Chen L, Deng H, Houle T, et al. - Researchers performed a randomized clinical trial investigating if differentiation of the effect of true acupuncture from sham acupuncture (pain and functionality) could be done by analyzing quantitative sensory testing (QST) profiles in chronic pain participants. Study participants analyzed were 204 healthy individuals or patients with chronic back and neck pain. Six sessions (twice weekly) of true acupuncture, sham acupuncture, or no acupuncture treatment (routine care) were provided. At baseline (visit 1) and after 3 (visit 4) or 6 sessions (visit 7), they obtained quantitative sensory testing profiles, pain scores, and functionality profile. The 3 groups exhibited no changes in the QST profile in either healthy or chronic pain participants. Results thereby suggest that the QST profile does not allow to differentiate between true acupuncture and sham acupuncture (primary outcome) in this study, although true acupuncture decreased pain and increased functionality (secondary outcomes) when compared with routine care.