Systemic electroacupuncture associated with Nogier frequency improves some aspects of quality of life in fibromyalgia patients, but not pain intensity, diagnostic criteria and heart rate variability.
Randomized clinical trial methodology was used in this pilot study in which eighteen volunteers (both control and experimental) participated. The experimental group underwent six twenty minute systemic electroacupuncture sessions coupled with auricular acupuncture twice a week, for six weeks. The intensity of pain, diagnostic criteria of American College of Rheumatology, effect on life by fibromyalgia, and changes in heart rate variability were measured using specific instruments such as the Numerical Pain Assessment Scale, Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire, and HRV analysis.
In terms of the results, the primary outcome, i.e., Numeric Pain Assessment Scale showed no significant difference. However, in the secondary outcomes, distinct improvements were noted in the total score and certain domains of the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire such as pain and anxiety. Nonetheless, no significant changes were observed for the diagnostic criteria or HRV variables.
