Health-related quality of life in patients with musculoskeletal complaints in a general acupuncture practice: an observational study.
BACKGROUND
Musculoskeletal complaints are associated with a large medical and societal burden. Although acupuncture is a frequently used therapy for musculoskeletal complaints, little is known about the effect on health-related quality of life (HRQoL).


OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to (i) compare the HRQoL of patients undergoing routine acupuncture treatment for musculoskeletal complaints with a Dutch population sample; (ii) investigate changes in HRQoL during the course of acupuncture treatment.


METHODS
An observational study of 26 patients between 18 and 65 years of age in a single acupuncture practice was performed. HRQoL was measured on eight functional domains using a RAND-36 health survey at baseline and after six and 12 treatment sessions. Baseline RAND-36 scores were compared to data from a Dutch population sample (n=1063) using t test, and longitudinal data were analysed using repeated measurement analyses.


RESULTS
At baseline, patients had significantly lower RAND-36 scores compared to the Dutch population sample for three domains: role-physical limitations (51.9 vs 79.4; p<0.001), bodily pain (49.3 vs 79.5; p<0.001) and social functioning (75.5 vs 86.9; p=0.005). During the course of treatment, RAND-36 scores increased significantly for five domains: physical functioning (79.3 vs 97.4; p<0.001), role-physical functioning (51.4 vs 94.1; p<0.001), bodily pain (47.3 vs 95.7, p<0.001), social functioning (74.5 vs 92.0, p<0.001) and vitality (69.1 vs 85.7; p<0.001).


CONCLUSIONS
The observed improvements in HRQoL suggest a subjective, clinically relevant, benefit of routine acupuncture therapy in treating musculoskeletal complaints.
van den Berg
Ineke
I
Erasmus University Medical Center Rotterdam, PO Box 2040, 3000 CA Rotterdam, The Netherlands. ineke.vandenberg@erasmusmc.nl
Tan
Loek
L
van Brero
H
H
Tan
K Tinka
KT
Janssens
A Cecile J W
AC
Hunink
M G Myriam
MG
D015669:Acupuncture Points; D015670:Acupuncture Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D000208:Acute Disease; D000328:Adult; D000554:Ambulatory Care Facilities; D002908:Chronic Disease; D005260:Female; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009140:Musculoskeletal Diseases / Q000150:complications / Q000628:therapy*; D009426:Netherlands; D010146:Pain / Q000209:etiology; D059408:Pain Management; D010147:Pain Measurement / Q000379:methods; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011788:Quality of Life; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult