Spotlight on Clinical Trials
A clinical trial is a research study in which a treatment or therapy is tested in people to see whether it is safe and effective. More than 100 NCCAM-funded clinical trials are currently under way, including the ones below. More information, including the criteria to qualify, is available at nccam.nih.gov/clinicaltrials or from the NCCAM Clearinghouse.
Chiropractic Care, Medication, and Self-Care for Neck Pain
Neck pain is a common condition, often treated with prescription medications. More neck pain sufferers are seeking relief from CAM therapies, such as chiropractic spinal manipulation (CSM). But there is little research that compares the effectiveness of CSM with that of medication or simple advice on self-care. This study will compare those three treatments to identify effective therapies and increase knowledge about neck pain.
Qi Gong Therapy for Knee Osteoarthritis
According to traditional Chinese medicine, disease—including arthritis—is caused by a blockage of qi, which is believed to be the life force that flows through the body and keeps people healthy. Qi gong is an ancient Chinese practice that aims to help release that proposed blockage through meditation, breathing exercises, and the harnessing of energy. This randomized controlled pilot study seeks to determine whether qi gong is an effective treatment for knee osteoarthritis, whether it affects mood or anxiety in patients, and whether those with a history of using CAM are more likely to experience benefits. Editor's Note: At press time, this trial had just closed recruitment.
Hypnosis for Hot Flashes in Breast Cancer Survivors
Many breast cancer survivors experience hot flashes, which can cause anxiety, disrupt sleep, and decrease quality of life. Hormone therapy, a standard treatment for hot flashes, has issues for these survivors because of side effects and increased risk of cancer recurrence. This study will evaluate the effectiveness of hypnosis as a CAM treatment to reduce hot flashes in these patients.
