The impact of acupuncturists’ experience level on the efficacy of acupuncture for functional dyspepsia: an exploratory secondary analysis of a randomized clinical trial

Introduction Acupuncture has shown significant therapeutic effects for functional dyspepsia (FD) in clinical trials. However, clinical observations reveal substantial variations in patient responses to acupuncture. In addition to patient-related factors, such variability may also be associated with differences in acupuncturists’ clinical experience. This study compared the treatment outcomes for FD between junior and senior acupuncturists. Materials and methods This exploratory secondary analysis used data from a previous randomized controlled trial. Patients were divided into two groups based on acupuncturists’ years of practice as defined by the professional title evaluation rules, using 5 years as the cut-off (Group A treated by junior acupuncturists and Group B treated by senior acupuncturists). Outcome measures included the Symptom Index for Dyspepsia (SID), the four cardinal symptoms of FD, and the Nepean Dyspepsia Life Quality Index (NDLQI). Assessments were conducted at baseline, treatment weeks 2 and 4, and follow-up weeks 4 and 12. Data were analyzed using generalized estimating equations. Results Adjusted analyses were performed after including items with between-group differences as covariates. The study revealed that Group B had lower SID scores than Group A at both follow-up time points—at 4 weeks (mean difference: 0.6, p = 0.007) and at 12 weeks (mean difference: 0.8, p = 0.001). In addition, Group B showed greater improvements in postprandial fullness and early satiety at both follow-ups ( p < 0.010). However, no significant between-group differences were observed for epigastric pain or epigastric burning. Regarding quality of life, Group B also had higher NDLQI scores at the 12-week follow-up (mean difference: −2.9; p = 0.041). Conclusion Based on the 5-year administrative cutoff criterion, this exploratory secondary analysis found a potential association between acupuncturists’ years of practice and acupuncture efficacy for FD, but prospective studies are needed for confirmation.