Assessment of Acupuncture to Improve Function, Exercise Capacity, and Pain

The purpose of this research proposal is to conduct a feasibility study to determine the viability a larger efficacy study of combined acupuncture treatments plus treadmill exercise to decrease pain, facilitate exercise, and improve function in Veterans with chronic low back pain (CLBP). To test this novel approach, subjects enrolled from a Veteran population at the Veteran Affairs Maryland Health Care System (VAMHCS) will undergo acupuncture plus low intensity treadmill walking exercise. Preliminary data regarding subject compliance, self-report of function, pain control, ambulatory activity, and exercise capacity will be collected to assess the response to this combined acupuncture/treadmill exercise protocol. Additionally, this study will determine the viability of this combined treatment paradigm for a larger study that will examine efficacy.