Tui na for Peripheral Neuropathy Among People With HIV

Therapeutic Chinese Foot Massage for Peripheral Neuropathy Symptoms Among People With Human Immunodeficiency Virus: A a Randomized Controlled Trial

Peripheral neuropathy (PN) is a common neurological complication in people with human immunodeficiency virus (PHIV) with no Food and Drug Administration-approved treatment. Medications commonly used to treat HIV-related PN are not effective and have many side effects. HIV-related PN symptoms may be alleviated or treated with therapeutic Chinese foot massage (TCFM), a non-invasive, relatively safe, non-pharmacological intervention.

This is a prospective, two-arm, double-blinded, randomized controlled trial. Aim: This trial aims to assess the effectiveness of TCFM on HIV-related PN in people with HIV (PHIV).

Inclusion Criteria:

1. have confirmed HIV diagnosis
2. self-report PN-related symptoms in their lower extremity, such as sharp, jabbing, throbbing, or burning pain, numbness, decreased sensation to pinprick, prickling or tingling feeling, lack of coordination and falling muscle weakness, and extreme sensitivity to touch
3. are not taking any medications, including pain medicine, to alleviate PN
4. age 18 years and older
5. can communicate with researchers in English or Mandarin Chinese
6. are not pregnant or lactating
7. are not concurrently enrolled in other clinical trials.

Exclusion Criteria:

1) People who have received any non-pharmacological interventions, including massage to treat their PN symptoms in the past six months