The Effect of Electroacupuncture on Obesity

Phase 2UnknownNCT01102075

Kyunghee University Medical Center39 enrolled

Overview

The purpose of this study is to determine whether electroacupuncture is effective on waist circumference in obesity.

Many studies have reported on the beneficial effects of acupuncture for obesity, although some negative reports also existed.(Wang F. et al. 2008)Recently conducted systematic review of Pittler and Ernst reported that there was insufficient, but not conclusive evidence to support the efficacy of acupuncture and acupressure for weight loss. However, most of these studies had methodological limitation, such as lack of adequate control group or unclear specific effect of electroacupuncture alone because auricular acupuncture was administered as well. In this sudy, we had three-arm randomized controlled trial(with sham control group) to investigate whether electroacupuncture is effective in the treatment of obesity.

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

SINGLE

Enrollment

Conditions

Obesity

Interventions

ElectroacupunctureDEVICE

We used Electrical stimulator(STN-111,Stratek)with a frequency of 24 Hz and intensity of 0.27-1.3mA(tolerable strength), asymmetric interactive pulse with continuous stimulation by the pulse generator. The participants were given treatment twice a week for 30 minutes for 5 weeks(10 sessions) by practitioner.(n=13)

Sham electroacupuncture procedureDEVICE

We used same electroacupuncture device, number and type of needle, duration, frequency of sessions and practitioner as for the EA treatment. Specific details are as described in the arm description.(n=13)

Eligibility

Sex: ALLMin age: 16 YearsMax age: 65 Years

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria: * Waist circumference: Male\>= 90 cm, Female \>= 85 cm * BMI over than 25kg/m2 Exclusion Criteria: * Secondary obesity caused by endocrine disease, e.g., polycystic ovary syndrome, diabetes mellitus, Cushing's syndrome, hypothyroidism etc. * Heart disease,e.g.,arrhythmia, heart failure, myocardial infarction, and patient with pacemaker * Hypertension, hyperlipidemia or hypercholesterinemia patients on medication * Stroke or otherwise unable to exercise * Pregnant or lactating women * Childbirth within 6 months * Management for weight control within 3 months * Any other conditions deemed unsuitable for trial as evaluated by the physician-in-charge

Locations (1)

Kyunghee University Medical Center

Seoul, Hoegi-dong, Dongdaemun-gu, South Korea

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

waist circumference

Time frame: At 5 weeks (post treatment)

Secondary Outcomes

Thickness of abdominal subcutaneous fat

Thickness of abdominal subcutaneous fat was measured by digital skinfold caliper(FatTrack).

Time frame: Study Day 1 (Baseline)

Thickness of abdominal subcutaneous fat

Thickness of abdominal subcutaneous fat was measured by digital skinfold caliper(FatTrack).

Time frame: At 3weeks

Thickness of abdominal subcutaneous fat

Thickness of abdominal subcutaneous fat was measured by digital skinfold caliper(FatTrack).

Time frame: At 5weeks (post treatment)

Thickness of abdominal subcutaneous fat

Thickness of abdominal subcutaneous fat was measured by digital skinfold caliper(FatTrack).

Time frame: At 8weeks after first treatment (follow up)

Waist hip ratio

Time frame: Study Day 1 (Baseline)

Waist hip ratio

Time frame: At 3weeks

Waist hip ratio

Time frame: At 5weeks (post treatment)

Waist hip ratio

Time frame: At 8weeks after first treatment (follow up)

Body Mass Index

Data from ClinicalTrials.gov

This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.