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Acupuncture improves exercise tolerance
18 Jun 10
Acupuncture can ‘remarkably’ improve exercise tolerance in patients with heart failure say German cardiology researchers.
Their study included 17 patients with congestive heart failure with mild or marked limitation to their activity- all on optimised medication.
They were randomised to receive acupuncture or placebo – a needle that simulates the procedure without piercing the skin.
No improvement in cardiac ejection fraction or peak oxygen uptake was seen. But the six minute walk distance was ‘remarkably increased’ in the acupuncture group by 32m on average, compared to a drop of 1m in the placebo group.
Post-exercise recovery and ventilatory efficiency were both improved in the acupuncture group but not in the placebo group.
Study leader Dr Johannes Backs, head of the research group at the department of cardiology at Heidelberg University Hospital said: ‘This is the first indication that acupuncture may improve exercise tolerance in CHF patients- when given in addition to optimised standard heart failure medication.’
Heart, online 15 June
Readers' comments
this is prob cbt psychology related. giving pts confidence time etc .
17 patients randomised into 2 groups? very solid data indeed!
That's exactly what it is, limited data. Doesn't mean it's wrong, doesn't mean it's right, it gives only an indication and a basis for further study. Why is it when a drug study with limited data has good indications we may be on the verge of a breakthrough that will benefit all mankind and when good indications are produced with a complementary therapy they are worthless? Two different sciences I guess!!
see the article below. Interesting comment at the end from the author regarding "closed minds". htp://www.pulsetoday.co.uk/story.asp?storycode=4123655 I wonder if reduced resources will truly lead to changing practices in an era that may become less tolerant and open minded to patients needs and outcomes.
Perhaps Professor Ernst, a professor of complementary medicine, rather than jumping straight in with a negative impression (this seems the case each time a complementary therapy is reported), could offer a more balanced comment on such matters? Keith Cherrington's initial comment is exactly what I mean. The latter point, well, who knows?! A proof of concept gives an indication that there may be merit in studying further. It seems more than a CBT effect, as a 'placebo' needle was used, seemingly the only difference between groups. Also, published in Heart, so not a lightweight journal, either!