DOES REAL ACUPUNCTURE PRODUCE THE SAME EFFECT AS PLACEBO ACUPUNCTURE ON SENSORY PERCEPTION? A RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED CLINICAL TRIAL

Abstract

Background: Acupuncture treatment has become increasingly popular in the Western due to its therapeutic effects and low cost. However, some studies suggest that both real and sham acupuncture have effects. Objectives: Our study aimed to evaluate the effect of real and placebo acupuncture in cutaneous and deep sensitivity threshold. Methods: Three different types of placebo acupunctures were compared with real acupuncture, four groups at the St25 point (abdominal) and four at the Bl52 point (lumbar region), totaling eight groups. 185 subjects were recruited and randomized, ratings of cutaneous sensitivity threshold (von Frey filaments) and pressure pain threshold (algometer) occurred before and after the application. Results: The cutaneous sensitivity threshold showed no significant difference in the intragroup analysis and also compared between groups. The pressure pain threshold showed a significant decrease in values in the Real group Bl52 (p = 0.044) and insertion and removal Bl52 (p = 0.037) for intra-group analysis and comparison between groups, there was a significant reduction in Real groups St25 and insertion and withdrawal in Bl52 point compared to Park Sham Bl52 and Real Bl52, respectively (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Cutaneous sensitivity threshold did not change after applying acupuncture or placebo, but these techniques influence the pressure pain threshold.