NCT06266520

Brief Summary

The goal of this type of randomized controlled trial, employing a blinded evaluator methodology, to verify the clinical efficacy and safety of MNK therapy. This aims to provide a reference for clinical practitioners and AAS patients in their decision-making process. Participants will randomly allocated into two groups using a random number table method, with forty patients in each group. The experimental group (Group 1) underwent MNK therapy to release the superficial fascia, while the control group (Group 2) received conventional acupuncture treatment.

Trial Health

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Monitor

Trial Health Score

Automated assessment based on enrollment pace, timeline, and geographic reach

Trial has exceeded expected completion date
Enrollment
80

participants targeted

Target at P50-P75 for not_applicable

Timeline
Completed

Started Jan 2023

Typical duration for not_applicable

Geographic Reach
1 country

1 active site

Status
recruiting

Health score is calculated from publicly available data and should be used for screening purposes only.

Trial Relationships

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Study Timeline

Key milestones and dates

Study Start

First participant enrolled

January 1, 2023

Completed
1.1 years until next milestone

First Submitted

Initial submission to the registry

February 6, 2024

Completed
14 days until next milestone

First Posted

Study publicly available on registry

February 20, 2024

Completed
1.3 years until next milestone

Primary Completion

Last participant's last visit for primary outcome

June 1, 2025

Completed
Same day until next milestone

Study Completion

Last participant's last visit for all outcomes

June 1, 2025

Completed
Last Updated

February 20, 2024

Status Verified

February 1, 2024

Enrollment Period

2.4 years

First QC Date

February 6, 2024

Last Update Submit

February 16, 2024

Conditions

Keywords

acute ankle sprainmicro-needle-knifesuperficial fasciarandomized controlled trial

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (2)

  • Visual Analogue Scale (VAS)

    The VAS is utilized to assess the degree of pain experienced by the patient. Patients select an appropriate number (0 to 10) based on their perceived pain intensity: 0 indicates no pain and a normal state; 1 to 3 signifies mild pain that is tolerable and does not interfere with daily activities; 4 to 6 represents moderate pain that is noticeable and tolerable but affects daily life and sleep; 7 to 10 indicates severe pain that is intolerable.

    up to one mont

  • Kofoed Ankle Score

    This score evaluates the functional recovery of the ankle joint following treatment, focusing on pain, function, and mobility. The total score is out of 100, with 85-100 classified as excellent, 75-85 as good, 70-74 as satisfactory, and below 70 as poor.

    up to one mont

Study Arms (2)

Group 1 (MNK therapy to release the superficial fascia)

EXPERIMENTAL

The patient, positioned supine and wearing shorts for full lower limb exposure, undergoes layered palpation by the practitioner at the procedure points, identifying tender nodules and swelling in superficial fascia and muscles, followed by disinfection with an iodophor cotton swab. The practitioner, donning sterile latex gloves, holds the micro-needle-knife between the thumb and index finger of the right hand, inserting it parallel to the body's longitudinal axis, while the left thumb presses and holds the cord-like nodules for parallel incisions, with a maximum insertion depth of 5mm, performing lifting and cutting motions. Depending on the nodule size, 1-3 incisions are made. Post-procedure, any bruising or tissue fluid is expelled by massaging from distal to proximal around the incision. The area is then compressed with dry sterile gauze until bleeding ceases. Treatments are administered every other day, totaling six sessions.

Procedure: MNK therapy to release the superficial fascia

Group 2 (acupuncture)

ACTIVE COMPARATOR

Group 2 receives acupuncture treatment, employing needles produced by Suzhou Medical Supplies Factory Co., Ltd., with specifications of 0.30mm\*40mm and conforming to standard GB2024-1994. Patients, positioned prone or laterally with exposed lower limbs below the knee, are disinfected with an iodophor cotton swab. Acupuncture points selected include GB34, GB39, BL60, BL40, ST41, KI9, and KI6. The practitioner applies pressure to the points with the left hand and swiftly inserts the needle with the right, using a 0.30mm\*40mm disposable sterile acupuncture needle, penetrating the skin about 0.5-0.8 inches. After achieving deqi, the needle is twisted and thrust several times, left in place for 30 minutes. Upon removal, the needle site is compressed with a dry cotton swab until bleeding stops. Treatments occur every other day, totaling six sessions

