Archives of internal medicine
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Randomized Controlled Trial
A randomized, placebo-controlled trial of acupuncture in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD): the COPD-acupuncture trial (CAT).
Dyspnea on exertion (DOE) is a major symptom of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and is difficult to control. This study was performed to determine whether acupuncture is superior to placebo needling in improving DOE in patients with COPD who are receiving standard medication. ⋯ This study clearly demonstrates that acupuncture is a useful adjunctive therapy in reducing DOE in patients with COPD.