Cervical SpondylosisNCT07712354
High-Frequency Electroacupuncture at Cervical Huatuo Jiaji Points Combined With Electromagnetic Field Therapy for Cervical Spondylotic Radiculopathy
A study testing High-Frequency Electroacupuncture at Cervical Huatuo Jiaji (EX-B2), Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy and Conventional High-Frequency Electroacupuncture in people with Cervical Spondylosis and Neck Pain, run by University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City at 1 site in Vietnam.
Trial summary
Cervical spondylotic radiculopathy (CSR) is one of the most common manifestations of cervical spondylosis and is characterized by neck pain radiating to the upper extremities, sensory disturbances, restricted cervical range of motion, and functional disability. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 30 years and older
- Conditions the study is for
- Cervical Spondylosis, Neck Pain, Cervical Spondylotic Radiculopathy
- What is being tested?
- High-Frequency Electroacupuncture at Cervical Huatuo Jiaji (EX-B2), Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy and Conventional High-Frequency Electroacupuncture
- Type of treatment
- Medical device, Surgery or procedure
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 104 participants
- Where
- 1 siteVietnam
- Study dates
- 2 Jun 2026to Sep 2026
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- Not yet: the study is under way
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 30 years and older
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult, Older adult
Who may be able to join
- Written informed consent to participate in the study.
- Male or female patients aged 30 years or older.
- Inpatients or outpatients diagnosed with cervical spondylotic radiculopathy caused by cervical spondylosis at Ho Chi Minh City Hospital of Traditional Medicine.
- Clinical diagnosis of cervical spondylotic radiculopathy, including:
- Neck pain radiating to the shoulder and/or upper extremity.
- Sensory disturbance and/or motor deficit and/or abnormal deep tendon reflexes consistent with the affected cervical nerve root.
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- At least one positive provocative test (Spurling test, cervical percussion/compression test, cervical distraction test, or shoulder abduction relief test).
- Pain intensity of at least 3 on the Visual Analog Scale (VAS).
- Clinical evidence of cervical spine syndrome.
- Cervical spine X-ray demonstrating at least one degenerative finding (osteophytes, intervertebral disc space narrowing, or subchondral sclerosis).
Who cannot join
- Cervical radiculopathy caused by conditions other than cervical spondylosis.
- Cervical myelopathy or other spinal cord disorders requiring surgical intervention.
- Severe systemic illness, frailty, or medical conditions requiring intensive care, or suspected malignancy indicated by unexplained fever, unexplained weight loss, immunodeficiency, or cancer.
- Contraindications to acupuncture, including skin infection or ulceration at the acupuncture site, allergy to acupuncture needles, severe needle phobia, or psychiatric disorders preventing cooperation.
- Current treatment with strong analgesics (including paracetamol/codeine combinations, tramadol, or strong opioids) or other therapies that may interfere with study outcomes.
- Implanted cardiac pacemakers or other implanted electronic medical devices (e.g., neurostimulators, implantable cardioverter-defibrillators, or insulin pumps).
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- Bleeding disorders or hematologic diseases affecting coagulation.
- Benign or malignant tumors involving the treatment area or systemic malignancy.
- Participation in another interventional clinical trial.
- Inability to communicate effectively in Vietnamese.
- Pregnant women or women with suspected pregnancy.
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.
Vietnam1 site, 1 recruiting
- Recruiting
University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City
Nguyen Dinh Kien, Dr, +84919990324, ndkien.ckii.yhct24@ump.edu.vn
About this study
Official title: Efficacy of High-Frequency Electroacupuncture at Cervical Huatuo Jiaji Points Combined With Electromagnetic Field Therapy in the Treatment of Cervical Spondylotic Radiculopathy Due to Cervical Spondylosis: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Cervical spondylotic radiculopathy (CSR) is one of the most common manifestations of cervical spondylosis and is characterized by neck pain radiating to the upper extremities, sensory disturbances, restricted cervical range of motion, and functional disability. Conservative treatment is recommended as the first-line management for most patients, and electroacupuncture is widely used in Traditional Medicine to relieve pain and improve function.
Cervical Huatuo Jiaji (EX-B2) acupuncture points are anatomically located adjacent to the cervical spinal nerve roots and may provide more targeted therapeutic effects than conventional meridian acupuncture points. Pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) therapy has also been used as an adjunctive physical modality to reduce pain and facilitate functional recovery.