Procedure: acupuncture

Interventions

The patient, positioned supine and wearing shorts for full lower limb exposure, undergoes layered palpation by the practitioner at the procedure points, identifying tender nodules and swelling in superficial fascia and muscles, followed by disinfection with an iodophor cotton swab. The practitioner, donning sterile latex gloves, holds the micro-needle-knife between the thumb and index finger of the right hand, inserting it parallel to the body's longitudinal axis, while the left thumb presses and holds the cord-like nodules for parallel incisions, with a maximum insertion depth of 5mm, performing lifting and cutting motions. Depending on the nodule size, 1-3 incisions are made. Post-procedure, any bruising or tissue fluid is expelled by massaging from distal to proximal around the incision. The area is then compressed with dry sterile gauze until bleeding ceases. Treatments are administered every other day, totaling six sessions.

Group 1 (MNK therapy to release the superficial fascia)
acupuncturePROCEDURE

Acupuncture treatment employing needles produced by Suzhou Medical Supplies Factory Co., Ltd., with specifications of 0.30mm\*40mm and conforming to standard GB2024-1994. Patients, positioned prone or laterally with exposed lower limbs below the knee, are disinfected with an iodophor cotton swab. Acupuncture points selected include GB34, GB39, BL60, BL40, ST41, KI9, and KI6. The practitioner applies pressure to the points with the left hand and swiftly inserts the needle with the right, using a 0.30mm\*40mm disposable sterile acupuncture needle, penetrating the skin about 0.5-0.8 inches. After achieving deqi, the needle is twisted and thrust several times, left in place for 30 minutes. Upon removal, the needle site is compressed with a dry cotton swab until bleeding stops. Treatments occur every other day, totaling six sessions

Group 2 (acupuncture)

Eligibility Criteria

Age16 Years - 55 Years
Sexall
Healthy VolunteersNo
Age GroupsChild (0-17), Adult (18-64)

You may qualify if:

  • to 55 years old
  • Clear history of trauma within 1 to 7 days
  • Presence of localized swelling, pain, bruising, and limping symptoms in the ankle joint
  • Pain in the ankle joint upon resistance
  • No accompanying fractures
  • Diagnosis of acute ankle injury according to the "Diagnostic and Therapeutic Criteria of Traditional Chinese Medicine"
  • No prior treatment before participating in this therapy
  • Willingness to participate in this study and signing of the informed consent form

You may not qualify if:

  • Individuals with clear indications for surgery
  • Those suffering from gout, rheumatoid arthritis, joint tuberculosis, joint tumors, etc.
  • Pregnant or breastfeeding women
  • Individuals with serious primary diseases of the cardiovascular, liver, kidney, brain, and hematopoietic systems
  • Those with local skin lesions or skin diseases
  • Individuals with coagulation dysfunction
  • Those with severe fear of needles
  • Individuals unwilling to comply with the treatment regimen

Contact the study team to confirm eligibility.

Sponsors & Collaborators

Study Sites (1)

The Affiliated Dongyang Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Dongyang, Zhejiang, China

Dongyang, Zhejiang, 322100, China

RECRUITING

MeSH Terms

Interventions

Acupuncture Therapy

Intervention Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Complementary TherapiesTherapeutics

Study Officials

  • Xiao-xiao Ma, Dr.

    The Affiliated Dongyang Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Dongyang, Zhejiang, China

    STUDY DIRECTOR

Central Study Contacts

Sen-wei Lu, Dr.

CONTACT

Jia-na Liu, Dr.

CONTACT

Study Design

Study Type
interventional
Phase
not applicable
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Masking
SINGLE
Who Masked
OUTCOMES ASSESSOR
Purpose
TREATMENT
Intervention Model
PARALLEL
Sponsor Type
OTHER
Responsible Party
SPONSOR INVESTIGATOR
PI Title
Prof.

Study Record Dates

First Submitted

February 6, 2024

First Posted

February 20, 2024

Study Start

January 1, 2023

Primary Completion

June 1, 2025

Study Completion

June 1, 2025

Last Updated

February 20, 2024

Record last verified: 2024-02

Data Sharing

IPD Sharing
Will not share

Locations