RecruitingNot ApplicableNCT07494162

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

IMPACT-MPS: Imaging Metabolic and Perfusion Changes in Acupuncture Therapy for Myofascial Pain Syndrome

Sponsor

University of California, Davis

Enrollment

64 participants

Start Date

May 18, 2026

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Conditions

Chronic Low Back Pain (CLBP)Myofascial Pain Syndrome (MPS)

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.

Eligibility

Min Age: 18 Years

Plain Language Summary

Simplified for easier understanding

This clinical trial is studying a procedure called Acupuncture, a procedure called Sham Acupuncture, and others for people with chronic low back pain (clbp) and myofascial pain syndrome (mps). The study is currently recruiting participants at 1 location.

This summary was AI-generated to explain the trial in plain language. It is not medical advice. Always discuss eligibility with your doctor before enrolling in a clinical trial.

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Interventions

PROCEDUREAcupuncture

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).

PROCEDURESham 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.

PROCEDURETotal-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.