Read more
This randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate whether high-frequency electroacupuncture at cervical Huatuo Jiaji (EX-B2) points combined with PEMF therapy provides greater improvement in pain intensity, cervical function, and safety outcomes than conventional high-frequency electroacupuncture combined with PEMF therapy in patients with cervical spondylotic radiculopathy caused by cervical spondylosis.
The primary outcome is pain intensity measured using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS). Secondary outcomes include cervical range of motion, Neck Disability Index (NDI), and treatment-related adverse events. Clinical outcomes will be assessed at baseline, after one week of treatment, and at the end of the two-week treatment period.
Read the detailed description
This study is designed as a prospective, randomized, single-blind, parallel-group controlled trial. A total of 104 patients diagnosed with cervical spondylotic radiculopathy caused by cervical spondylosis will be recruited and randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio into two groups using a computer-generated randomization sequence. Allocation concealment will be ensured using sequentially numbered, opaque, sealed envelopes.
Experimental Group: Patients will receive high-frequency electroacupuncture (100 Hz) at bilateral cervical Huatuo Jiaji (EX-B2) points corresponding to the C4-C5, C5-C6, C6-C7, and C7-T1 spinal segments combined with pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) therapy.
Active Comparator Group: Patients will receive high-frequency electroacupuncture (100 Hz) at conventional meridian acupuncture points on the affected side combined with the same pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) therapy.
Treatment Procedure:
- A total of 104 participants will be enrolled, with 52 participants allocated to each study group.
- Both groups will receive one treatment session daily, Monday through Friday, for two consecutive weeks (10 treatment sessions). Each electroacupuncture session will last approximately 20 minutes.
- All interventions will be performed according to standardized treatment protocols by licensed Traditional Medicine physicians who have received protocol-specific training before study initiation.
- No additional acupuncture interventions outside the study protocol will be permitted during the study period.
Data Collection and Evaluation:
Outcome measures will be assessed at three predefined time points:
- N0: Baseline (before treatment)
- N7: After one week of treatment
- N14: End of the two-week treatment period
The primary and secondary outcomes include:
Pain intensity: Measured using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS). Cervical range of motion: Measured using a cervical goniometer. Functional disability: Measured using the Neck Disability Index (NDI). Safety: Recording treatment-related adverse events, including bleeding, hematoma, localized pain, dizziness, needle syncope, allergic reactions, infection, and other intervention-related adverse events throughout the study period.
To ensure objectivity, outcome assessments will be conducted by blinded physicians who are not involved in participant recruitment, treatment administration, or randomization. During data entry and statistical analysis, treatment allocation will be coded as Group A and Group B to minimize assessment bias. Statistical analyses will be performed using Generalized Estimating Equations (GEE), with statistical significance defined as a two-sided P value <0.05.
- Being tested
- High-Frequency Electroacupuncture at Cervical Huatuo Jiaji (EX-B2), Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy, Conventional High-Frequency Electroacupuncture
- Medical subject headings
- Spondylosis, Neck Pain
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
High-Frequency Electroacupuncture at Cervical Huatuo Jiaji (EX-B2)Procedure or surgery
High-frequency electroacupuncture (100 Hz) is applied to bilateral cervical Huatuo Jiaji (EX-B2) acupuncture points at the C4-C5, C5-C6, C6-C7, and C7-T1 spinal segments using standardized stimulation parameters.
Pulsed Electromagnetic Field TherapyDevice
Pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) therapy is administered according to the standardized treatment protocol during each treatment session.
Conventional High-Frequency ElectroacupunctureProcedure or surgery
High-frequency electroacupuncture (100 Hz) is applied to conventional meridian acupuncture points on the affected side according to the standardized treatment protocol.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| High-Frequency Electroacupuncture at Cervical Huatuo Jiaji (EX-B2) + PEMF | Experimental | Participants receive high-frequency electroacupuncture (100 Hz) at bilateral cervical Huatuo Jiaji (EX-B2) points corresponding to the C4-C5, C5-C6, C6-C7, and C7-T1 spinal segments combined with pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) therapy. Treatment is administered once daily, Monday through Friday, for two consecutive weeks (10 treatment sessions). Receives: Procedure: High-Frequency Electroacupuncture at Cervical Huatuo Jiaji (EX-B2); Device: Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy |
| Conventional High-Frequency Electroacupuncture (Meridian Points) + PEMF | Active comparator | Participants receive high-frequency electroacupuncture (100 Hz) at conventional meridian acupuncture points on the affected side combined with the same pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) therapy. Treatment is administered once daily, Monday through Friday, for two consecutive weeks (10 treatment sessions). Receives: Device: Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy; Procedure: Conventional High-Frequency Electroacupuncture |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Change in neck pain intensity measured by the Visual Analog Scale (VAS)
Neck pain intensity will be assessed using a 100-mm Visual Analog Scale (VAS). Participants indicate their pain intensity by marking a point on a horizontal line anchored by "no pain" at 0 mm and "worst imaginable pain" at 100 mm. The score is determined by measuring the distance in millimeters from the "no pain" anchor to the participant's mark, yielding a possible score ranging from 0 to 100 mm. Higher scores indicate greater pain intensity and therefore a worse outcome. Changes from baseline in the VAS score at Day 7 and Day 14 will be compared between the two treatment groups.
