Investigation of Therapeutic effects of Acupuncture treatment on Chronic Primary Musculoskeletal Pain Using Observational
- VernacularTitle:観察データを用いた慢性一次性筋骨格系疼痛に対する鍼治療効果の検討
- Author:
Masaki MURAHASHI
1
;
Shintaro IBATA
1
;
Go HORIBE
1
;
Ai KOUCHI
1
;
Satoru YAMAGUCHI
1
Author Information
- Keywords: Non-electroacupuncture; Electroacupuncture; Chronic primary musculoskeletal pain; propensity score matching; Multivariate analysis Classification Description
- From:Journal of the Japan Society of Acupuncture and Moxibustion 2024;74(4):302-313
- CountryJapan
- Language:Japanese
- Abstract: [Objective] The aim of this study was to investigate the therapeutic effects of acupuncture in patients with chronic primary musculoskeletal pain. First, factors influencing treatment outcomes were identified using multiple regression analysis. Second, factors related to treatment selection were identified using logistic regression analysis. Third, the effects of non-electroacupuncture and electroacupuncture were compared using propensity score matching. [Subjects and Methods] This study utilized a retrospective observational design, enrolling participants based on the International Classification of Diseases, 11th Revision. In the multiple regression analysis, the dependent variable was the change in Visual Analogue Scale score before and after treatment, and in the logistic regression analysis, the dependent variable was the presence or absence of electroacupuncture. To compare the therapeutic effects of the non-electroacupuncture group and the electroacupuncture group, propensity scores were calculated based on factors related to treatment selection, and matching was performed to adjust the background characteristics of the two groups. The change in pain intensity was compared between the two groups using a two-sample t-test. [Results] First, in the multiple regression analysis, the initial Visual Analogue Scale score, Body Mass Index, and Undergoing electroacupuncture treatment were significantly associated with the change in pain before and after treatment. Second, the logistic regression analysis indicated that previous acupuncture experience and gender were related to treatment selection. Third, the comparison between the two groups revealed that the change in pain intensity was significantly greater in the electroacupuncture group (p = 0.03). [Discussion] The influence of initial Visual Analogue Scale score and Body Mass Index on treatment outcomes was consistent with previous studies. Regarding treatment selection, it was suggested that there is a tendency to avoid high-intensity treatments such as electroacupuncture for patients without prior acupuncture experience. The comparison between the non-electroacupuncture and electroacupuncture groups showed that both treatments resulted in a reduction in pain exceeding the minimum clinically important difference, indicating that both methods may be effective for pain management. [Conclusion] In patients with chronic primary musculoskeletal pain, electroacupuncture may be more effective than non-electroacupuncture, suggesting a greater therapeutic effect.
