Feasibility of Combining Group Acupuncture with a Wellness Intervention for Women with MS

Background: Acupuncture is widely used for neurological disorders, however very few clinical trials have been published in English on acupuncture and MS. Of particular interest is how acupuncture might enhance other interventions designed to improve physical and mental health of persons with MS.

Objectives: This study evaluated the feasibility of combining a previously validated 8-week wellness intervention for women with MS with weekly group acupuncture treatments. The class sessions provided the information and skills to promote a healthy lifestyle and the acupuncture treatments were provided in a small group setting either immediately before or after the wellness classes. The acupuncture treatments focused on using needling points below the knee and elbow, on the head, and on the ear so that patients could remain fully clothed. 

Methods: Feasibility related to recruitment, enrollment and intervention delivery were assessed using process evaluation methods and focus groups. After completing an initial acupuncture evaluation, all participants received standardized treatment using high impact points to address their general clinical presentation: St 36, Sp 6, Kd 3(bilaterally); P6, Ht 7, Lv 3 counterlateral to LI 4; Yintang Du 20 on the head and Shenmen, Point Zero and Sympathetic on the ear; switching sides ever week. Points were needled with even stimulation until obtaining “de qi”. Electro stimulation with continuous wave, 4 Hz was applied to St 36 and Sp 6. Needles were retained for 30 minutes.

 Results: Fourteen of the twenty women who responded to recruitment materials enrolled and completed the study.  The women, age 32 to 66 yrs., had been diagnosed with MS from 1 – 24 yrs., most were married (57%) and had completed some college (78%).  All attended at least 75% of the intervention sessions. In post-intervention focus groups, participants generally agreed that the acupuncture was relaxing and valued the comprehensive approach (classes and acupuncture) to lifestyle management. They reported sleeping better and feeling less fatigued. There were several reports of transient side effects (twitching in legs, leg cramps, transient blurry vision, pain on moving). Only one woman expressed that the acupuncture had been a negative experience for her.

Conclusions: A wellness intervention with acupuncture may be more effective in reducing stress, pain and depression, thus facilitating attempts to make lifestyle modifications and enhance overall health.