Measured: Baseline (N0), Day 7 (N7), and Day 14 (N14)
Secondary outcomes (3)
Change in functional disability measured by the Neck Disability Index (NDI)
Functional disability related to neck pain will be assessed using the 10-item Neck Disability Index (NDI). Each item is scored from 0 to 5, yielding a total score ranging from 0 to 50 points, where 0 indicates no disability and 50 indicates maximum disability. Higher scores indicate greater neck-related disability. Changes from baseline in the total NDI score at Day 7 and Day 14 will be compared between the two treatment groups.
Measured: Baseline (N0), Day 7 (N7), and Day 14 (N14)
Change in cervical range of motion (ROM)
Cervical range of motion (flexion, extension, lateral flexion, and rotation) will be measured using a cervical goniometer. Changes from baseline will be compared between the two treatment groups.
Measured: Baseline (N0), Day 7 (N7), and Day 14 (N14)
Treatment-related adverse events
Treatment-related adverse events, including bleeding, hematoma, localized pain, dizziness, needle syncope, infection, allergic reactions, and other intervention-related adverse events, will be recorded throughout the study.
Measured: From the first treatment session until Day 14
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted17 Jul 2026
- Study start2 Jun 2026
- Primary completionSep 2026 (estimated)
- Study completionSep 2026 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Publications (10)Papers the sponsor has linked to this study.
- Other trials for Cervical SpondylosisStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Model description
- Participants will be randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to either high-frequency electroacupuncture at cervical Huatuo Jiaji (EX-B2) points combined with pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) therapy or conventional high-frequency electroacupuncture combined with the same PEMF therapy. Participants will remain in their assigned treatment group throughout the study.
- Masking
- Single blind
- Who is masked
- Outcomes assessor
- Enrolment
- 104 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Nguyen Dinh Kien, University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07712354
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- 602/ĐHYD-HĐĐĐ
- Status last verified
- Jul 2026
- First submitted
- 14 Jul 2026
- Last updated
- 31 Jul 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No: Individual participant data (IPD) will not be shared outside the research team in order to protect participant confidentiality and privacy.
Publications
Suzuki A, Daubs MD, Hayashi T, Ruangchainikom M, Xiong C, Phan K, Scott TP, Wang JC. Patterns of Cervical Disc Degeneration: Analysis of Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Over 1000 Symptomatic Subjects. Global Spine J. 2018 May;8(3):254-259. doi: 10.1177/2192568217719436. Epub 2017 Aug 17.
PubMed 29796373Ha Hoang Kiem. Degenerative Joint Diseases: Diagnosis, Treatment and Prevention. Sports and Tourism Publishing House. 2018.
Nguyen Thi Uyen Thi, Phan Quan Chi Hieu. Comparison of the analgesic effect between cervical Huatuo Jiaji electroacupuncture and conventional electroacupuncture in patients with cervical spondylotic radiculopathy caused by cervical spondylosis. Master's Thesis. University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City. 2014.
Takagi I, Eliyas JK, Stadlan N. Cervical spondylosis: an update on pathophysiology, clinical manifestation, and management strategies. Dis Mon. 2011 Oct;57(10):583-91. doi: 10.1016/j.disamonth.2011.08.024. No abstract available.
PubMed 22036114ICH Harmonised Guideline E6(R3). Guideline for Good Clinical Practice. International Council for Harmonisation. 2025.
Li W, Qu Y, Chen S, Zou X, Xia C, Ding D. Research Progress on Acupuncture Treatment for Cervical Spondylotic Radiculopathy. Zhong Yi Xue. 2024;13(10):2672-2677.
Guo JK, Cheng K, Zhu XC, Gong LD, Wu JT, Li JY. Clinical Observation on the Electro-acupuncture at Cervical Jiaji Point in the Treatment of Acute Cervical Spondylotic Radiculopathy. Journal of Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine. 2023;41(2):373-378. doi:10.13359/j.cnki.gzxbtcm.2024.02.017.
