a significant social impact since falls can lead an elderly to increasing dependence on the family and can be the cause of depression and reduce their quality of life. Studies have already demonstrated the efficacy of acupuncture stimulation in the treatment of vertigo and also for the improvement of postural control. For this, the option of auricular acupuncture was chosen because it is a non-invasive and safe method. Thus, the objective of this study will be to analyze the effects of atrial stimulation of the lower limbs on the equilibrium response by static stabilometry. Participants in this study were 40 healthy individuals aged between 18 and 30 years who will be divided into two groups: GA (acupuncture group) (n = 20) and CG (control group) (n = 20). The acupuncture group will be stimulated unilaterally according to the motor preference side of each individual in the points referring to the three joints of the lower limb (knee and ankle hip). The control group will not receive stimulation. Balance evaluations will be performed before the stimuation (initial), 20 minutes after the initiation of the protocol (second evaluation) and 5 minutes after the second evaluation, with eyes open and closed. Participants will be positioned standing with their arms along their body, mouth closed not with force and parallel feet. Statistical analysis will be performed by means of a one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and the differences between the data will be evidenced by Holm Sidack's post-test. Values of p≤0.05 will be considered significant.

Recruitment information / eligibility

• Status: Completed
• Enrollment: 40
• Est. completion date: November 1, 2016
• Est. primary completion date: March 1, 2016
• Accepts healthy volunteers: Accepts Healthy Volunteers
• Gender: All
• Age group: 18 Years to 30 Years

Eligibility

Inclusion Criteria:

• 40 healthy individuals between the ages of 18 and 30

Exclusion Criteria:

• Disorders of the central nervous system

• Joint pathologies

• Peripheral neuropathies

Related Conditions & MeSH terms

• Balance, Postural

Intervention

Device:
• Auricular acupunture
Evaluation of balance before, during and after applying of auricular acupuncture.

Other:
• Control
Not receive stimulation.

Locations

Country	Name	City	State
n/a

Sponsors (1)

Lead Sponsor	Collaborator
University of Sao Paulo

Outcome

Type	Measure	Description	Time frame	Safety issue
Primary	Evaluation of center of force through stabilometry	Evaluation shall be performed during the treatment period.	1 day