title: An investigation into the effectiveness of traditional Chinese acupuncture (TCA) for chronic stress in adults: a randomised controlled pilot study.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this exploratory, pragmatic randomised controlled trial was to investigate the effectiveness of traditional Chinese acupuncture (TCA), using an individually targeted treatment protocol delivered by a traditionally trained Chinese acupuncturist. The trial examined the treatment of chronic stress as perceived and reported by the participants, with all its diversity of presenting symptoms, rather than using a cohort approach based on a single stress-related symptom.
  
  
  METHODS
  Participants (n=18) with high self-reported stress levels were randomised into 3 groups. Group 1 received weekly TCA for 5 weeks; group 2 received weekly attention only (practitioner present and participant supine) for 5 weeks and group 3 acted as a waiting list control. The Perceived Stress Scale 14 (PSS-14) and the Measure Yourself Medical Outcome Profile (MYMOP) were completed before and after a 5-week intervention.
  
  
  RESULTS
  After 5 weeks, group 1 reported significant changes in MYMOP profile score and both MYMOP reported symptoms (p<0.05); group 2 had significant changes in MYMOP profile score and 1 symptom (p<0.05); group 3 showed no changes. The PSS-14 scores decreased in all 3 groups, but the difference between pre- and post-study within and between the groups did not reach significance in this small study. In addition, there were self-reports of improvements for group 1 for other health problems encountered during treatment.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The lack of clarity concerning the definition of stress makes it complex to investigate. This pilot study suggests that TCA may be successful in treating the symptoms of stress, through a combination of specific and non-specific effects; but may not relate directly to how a person perceives their stress.
authors.affiliation: Department of Allied Health Sciences, Faculty of Health & Social Care, London South Bank University, 103 Borough Road, London, UK. huangw5@lsbu.ac.uk
authors.forename: Weidong
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Huang
authors.forename: Judith
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Howie
authors.forename: Alyx
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Taylor
authors.forename: Nicola
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Robinson
mesh_terms: D015670:Acupuncture Therapy; D000328:Adult; D002908:Chronic Disease; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010865:Pilot Projects; D057566:Self Report; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000628:therapy*; D016896:Treatment Outcome