Lin JG, Chen WL. Acupuncture analgesia: a review of its mechanisms of actions. Am J Chin Med. 2008;36(4):635-45. doi: 10.1142/S0192415X08006107.
PubMed 18711761Bono CM, Ghiselli G, Gilbert TJ, Kreiner DS, Reitman C, Summers JT, Baisden JL, Easa J, Fernand R, Lamer T, Matz PG, Mazanec DJ, Resnick DK, Shaffer WO, Sharma AK, Timmons RB, Toton JF; North American Spine Society. An evidence-based clinical guideline for the diagnosis and treatment of cervical radiculopathy from degenerative disorders. Spine J. 2011 Jan;11(1):64-72. doi: 10.1016/j.spinee.2010.10.023.
PubMed 21168100Carette S, Fehlings MG. Clinical practice. Cervical radiculopathy. N Engl J Med. 2005 Jul 28;353(4):392-9. doi: 10.1056/NEJMcp043887. No abstract available.
PubMed 16049211
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 31 Jul 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Efficacy of High-Frequency Electroacupuncture at Cervical Huatuo Jiaji Points Combined With Electromagnetic Field Therapy in the Treatment of Cervical Spondylotic Radiculopathy Due to Cervical Spondylosis: A Randomized Controlled Trial
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07712354
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- 602/ĐHYD-HĐĐĐ
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Recruiting
- Enrolment
- 104 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh CityUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 2 Jun 2026 (actual)
- Primary completion
- Sep 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion
- Sep 2026 (estimated)
- First posted
- 17 Jul 2026 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
Cervical spondylotic radiculopathy (CSR) is one of the most common manifestations of cervical spondylosis and is characterized by neck pain radiating to the upper extremities, sensory disturbances, restricted cervical range of motion, and functional disability. Conservative treatment is recommended as the first-line management for most patients, and electroacupuncture is widely used in Traditional Medicine to relieve pain and improve function.
Cervical Huatuo Jiaji (EX-B2) acupuncture points are anatomically located adjacent to the cervical spinal nerve roots and may provide more targeted therapeutic effects than conventional meridian acupuncture points. Pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) therapy has also been used as an adjunctive physical modality to reduce pain and facilitate functional recovery.
This randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate whether high-frequency electroacupuncture at cervical Huatuo Jiaji (EX-B2) points combined with PEMF therapy provides greater improvement in pain intensity, cervical function, and safety outcomes than conventional high-frequency electroacupuncture combined with PEMF therapy in patients with cervical spondylotic radiculopathy caused by cervical spondylosis.
The primary outcome is pain intensity measured using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS). Secondary outcomes include cervical range of motion, Neck Disability Index (NDI), and treatment-related adverse events. Clinical outcomes will be assessed at baseline, after one week of treatment, and at the end of the two-week treatment period.
Detailed description
This study is designed as a prospective, randomized, single-blind, parallel-group controlled trial. A total of 104 patients diagnosed with cervical spondylotic radiculopathy caused by cervical spondylosis will be recruited and randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio into two groups using a computer-generated randomization sequence. Allocation concealment will be ensured using sequentially numbered, opaque, sealed envelopes.
Experimental Group: Patients will receive high-frequency electroacupuncture (100 Hz) at bilateral cervical Huatuo Jiaji (EX-B2) points corresponding to the C4-C5, C5-C6, C6-C7, and C7-T1 spinal segments combined with pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) therapy.
Active Comparator Group: Patients will receive high-frequency electroacupuncture (100 Hz) at conventional meridian acupuncture points on the affected side combined with the same pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) therapy.
Treatment Procedure:
- A total of 104 participants will be enrolled, with 52 participants allocated to each study group.
- Both groups will receive one treatment session daily, Monday through Friday, for two consecutive weeks (10 treatment sessions). Each electroacupuncture session will last approximately 20 minutes.
- All interventions will be performed according to standardized treatment protocols by licensed Traditional Medicine physicians who have received protocol-specific training before study initiation.
- No additional acupuncture interventions outside the study protocol will be permitted during the study period.
Data Collection and Evaluation:
Outcome measures will be assessed at three predefined time points:
- N0: Baseline (before treatment)
- N7: After one week of treatment
- N14: End of the two-week treatment period
The primary and secondary outcomes include:
Pain intensity: Measured using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS). Cervical range of motion: Measured using a cervical goniometer. Functional disability: Measured using the Neck Disability Index (NDI). Safety: Recording treatment-related adverse events, including bleeding, hematoma, localized pain, dizziness, needle syncope, allergic reactions, infection, and other intervention-related adverse events throughout the study period.
