Using Electric Stimulation to Help Smokers Resist Urges
Author Information
Author(s): Caroline Lambert, Ivan Berlin, Tat-Leang Lee, Siew Wan Hee, Audrey S. L. Tan, David Picard, Ji Sheng Han
Primary Institution: Moleac Pte Ltd
Hypothesis
Can transcutaneous electric acupoint stimulation (TEAS) alleviate the urge to smoke in dependent smokers?
Conclusion
TEAS may help reduce the urge to smoke in dependent smokers during a period of abstinence.
Supporting Evidence
- TEAS was tested on 98 smokers in two studies.
- Participants were randomized to receive different intensities of stimulation.
- The urge to smoke was measured using a validated questionnaire.
- Results showed a significant reduction in urges for smokers with higher dependence.
- TEAS may be a useful tool for smoking cessation therapies.
Takeaway
This study tested a method using electric stimulation on the skin to help people who want to quit smoking feel less urge to smoke.
Methodology
Two double-blind studies were conducted with smokers abstaining for 26 hours, receiving different intensities of TEAS.
Potential Biases
Participants' previous experience with similar treatments was not controlled, which could affect results.
Limitations
The study's results may not apply to smokers of other ethnic origins, and the exploratory analysis was not pre-planned.
Participant Demographics
Participants were mainly male, with a mix of ethnic backgrounds including Chinese, Indian, Malay, and Indonesian.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.02
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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