Effect of Systemic and Auricular Acupuncture with a 2/100 Hz Frequency and Nogier Frequency in Fibromyalgia: a Randomized Clinical Trial, Pilot Study

Abstract

Background: Fibromyalgia is a syndrome of chronic, generalized muscular pain, accompanied by sleep disturbances, fatigue and cardic autonomic dysfunction that will affect the quality of life. There is currently no gold standard treatment. There are limitations of studies with electroacupuncture in auricular acupuncture. Objectives: We evaluate the effects of systemic electroacupuncture (EA) with frequencies of 2/100 Hz associated of auricular acupuncture with a Nogier frequency (2.28, 4.56 and 9.12 Hz) for pain intensity, heart rate variability (HRV), and quality of life in fibromyalgia. Methods: Randomized clinical trial, a pilot study. Eighteen volunteers were randomized into a control group (CG, n = 9) and an experimental group (EG, n = 9). Six systemic EA sessions systemic and auricular were applied in the EG for 20 min, twice a week, for six weeks consecutive. The Numerical Pain Assessment Scale (NPRS), 2010 diagnostic criteria of the American College of Rheumatology (FDC 2010), Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ) and analysis of HRV were the instruments used. The independent t-test compared to the groups was applied. Results: There was no statistically significant difference for the primary outcome for NPRS (p > 0.05). In the secondary outcome there was a significant difference in the total score and in some FIQ domains (p = 0.008) and some variables such as pain (p = 0.02) and anxiety (p = 0.006). There was no significant difference for the FDC 2010 and HRV variables (p > 0.05). Conclusion: 2/100 Hz systemic EA associated with the Nogier frequency positively influenced some quality of life variables; however, pain intensity, diagnostic criteria, and HRV variables did not change.

Complementary and Alternative Medicine to Treat Fibromyalgia Symptoms. A Systematic Review

“… 25 The results of acupuncture persisted in the long term, not only decreasing the sensitivity to tender points but also significantly improving depression and anxiety and the performance of social roles. 26 , 27 However, in the results of Harris et al, 28 although overall pain improvement was observed with 25–35% of subjects, no additional beneficial effects were found, both applying acupuncture, electroacupuncture, and manual stimulation.…”

“… 8/30 2 months N/N No improvements were observed in pain and tender points, or in quality of life, but in the vitality and mental health of the participants. Brazil 27 Auricular Acupuncture To evaluate the effects of systemic electroacupuncture (EA) associated of auricular acupuncture for pain intensity, heart rate variability, and quality of life in fibromyalgia. RCT Women aged over 40 to 78 years and clinical diagnosed with fibromyalgia according to the 2010 criteria of the FDC.…”

“…25 The results of acupuncture persisted in the long term, not only decreasing the sensitivity to tender points but also significantly improving depression and anxiety and the performance of social roles. 26,27 However, in the results of Harris et al, 28 although overall pain improvement was observed with 25-35% of subjects, no additional beneficial effects were found, both applying acupuncture, electroacupuncture, and manual stimulation. The combination of acupuncture and electroacupuncture with other methods to relieve chronic pain as moxas 26 showed little significant differences in pain reduction, but positive results in vitality and mental health in patients.…”

Effectiveness of Complementary and Alternative Medicine in Fibromyalgia Syndrome: A Network Meta-Analysis

“…Consequently, newer forms of acupuncture, such as EA, are gaining prominence for their ability to address these additional symptoms, including anxiety and depression in FM patients. 73 Prior research has demonstrated that EA can improve insomnia symptoms in patients with moderate to severe insomnia, with a notable decrease in PSQI scores. 74 , 75 UA represents an innovative form of acupuncture, performed at the navel.…”