To ensure objectivity, outcome assessments will be conducted by blinded physicians who are not involved in participant recruitment, treatment administration, or randomization. During data entry and statistical analysis, treatment allocation will be coded as Group A and Group B to minimize assessment bias. Statistical analyses will be performed using Generalized Estimating Equations (GEE), with statistical significance defined as a two-sided P value <0.05.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Single blind (outcomes assessor)
- Number of arms
- 2
- Model description
- Participants will be randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to either high-frequency electroacupuncture at cervical Huatuo Jiaji (EX-B2) points combined with pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) therapy or conventional high-frequency electroacupuncture combined with the same PEMF therapy. Participants will remain in their assigned treatment group throughout the study.
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| High-Frequency Electroacupuncture at Cervical Huatuo Jiaji (EX-B2) + PEMF | Experimental | Procedure: High-Frequency Electroacupuncture at Cervical Huatuo Jiaji (EX-B2), Device: Pulsed Electromagnetic Field TherapyParticipants receive high-frequency electroacupuncture (100 Hz) at bilateral cervical Huatuo Jiaji (EX-B2) points corresponding to the C4-C5, C5-C6, C6-C7, and C7-T1 spinal segments combined with pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) therapy. Treatment is administered once daily, Monday through Friday, for two consecutive weeks (10 treatment sessions). |
| Conventional High-Frequency Electroacupuncture (Meridian Points) + PEMF | Active comparator | Device: Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy, Procedure: Conventional High-Frequency ElectroacupunctureParticipants receive high-frequency electroacupuncture (100 Hz) at conventional meridian acupuncture points on the affected side combined with the same pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) therapy. Treatment is administered once daily, Monday through Friday, for two consecutive weeks (10 treatment sessions). |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 30 years and older
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult, Older adult
Key inclusion criteria (10 listed)
- Written informed consent to participate in the study.
- Male or female patients aged 30 years or older.
- Inpatients or outpatients diagnosed with cervical spondylotic radiculopathy caused by cervical spondylosis at Ho Chi Minh City Hospital of Traditional Medicine.
- Clinical diagnosis of cervical spondylotic radiculopathy, including:
- Neck pain radiating to the shoulder and/or upper extremity.
Key exclusion criteria (11 listed)
- Cervical radiculopathy caused by conditions other than cervical spondylosis.
- Cervical myelopathy or other spinal cord disorders requiring surgical intervention.
- Severe systemic illness, frailty, or medical conditions requiring intensive care, or suspected malignancy indicated by unexplained fever, unexplained weight loss, immunodeficiency, or cancer.
- Contraindications to acupuncture, including skin infection or ulceration at the acupuncture site, allergy to acupuncture needles, severe needle phobia, or psychiatric disorders preventing cooperation.
- Current treatment with strong analgesics (including paracetamol/codeine combinations, tramadol, or strong opioids) or other therapies that may interfere with study outcomes.
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| High-Frequency Electroacupuncture at Cervical Huatuo Jiaji (EX-B2)High-frequency electroacupuncture (100 Hz) is applied to bilateral cervical Huatuo Jiaji (EX-B2) acupuncture points at the C4-C5, C5-C6, C6-C7, and C7-T1 spinal segments using standardized stimulation parameters. | Procedure or surgery | High-Frequency Electroacupuncture at Cervical Huatuo Jiaji (EX-B2) + PEMF |
| Pulsed Electromagnetic Field TherapyPulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) therapy is administered according to the standardized treatment protocol during each treatment session. | Device | Conventional High-Frequency Electroacupuncture (Meridian Points) + PEMF, High-Frequency Electroacupuncture at Cervical Huatuo Jiaji (EX-B2) + PEMF |
| Conventional High-Frequency ElectroacupunctureHigh-frequency electroacupuncture (100 Hz) is applied to conventional meridian acupuncture points on the affected side according to the standardized treatment protocol. | Procedure or surgery | Conventional High-Frequency Electroacupuncture (Meridian Points) + PEMF |
Primary outcome
Change in neck pain intensity measured by the Visual Analog Scale (VAS)
Time frame: Baseline (N0), Day 7 (N7), and Day 14 (N14)
Neck pain intensity will be assessed using a 100-mm Visual Analog Scale (VAS). Participants indicate their pain intensity by marking a point on a horizontal line anchored by "no pain" at 0 mm and "worst imaginable pain" at 100 mm. The score is determined by measuring the distance in millimeters from the "no pain" anchor to the participant's mark, yielding a possible score ranging from 0 to 100 mm. Higher scores indicate greater pain intensity and therefore a worse outcome. Changes from baseline in the VAS score at Day 7 and Day 14 will be compared between the two treatment groups.
