Positive Health Online

Abstract

NEUMEISTER and colleagues, Abteilung fur Pneumologie, Allergologie und Schlafmedizin, Berufsgenossenschaftliche Kliniken Bergmannsheil-Universitatsklinik, Ruhr-Universitat Bochum, Germany conducted a prospective, randomised and placebo-controlled pilot study to quantify the effect of acupuncture upon patients suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) .

Background

Methodology

10 patients with stable COPD were randomised to a 2-week treatment of 7 verum acupuncture according to the rules of traditional Chinese medicine or placebo acupuncture sessions. Prior to and following treatment pulmonary function tests were performed as well as an interview using the chronic respiratory disease questionnaire. Mouth occlusion pressures (MOP) were taken on day 1, 5 and 7 prior to and following punction.

Results

Compared to the placebo group, which demonstrated only a slight improvement of quality of life, a deterioration of lung function parameters and a trend of higher demand of the respiratory pump, Patients receiving verum acupuncture improved significantly with FEV1 and RV/TLC. Additionally in the acupuncture group, there was an improvement of large magnitude in quality of life and a trend of lower demand of the respiratory pump.

Conclusion

The small number of patients does not permit further conclusions; however, the results of this pilot study suggests that acupuncture is worthy of further investigation for patients suffering from COPD.

References

Neumeister W et al. Effect of acupuncture on quality of life, mouth occlusion pressures and lung function in COPD . Medizinische Klinik 94(1 Spec No): 106-9. Apr 1999.