Methodological problems of acupuncture trials focus on adequate placebo controls. In this trial we evaluated the use of sham laser acupuncture as a control procedure. Thirty-four healthy volunteers received verum laser (invisible infrared laser emission and red light, 45 s and 1 J per point) and sham laser (red light) treatment at three acupuncture points (LI4, LU7 and LR3) in a...
Background Flupirtine is an analgesic with muscle-relaxing properties that activates Kv7 potassium channels. Kv7 channels are expressed along myelinated and unmyelinated peripheral axons where their activation is expected to reduce axonal excitability and potentially contribute to flupirtine’s clinical profile. Trial design To investigate the electrical excitability of peripheral...
Fleckenstein, Peter KruÈger, Karl-Peter Ittner. Data curation: Johannes Fleckenstein, Peter KruÈger. Formal analysis: Johannes Fleckenstein, Peter KruÈger, Karl-Peter Ittner. Investigation: Johannes ... Fleckenstein, Peter KruÈger, Karl-Peter Ittner. Methodology: Johannes Fleckenstein, Peter KruÈger, Karl-Peter Ittner. Project administration: Johannes Fleckenstein, Karl-Peter Ittner. Resources: Johannes
Contributions Conceptualization: Johannes Fleckenstein, Lutz Vogt, Winfried Banzer. Data curation: Johannes Fleckenstein, Perikles Simon. Formal analysis: Johannes Fleckenstein, Perikles Simon. Funding ... acquisition: Johannes Fleckenstein. Investigation: Johannes Fleckenstein, Matthias KoÈnig. Methodology: Johannes Fleckenstein, Lutz Vogt, Winfried Banzer. Project administration: Johannes Fleckenstein
Background The effect of acupuncture on sensory perception has never been systematically reviewed; although, studies on acupuncture mechanisms are frequently based on the idea that changes in sensory thresholds reflect its effect on the nervous system. Methods Pubmed, EMBASE and Scopus were screened for studies investigating the effect of acupuncture on thermal or mechanical...
Background A proportion of small diameter primary sensory neurones innervating human skin are chemosensitive. They respond in a receptor dependent manner to chemical mediators of inflammation as well as naturally occurring algogens, thermogens and pruritogens. The neurotransmitter GABA is interesting in this respect because in animal models of neuropathic pain GABA pre...
Background Physical activity exerts a variety of long-term health benefits in older adults. In particular, it is assumed to be a protective factor against cognitive decline and dementia. Methods/design Randomised controlled assessor blinded 2-armed trial (n = 60) to explore the exercise- induced neuroprotective and metabolic effects on the brain in cognitively healthy older...
Background We report on the design and implementation of a study protocol entitled Acupuncture randomised trial for post anaesthetic recovery and postoperative pain - a pilot study (ACUARP) designed to investigate the effectiveness of acupuncture therapy performed in the perioperative period on post anaesthetic recovery and postoperative pain. Methods/Design The study is designed...
Background and Objective Our objective was to report on the design and essentials of the Etoricoxib protocol- Preemptive and Postoperative Analgesia (EPPA) Trial, investigating whether preemptive analgesia with cox-2 inhibitors is more efficacious than placebo in patients who receive either laparotomy or thoracotomy. Design and Methods The study is a 2 × 2 factorial armed, double...