3 secondary outcomes
Change in functional disability measured by the Neck Disability Index (NDI)
Time frame: Baseline (N0), Day 7 (N7), and Day 14 (N14)
Change in cervical range of motion (ROM)
Time frame: Baseline (N0), Day 7 (N7), and Day 14 (N14)
Treatment-related adverse events
Time frame: From the first treatment session until Day 14
Results and safety
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 31 Jul 2026.
- Background: PubMed 29796373Suzuki A, Daubs MD, Hayashi T, Ruangchainikom M, Xiong C, Phan K, Scott TP, Wang JC. Patterns of Cervical Disc Degeneration: Analysis of Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Over 1000 Symptomatic Subjects. Global Spine J. 2018 May;8(3):254-259. doi: 10.1177/2192568217719436. Epub 2017 Aug 17.
- BackgroundHa Hoang Kiem. Degenerative Joint Diseases: Diagnosis, Treatment and Prevention. Sports and Tourism Publishing House. 2018.
- BackgroundNguyen Thi Uyen Thi, Phan Quan Chi Hieu. Comparison of the analgesic effect between cervical Huatuo Jiaji electroacupuncture and conventional electroacupuncture in patients with cervical spondylotic radiculopathy caused by cervical spondylosis. Master's Thesis. University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City. 2014.
- Background: PubMed 22036114Takagi I, Eliyas JK, Stadlan N. Cervical spondylosis: an update on pathophysiology, clinical manifestation, and management strategies. Dis Mon. 2011 Oct;57(10):583-91. doi: 10.1016/j.disamonth.2011.08.024. No abstract available.
- BackgroundICH Harmonised Guideline E6(R3). Guideline for Good Clinical Practice. International Council for Harmonisation. 2025.
- BackgroundLi W, Qu Y, Chen S, Zou X, Xia C, Ding D. Research Progress on Acupuncture Treatment for Cervical Spondylotic Radiculopathy. Zhong Yi Xue. 2024;13(10):2672-2677.
- BackgroundGuo JK, Cheng K, Zhu XC, Gong LD, Wu JT, Li JY. Clinical Observation on the Electro-acupuncture at Cervical Jiaji Point in the Treatment of Acute Cervical Spondylotic Radiculopathy. Journal of Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine. 2023;41(2):373-378. doi:10.13359/j.cnki.gzxbtcm.2024.02.017.
- Background: PubMed 18711761Lin JG, Chen WL. Acupuncture analgesia: a review of its mechanisms of actions. Am J Chin Med. 2008;36(4):635-45. doi: 10.1142/S0192415X08006107.
- Background: PubMed 21168100Bono CM, Ghiselli G, Gilbert TJ, Kreiner DS, Reitman C, Summers JT, Baisden JL, Easa J, Fernand R, Lamer T, Matz PG, Mazanec DJ, Resnick DK, Shaffer WO, Sharma AK, Timmons RB, Toton JF; North American Spine Society. An evidence-based clinical guideline for the diagnosis and treatment of cervical radiculopathy from degenerative disorders. Spine J. 2011 Jan;11(1):64-72. doi: 10.1016/j.spinee.2010.10.023.
- Background: PubMed 16049211Carette S, Fehlings MG. Clinical practice. Cervical radiculopathy. N Engl J Med. 2005 Jul 28;353(4):392-9. doi: 10.1056/NEJMcp043887. No abstract available.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No. Individual participant data (IPD) will not be shared outside the research team in order to protect participant confidentiality and privacy.
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part.
University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing High-Frequency Electroacupuncture at Cervical Huatuo Jiaji (EX-B2), Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy and Conventional High-Frequency Electroacupuncture in people with Cervical Spondylosis and Neck Pain, run by University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City at 1 site in Vietnam.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 10 inclusion and 11 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: looking for participants now, as of the sponsor's last update on 31 Jul 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in Vietnam. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
Each site lists its own contact: choose the nearest one under Trial locations. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Change in neck pain intensity measured by the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) (time frame: Baseline (N0), Day 7 (N7), and Day 14 (N14)). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT07712354, which also lists 10 linked publications.
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 31 Jul 2026.