First RCT on Acupuncture
The first randomized controlled
clinical trial on acupuncture was published in New England Journal of Medicine in 1975. Forty patients, randomly assigned to an experimental and a
control group, participated in a double-blind study to assess the effectiveness
of acupuncture in reducing chronic pain associated with osteoarthritis. The
experimental group received treatment at standard acupuncture points, and the
control group at placebo points. Analysis before and after treatment showed a
significant (P<0.05) improvement in tenderness and subjective report of pain
in both groups as evaluated by two independent observers and in activity by one
observer. Comparison of responses to treatment between the two groups showed no
significant (P>0.05) difference. Thus, both experimental and control groups
showed a reduction in pain after the treatments. These results may reflect the
natural course of illness, and various attitudinal and social factors. (Source:
Gaw
AC, Chang
LW, Shaw
L-C. Efficacy of acupuncture on osteoarthritic
pain. A controlled, double-blind study. N Engl J Med. 1975 Aug 21;293 (8):375-8.)
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