Actively Recruiting
Confirming the Effects of Acupuncture Treatments to Relieve Symptoms of Gulf War Illness
Led by University of Utah · Updated on 2026-04-03
200
Participants Needed
10
Research Sites
52 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
Sponsors
U
University of Utah
Lead Sponsor
U
United States Department of Defense
Collaborating Sponsor
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Researchers are studying the effects of personalized acupuncture treatments on veterans diagnosed with Gulf War Illness (GWI), a complex condition marked by symptoms like fatigue, sleep and mood problems, cognitive issues, and muscle pain. This trial builds on prior research showing acupuncture may improve pain and function in this population. It is a Phase II, unblinded study that compares two different acupuncture treatment schedules to better understand their impact on the physical health of veterans with GWI. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups: one group will receive acupuncture twice a week for six months, and the other will wait for two months before receiving weekly acupuncture for four months. Treatments involve sterile needles applied by licensed practitioners with at least five years of experience plus additional study training. Measurements will be taken at the start, 2, 4, and 6 months, focusing on physical health improvements. During the study, veterans will complete assessments including questionnaires and medical evaluations to measure symptom severity and physical function. Blood samples will be collected to explore biological markers related to GWI and treatment effects. The main outcome is the change in physical health after six months, measured by the SF-36 physical component scale. The study will monitor progress and safety throughout the treatment period, lasting up to six months.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Confirming the Effects of Acupuncture Treatments to Relieve Symptoms of Gulf War Illness
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Deployed to the Gulf Theater of operations (including Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Oman, the Gulf of Aden, the Gulf of Oman, the Persian Gulf, the Arabian Sea, the Red Sea, and airspace above) between August 1990 and the present
- Have at least two symptoms from the CDC symptom clusters lasting more than 6 months, with at least one symptom in each cluster being severe: fatigability (fatigue after exertion), mood and cognition (depression, anxiety, difficulty concentrating, sleep problems), and musculoskeletal pain (joint or muscle pain)
You will not qualify if you...
- Currently enrolled in another clinical trial
- Have another disease likely explaining symptoms as determined by the Medical Monitor
- Severe psychiatric illness in the last 2 years (psychiatric hospitalization, suicide attempt, substance abuse, or use of antipsychotic medication)
- Unable to complete the study protocol based on Medical Monitor evaluation
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - 6 months
Participants receive acupuncture treatments to relieve symptoms of Gulf War Illness. One group receives acupuncture twice per week for 6 months. Another group is on a wait list for 2 months, then receives weekly acupuncture for 4 months.
Twice-weekly visits for 6 months or weekly visits for 4 months after 2 months wait list
Trial Site Locations
Total: 10 locations
1
University of California, Berkeley
Berkeley, California, United States, 94720
Not Yet Recruiting
2
Various
Los Angeles, California, United States, 90015
Actively Recruiting
3
Various
Colorado Springs, Colorado, United States, 80911
Not Yet Recruiting
4
Various
Denver, Colorado, United States, 80203
Not Yet Recruiting
5
Various
Tampa, Florida, United States, 33762
Actively Recruiting
6
Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
Boston, Massachusetts, United States, 02215
Not Yet Recruiting
7
Various
Dallas, Texas, United States, 75231
Actively Recruiting
8
University of Utah
Salt Lake City, Utah, United States, 84111
Not Yet Recruiting
9
Various
Fairfax, Virginia, United States, 23235
Not Yet Recruiting
10
Various
Seattle, Washington, United States, 98116
Not Yet Recruiting
Research Team
L
Lisa Conboy
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
DOUBLE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
2
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