Sensitised-points acupuncture versus routine integrative acupuncture for chronic low back pain: Protocol for a randomised-controlled feasibility study

Abstract Background Chronic low back pain (cLBP) is a global health complaint, and a dominant cause of disability. Acupuncture is an effective therapy for cLBP; however evidence for an optimal acupuncture practice scheme is limited. Choosing the most suitable acupoints for stimulation is an essential part of treatment; this not only includes the optimal prescription of points, but also requires accuracy in locating points. The Foundational Chinese medicine classic The Inner Canon of yellow emperor instructs practitioners to palpate the acupoint to find the most sensitive site before inserting needles. Nonetheless, nowadays, palpation is neglected in routine acupuncture practice. The purpose of this study is to determine the feasibility of conducting a randomised controlled trial to assess the potential of sensitised-point acupuncture as non-inferior compared with routine integrative acupuncture for cLBP. Methods This will be a two-arm, assessor-blind, non-inferiority feasibility study. Participants will be randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio into two groups. Each group will receive 8 sessions of sensitised-points acupuncture or routine integrative acupuncture, respectively. Treatments will be conducted twice per week. Primary outcomes will be the feasibility of the study; secondary outcomes will include back pain-related symptoms, expectation and satisfaction towards the treatment. Outcomes will be assessed at baseline (week 0), on a weekly basis during treatment, post-treatment (week 4), and follow-up (week 12). Discussion The findings of this study will inform the feasibility and study design of a subsequent fully powered trial. Trial registration: Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ANZCTR), Ref no.: ACTRN12621001426875. Registered on 21 October 2021,