Loading...
Uncontrolled studies of acupuncture have shown benefit in reducing dyspnea on exertion (DOE) and increasing exercise capacity in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). In this Japanese study, researchers used a sophisticated sham acupuncture procedure to conduct a controlled assessment in 68 adults with moderate-to-severe COPD and DOE who were on stable medication regimens and able to walk unassisted.
The patients were randomized to acupuncture treatments weekly for 12 weeks at 11 acupuncture points selected according to traditional Chinese theory, or to sham treatments using the same schedule and acupuncture points but performed with a blunt needle that appeared to penetrate the skin but actually telescoped with pressur…