Survey on Needle Depth and Angle at Jianzhongshu Acupoint Under Ultrasound Guidance

August 14, 2025 updated by: Bui Pham Minh Man, University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City

Survey on Needle Depth and Angle at Jianzhongshu Acupoint With Ultrasound Guidance Targeting the Levator Scapulae Attachment

The levator scapulae muscle is commonly involved in chronic neck and shoulder pain, with trigger points often located at its insertion on the superior angle of the scapula. Jianzhongshu (SI15) has been identified as a corresponding acupuncture point.

Ultrasound imaging enhances the accuracy and safety of acupuncture by providing real-time visualization of anatomical structures, while electronic goniometry allows precise measurement of needle insertion angles.

This study aims to investigate the depth and angles of needle insertion at SI15 using ultrasound and electronic goniometry. The findings will provide essential anatomical reference data for clinical applications, particularly in acupuncture treatment for neck and shoulder pain.

Study Overview

Status

Completed

Conditions

Intervention / Treatment

Detailed Description

The levator scapulae muscle is one of the most common muscles involved in chronic neck and shoulder pain. Acupuncture has been widely recognized as an effective and safe treatment for neck pain, with trigger point acupuncture showing significant potential in pain management. In clinical practice, trigger points are often identified at the origin or insertion of the affected muscle. For the levator scapulae, one notable trigger point is located at its insertion point on the superior angle of the scapula. Jianzhongshu (SI15) has been identified as a potential acupuncture point corresponding to this trigger point.

This observational study aims to investigate the anatomical relationship between Jianzhongshu (SI15) and the insertion point of the levator scapulae muscle by assessing the depth and angle of needle insertion using ultrasound and electronic goniometry. The study will recruit healthy adult volunteers aged 18 years and older. Ultrasound imaging will be utilized to measure the needle insertion depth from the skin surface to the insertion point of the levator scapulae muscle. Additionally, an electronic goniometer will be used to assess two specific angles of needle insertion: the angle relative to the skin surface and the angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the body.

The primary objective of this study is to provide anatomical data on the needle insertion depth and angles when needling Jianzhongshu (SI15) toward the insertion point of the levator scapulae muscle. This data will serve as an essential reference for clinical applications, particularly in the treatment of neck and shoulder pain associated with the levator scapulae muscle and SI15.

Secondary objectives include assessing individual variations in needle depth and trajectory, as well as analyzing the influence of demographic factors such as age, gender, and BMI on these parameters.

By integrating ultrasound imaging and an electronic goniometer, this study aims to improve the accuracy and safety of acupuncture needling at SI15. The findings will contribute to a deeper understanding of acupuncture techniques and provide essential reference data for clinical practice, particularly in the management of neck and shoulder pain related to the levator scapulae muscle.

Study Type

Observational

Enrollment (Actual)

70

Contacts and Locations

This section provides the contact details for those conducting the study, and information on where this study is being conducted.

Study Locations

  • Vietnam
      • Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam
        • University of Medical Center HCMC - Branch no.3, Ho Chi Minh

Participation Criteria

Researchers look for people who fit a certain description, called eligibility criteria. Some examples of these criteria are a person's general health condition or prior treatments.

Eligibility Criteria

Ages Eligible for Study

  • Adult
  • Older Adult

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Sampling Method

Non-Probability Sample

Study Population

Healthy adult volunteers without known musculoskeletal disorders, aged 18 and older, who are eligible for ultrasound-guided acupuncture. Participants are recruited from the community and screened for inclusion and exclusion criteria before enrollment.

Description

Inclusion Criteria:

  • Healthy adults aged 18 and older
  • Ability to understand and consent to participation

Exclusion Criteria:

  • Severe chronic diseases or immunocompromised conditions
  • Severe exhaustion or widespread infection
  • Local infections or wounds at needling sites
  • History of surgery or trauma in the target area
  • Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals

Study Plan

This section provides details of the study plan, including how the study is designed and what the study is measuring.

How is the study designed?

Design Details

What is the study measuring?

Primary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure
Measure Description
Time Frame
Needle Depth at Jianzhongshu
Time Frame: During the procedure
Measurement of needle depth from skin surface to the midpoint of the levator scapulae's distal attachment using ultrasound.
During the procedure
Needle Angle at Jianzhongshu
Time Frame: During the procedure
Measurement of needle angle relative to the skin surface and spine using an electronic goniometer
During the procedure

Collaborators and Investigators

This is where you will find people and organizations involved with this study.

Sponsor

University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City

Publications and helpful links

The person responsible for entering information about the study voluntarily provides these publications. These may be about anything related to the study.

General Publications

Study record dates

These dates track the progress of study record and summary results submissions to ClinicalTrials.gov. Study records and reported results are reviewed by the National Library of Medicine (NLM) to make sure they meet specific quality control standards before being posted on the public website.

Study Major Dates

Study Start (Actual)

March 15, 2025

Primary Completion (Actual)

June 30, 2025

Study Completion (Actual)

July 15, 2025

Study Registration Dates

First Submitted

February 27, 2025

First Submitted That Met QC Criteria

February 27, 2025

First Posted (Actual)

March 5, 2025

Study Record Updates

Last Update Posted (Actual)

August 20, 2025

Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria

August 14, 2025

Last Verified

August 1, 2025

More Information

Terms related to this study

Keywords

Other Study ID Numbers

  • 3336/DHYD-HDDD

Drug and device information, study documents

Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated drug product

No

Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated device product

No

product manufactured in and exported from the U.S.

No

This information was retrieved directly from the website clinicaltrials.gov without any changes. If you have any requests to change, remove or update your study details, please contact register@clinicaltrials.gov. As soon as a change is implemented on clinicaltrials.gov, this will be updated automatically on our website as well.

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