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Skin Temperature ChangeNCT07021924

The Effect of Fu's Subcutaneous Needling on Skin Temperature in Healthy Subjects

A study testing Fu's subcutaneous needling and Acupuncture in people with Skin Temperature Change, run by China Medical University Hospital at 1 site in Taiwan.

Not yet recruiting

Opening soon. The study is approved but enrolment has not started yet. Sites may already take enquiries.

Sites and contacts
Official record
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Trial summary

The goal of this clinical trial is to investigate whether there are differences in skin temperature at local or distal sites following Fu's Subcutaneous Needling (FSN) treatment or acupuncture treatment, and compare the extent to which FSN or acupuncture induces an increase in skin temperature in healthy population. Read more about this study

Who is it for?
Ages 18 years and olderHealthy volunteers can take part
Conditions the study is for
Skin Temperature Change
What is being tested?
Fu's subcutaneous needling and Acupuncture
Type of treatment
Injection or infusion
Could I receive a placebo?
No, everyone receives an active treatment
How many people
60 participants
Where
1 siteTaiwan
Study dates
1 Jul 2025to 1 May 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 18 years and older
  • All sexes
  • Healthy volunteers accepted
  • Adult, Older adult

Who may be able to join

  • Voluntary participants aged 18 years or older, of any sex, who are able to fully comply with the experimental procedures.
  • Recent medical examination confirming the absence of cardiovascular, respiratory, gastrointestinal, urinary, hematological, endocrine, and neurological disorders.
  • Normal communication ability, with the capacity to understand and follow instructions related to Fu's Subcutaneous Needling (FSN) and acupuncture treatments.
  • Provision of written informed consent.

Who cannot join

  • Diagnosis of psychiatric disorders, severe depression, alcohol dependence, or a history of substance abuse.
  • Pregnancy or breastfeeding.
  • Presence of local skin infection, ulceration, or injury at the treatment site.
  • Participation in other clinical trials.

Trial locations and contacts

1 site in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.

Taiwan1 site
  • China Medical University Hospital

    Taichung, 999079

    Li-We Chou, PhD, +886-4-22052121 ext. 2381, chouliwe@mail.cmuh.org.tw

Other trials in Taiwan

About this study

Official title: The Effect of Fu's Subcutaneous Needling and Acupuncture on Local and Distal Skin Temperature in Healthy Subjects

The goal of this clinical trial is to investigate whether there are differences in skin temperature at local or distal sites following Fu's Subcutaneous Needling (FSN) treatment or acupuncture treatment, and compare the extent to which FSN or acupuncture induces an increase in skin temperature in healthy population. The main questions it aims to answer are:

  1. Fu's Subcutaneous Needling (FSN) treatment increases local blood perfusion, thereby elevating skin temperature.
  2. The ability of FSN treatment to increase skin temperature is not inferior to that of acupuncture and may, in fact, be superior.
Read more

Researchers will compare the skin temperature changes among three groups which are FSN, acupuncture and control group to see if there are statistically significantly changes .

Participants will enroll into three groups which are FSN, acupuncture and no any intervention respectively.

Read the detailed description

Human physiological thermoregulation involves adjustments in heat dissipation and heat production in response to various internal and external thermal stimuli. The central control of thermoregulation is located in the preoptic/anterior hypothalamus (PO/AH) of the brain. Information about internal core and surface skin temperatures is transmitted to the PO/AH, which then coordinates appropriate responses. Skin blood flow is regulated by sympathetic nerve fibers, which release norepinephrine. When the core or surface temperature decreases, the intensity of sympathetic nerve activity increases, causing vasoconstriction at the arteriovenous anastomoses, resulting in reduced blood flow and decreased heat loss. Conversely, when the core or surface temperature increases, reduced sympathetic activity leads to vasodilation.

Numerous studies have utilized measurements of skin temperature and skin blood flow in traditional Chinese medicine research. Fu's subcutaneous needling therapy is widely used for treating conditions related to myofascial trigger points, as it is theorized to relieve the energy crisis that causes these trigger points by increasing blood perfusion in the affected muscles. However, fundamental research has not yet been completed to verify this theory. Therefore, this project aims to use skin temperature detection to determine whether Fu's subcutaneous needling can increase local skin blood perfusion and, compared to acupuncture, which method is more effective in raising skin temperature.

