Spotlight on Clinical Trials
The clinical trials below are among the many NCCAM-sponsored trials recruiting, or planning to start recruitment soon, at press time. To see others, go to nccam.nih.gov/clinicaltrials/alltrials.htm.
Acupuncture and Pain Relief in Fibromyalgia
© istockphoto.com/YanC
Fibromyalgia is a chronic disorder that involves widespread pain, tenderness, and stiffness of muscles and associated connective tissue structures, as well as fatigue, headache, and sleep disturbances. In this study, the researchers are seeking to learn more about
- The causes, in the nervous system, of fibromyalgia pain
- The effects of acupuncture on brain activity, including on certain brain receptors (mu-opioid receptors) involved in pain reduction.
A group of women with fibromyalgia will be randomized to receive either real or sham acupuncture. The team will use three imaging techniques: fMRI, PET, and H-MRS.
Principal investigator: Richard Harris, Ph.D., University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
More information: Go to www.clinicaltrials.gov and enter "NCT00142597" in the search box.
Osteopathic Treatment for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
© istockphoto.com/marcelmooij
About 15 to 20 percent of American adults have carpal tunnel syndrome, and the condition costs the United States over $1 billion per year in medical care. Surgery can be a treatment option, but for up to one-third of these patients, the symptoms return. This randomized, controlled pilot study will evaluate the effectiveness of an osteopathic manual (hands-on) treatment in a group of men and women aged 20 to 65 who have carpal tunnel syndrome.
Principal investigator: Scott Stoll, D.O., Ph.D., Osteopathic Research Center, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth
More information: Go to www.clinicaltrials.gov and enter "NCT00394043" in the search box.
Readers who do not have access to the Internet may inquire about clinical trials through the NCCAM Clearinghouse.
