Acupuncture improves quality of life in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome

Wang JJ et al. [Randomized controlled study on influence of acupuncture for life quality of patients with chronic fatigue syndrome].
Zhongguo Zhenjiu 2009a; 29: 780-

A randomised controlled trial to observe effects of acupuncture on quality of life in 70 patients with chronic fatigue syndrome. Patients were allocated to treatment with ‘real’ acupuncture or sham acupuncture, three times a week. Individuals’ own perception of their health condition and total score were significantly improved after treatment in the observation group (all P<0.05). There were no adverse effects reported. The researchers concluded that acupuncture can improve the quality of life of patients with chronic fatigue syndrome.

Acupuncture relieves physical and mental fatigue in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome

Wang JJ et al. [Randomized controlled clinical trials of acupuncture treatment of chronic fatigue syndrome]. [Chinese].
Chen Tzu Yen Chiu Acupuncture Research 2009b; 34: 120-4.

In the same trial, the researcher observed the effects of acupuncture on the amount of fatigue experienced by the patients. After the treatments, this had decreased significantly from baseline in both groups. Real acupuncture resulted in a greater reduction in mental fatigue than sham acupuncture, but the change in physical fatigue was similar in the two groups. The researchers concluded that acupuncture can relieve physical and mental fatigue in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome.