Imaging Metabolic and Perfusion Changes in Acupuncture Therapy for Myofascial Pain Syndrome

Summary

This study will evaluate the clinical and biological effects of acupuncture for chronic low back pain associated with myofascial pain syndrome (MPS).

In this randomized, participant- and assessor-blinded clinical trial, 64 adults with chronic low back pain due to MPS will be assigned to receive either true acupuncture or sham acupuncture for eight weeks. Participants will undergo total-body positron emission tomography/computed tomography (TB-PET/CT) imaging and complete standardized pain and functional questionnaires at baseline and after treatment.

The study will evaluate whether acupuncture improves pain and function compared with sham treatment and whether TB-PET/CT imaging can detect changes in myofascial tissue metabolism and perfusion that correspond with clinical outcomes.

Conditions

• Myofascial Pain Syndrome (MPS)
• Chronic Low-back Pain (cLBP)

Interventions

PROCEDURE

Acupuncture

Participants assigned to the acupuncture group will receive standardized acupuncture treatments administered by a licensed acupuncturist. Treatments will occur up to three times per week for eight weeks (maximum of 24 sessions).

PROCEDURE

Sham Acupuncture

Participants assigned to the sham control group will receive sham acupuncture using non-penetrating placebo needles designed to mimic the appearance and sensation of acupuncture without skin penetration. Sessions will occur up to three times per week for eight weeks (maximum of 24 sessions) and will follow procedures similar in duration and setting to the acupuncture intervention.

PROCEDURE

Total-Body PET/CT Imaging

Participants will undergo total-body positron emission tomography/computed tomography (TB-PET/CT) imaging using 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG). Imaging will be performed at baseline (prior to the first acupuncture/sham acupuncture) and at 8 weeks (after the last acupuncture/sham acupuncture session), with an optional mid-treatment scan at 4 weeks, to evaluate metabolic activity and perfusion in myofascial tissue.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH)

  collaborator NIH

• National Institutes of Health (NIH)

  collaborator NIH

• University of California, Davis

  lead OTHER

Principal Investigators

• Abhijit J Chaudhari, PhD · University of California, Davis

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

BASIC_SCIENCE

Masking

DOUBLE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age

18 Years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2026-04-30

Primary Completion

2029-04-30

Completion

2030-04-30

Countries

• United States

Study Locations