This study plans to recruit 60 healthy participants, who will be randomly assigned to the FSN group, acupuncture group, and control group. The participants will lie quietly in a temperature- and humidity-controlled room with nine detection points adhered to the right forearm. The entire experiment, including a 15-minute static phase, a 15-minute intervention phase, and a 3-minute post-intervention phase, will last 33 minutes. The researchers will record skin temperature every three minutes during the intervention and post-intervention phases, for a total of six recordings. Additionally, the investigator will measure changes in the hemodynamic parameters of the right forearm's radial artery using ultrasound before the static phase and after the post-intervention phase. Statistical analysis will be conducted on the changes in skin temperature at each detection point and hemodynamic parameters at radial artery.

Being tested
Fu's subcutaneous needling, Acupuncture
Keywords
Fu's subcutaneous needling, acupuncture, skin temperature, skin blood flow, hemodynamics

What participants receive

What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.

  • Fu's subcutaneous needlingOther

    A single-use Fu's Subcutaneous Needling (FSN) device was employed. Participants were instructed to lie supine with the tested upper limb extended in a neutral position. After a 15-minute resting period, the FSN needle was fully inserted into the subcutaneous tissue layer at the acupoint Xialian (LI18) along the Large Intestine Meridian, with the needle tip oriented toward the radial styloid process.

    The needle core was retracted into the soft tube, and the needle was then manipulated by swinging the handle left and right in a fan-shaped manner, with a sweep angle of approximately 60 degrees (30 degrees in each direction) relative to the insertion axis. The swaying movements was performed 50 times back and forth (100 cycles/min) over a duration of 2 minutes.

    The needle was retained in place for 15 minutes before being removed. After needle removal, participants remained resting for 3 minutes before getting up, marking the end of the experimental procedure.

  • AcupunctureOther

    Participants were instructed to lie supine with the tested upper limb extended in a neutral position. According to WHO standard acupoint locations, the acupuncture needle was inserted at Xialian (LI18), located 4 cun below Quchi (LI11) on the line connecting Hegu (LI4) and Quchi (LI11). A 30-gauge, 1.5-inch acupuncture needle was used, and insertion continued until the Deqi sensation was achieved.

    The needle was retained for 15 minutes before being removed. After a 3-minute post-removal rest period, participants were allowed to rise, completing the procedure.

Study groups in NCT07021924
Study groupRoleWhat they receive
Fu's subcutaneous needlingExperimentalFu's subcutaneous needling at acupoint LI-18
Receives: Other: Fu's subcutaneous needling
AcupuctureExperimentalAcupuncture at acupoint LI-18
Receives: Other: Acupuncture
ControlNo interventionAs the control group, Participants do not receive any intervention

What is being measured

The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.

  1. Skin Temperature

    Skin temperature was measured using the EXVXE® EX 3016 multi-channel temperature testing system (Yili [Shenzhen] Technology Co., Ltd.), which collects data from 16 thermistors affixed to the skin surface. Thermistors were attached to specific acupoints on the participants' right forearm along the Large Intestine Meridian of Hand-Yangming: Hegu (LI4), Yangxi (LI5), Pianli (LI6), Wenliu (LI7), Shousanli (LI10), and Quchi (LI11). Additional thermistors were placed on acupoints along the Small Intestine Meridian of Hand-Taiyang: Yanggu (SI5), Zhizheng (SI7), and Xiaohai (SI8).

    Measured: From enrollment to the end of treatment at 1 day

Secondary outcomes (9)
  1. Hemodynamic Parameters: Peak Systolic Velocity (PSV, cm/s)

    Hemodynamic parameters were assessed using the Power Doppler (PD) mode of a GE LOGIQ e ultrasound system. Measurements were taken at the radial artery of the right arm, approximately one-quarter of the way up the forearm on the radial side.

    PSV:The maximum velocity of blood flow within a vessel during the systolic phase of the cardiac cycle, indicating the highest velocity achieved immediately following ventricular contraction.

    Measured: From enrollment to the end of treatment at 1 day

  2. Hemodynamic Parameters:End-Diastolic Velocity (EDV, cm/s)

    Hemodynamic parameters were assessed using the Power Doppler (PD) mode of a GE LOGIQ e ultrasound system. Measurements were taken at the radial artery of the right arm, approximately one-quarter of the way up the forearm on the radial side.

    EDV:The minimum velocity of blood flow measured at the end of cardiac diastole, reflecting the baseline velocity immediately before the subsequent ventricular contraction.

    Measured: From enrollment to the end of treatment at 1 day

  3. Hemodynamic Parameters: Mean Velocity (cm/s)

    Hemodynamic parameters were assessed using the Power Doppler (PD) mode of a GE LOGIQ e ultrasound system. Measurements were taken at the radial artery of the right arm, approximately one-quarter of the way up the forearm on the radial side.

    Mean Velocity:The average velocity of blood flow calculated over a specific cardiac cycle, representing the overall flow velocity across both systolic and diastolic phases.

    Measured: From enrollment to the end of treatment at 1 day

  4. Hemodynamic Parameters:Time-Averaged Mean Velocity (TAMV, cm/s)

    Hemodynamic parameters were assessed using the Power Doppler (PD) mode of a GE LOGIQ e ultrasound system. Measurements were taken at the radial artery of the right arm, approximately one-quarter of the way up the forearm on the radial side.

    TAMV:The mean velocity of blood flow averaged over multiple cardiac cycles, providing a representative steady-state measure of flow velocity.

    Measured: From enrollment to the end of treatment at 1 day

  5. Hemodynamic Parameters:Systolic/Diastolic Velocity Ratio (S/D)

    Hemodynamic parameters were assessed using the Power Doppler (PD) mode of a GE LOGIQ e ultrasound system. Measurements were taken at the radial artery of the right arm, approximately one-quarter of the way up the forearm on the radial side.

    S/D:A dimensionless ratio calculated by dividing the peak systolic velocity by the end-diastolic velocity, commonly used to evaluate arterial resistance and vascular compliance.

    Measured: From enrollment to the end of treatment at 1 day

  6. Hemodynamic Parameters:Arterial Diameter (d, cm)

    Hemodynamic parameters were assessed using the Power Doppler (PD) mode of a GE LOGIQ e ultrasound system. Measurements were taken at the radial artery of the right arm, approximately one-quarter of the way up the forearm on the radial side.

    d: The internal diameter of the artery at the measurement site, an essential parameter for calculating cross-sectional area, which directly influences flow calculations.

    Measured: From enrollment to the end of treatment at 1 day

  7. Hemodynamic Parameters:Resistance Index (RI)

    Hemodynamic parameters were assessed using the Power Doppler (PD) mode of a GE LOGIQ e ultrasound system. Measurements were taken at the radial artery of the right arm, approximately one-quarter of the way up the forearm on the radial side.

    RI: A dimensionless index calculated as (PSV - EDV)/PSV, quantifying arterial resistance and reflecting the vascular bed's impedance to blood flow.

    Measured: From enrollment to the end of treatment at 1 day

  8. Hemodynamic Parameters:Pulsatility Index (PI)

    Hemodynamic parameters were assessed using the Power Doppler (PD) mode of a GE LOGIQ e ultrasound system. Measurements were taken at the radial artery of the right arm, approximately one-quarter of the way up the forearm on the radial side.

    PI: A dimensionless index calculated as (PSV - EDV)/mean velocity, describing the pulsatile characteristics of arterial blood flow and providing insights into arterial elasticity and downstream vascular resistance.

    Measured: From enrollment to the end of treatment at 1 day

  9. Hemodynamic Parameters:Radial Artery Blood Flow (Q)

    Hemodynamic parameters were assessed using the Power Doppler (PD) mode of a GE LOGIQ e ultrasound system. Measurements were taken at the radial artery of the right arm, approximately one-quarter of the way up the forearm on the radial side.

    Q: Quantified as the volumetric blood flow rate (typically in cm³/s or ml/s), calculated by multiplying the vessel's cross-sectional area (derived from arterial diameter) by the time-averaged mean velocity (TAMV).

    Measured: From enrollment to the end of treatment at 1 day

Timeline

From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.

  1. First posted15 Jun 2025
  2. Study start1 Jul 2025 (estimated)
  3. Primary completion1 Jul 2025 (estimated)
  4. Study completion1 May 2026 (estimated)

Resources

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
Masking
None (open label)
Enrolment
60 participants (estimated)
IDs, dates and publications
ClinicalTrials.gov ID
NCT07021924
Sponsor's protocol ID
CMUH113-REC1-151
Status last verified
Jun 2025
First submitted
20 Apr 2025
Last updated
15 Jun 2025
Results posted
No
Data monitoring committee
No
FDA-regulated drug
No
FDA-regulated device
No
Individual data sharing
Undecided

Questions about this trial

What is this clinical trial studying?

A study testing Fu's subcutaneous needling and Acupuncture in people with Skin Temperature Change, run by China Medical University Hospital at 1 site in Taiwan.

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 4 inclusion and 4 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: opening soon, as of the sponsor's last update on 15 Jun 2025. 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 Taiwan. 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?

Contact Li-Wei Chou, PhD (+886-4-22052121 ext. 2381, chouliwe@mail.cmuh.org.tw), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.

What does the primary outcome measure?

Skin Temperature (time frame: From enrollment to the end of treatment at 1 day). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.

Where can I read the original study information?
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 15 Jun 2025.

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