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Medicine Jul 2023To critically evaluate the effects of massage therapy on cancer pain. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
To critically evaluate the effects of massage therapy on cancer pain.
METHODS
Nine Chinese and English databases (PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, SCOPUS, Web of Science core, China Biomedical Literature Database, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang, and VIP) were systematically searched from the inception of databases to November 2022 for randomized controlled trials. According to Cochrane Collaboration, 2 reviewers independently assessed the risk of bias and extracted data from the included studies. All analyses were performed with Review Manager 5.4.
RESULTS
Thirteen randomized controlled trials were included in the meta-analysis, containing 1000 patients (498 in the massage therapy group and 502 in the control group). Massage therapy could significantly relieve cancer pain in patients (standardized mean difference = -1.16, 95% confidence interval [-1.39, -0.93], P < .00001), especially those in the perioperative period and those with hematological malignancies. Foot reflexology and hand acupressure had a moderate effect on cancer pain relief, with hand acupressure being more effective. Massage duration of 10 to 30 minutes and a program length of ≥1 week had a better effect and could significantly relieve pain. The occurrence of adverse events was reported in 4 of the 13 studies, all of which were no adverse events.
CONCLUSIONS
Massage therapy can be used as a complementary alternative therapy to relieve cancer pain in patients with hematological malignancies, breast cancer, and cancers of the digestive system. It is suggested that chemotherapy patients use foot reflexology, and perioperative period patients use hand acupressure. A massage duration of 10 to 30 minutes and a program length of ≥1 week is recommended to achieve better effects.
Topics: Humans; Female; Cancer Pain; Massage; Complementary Therapies; Breast Neoplasms; Hematologic Neoplasms
PubMed: 37417622
DOI: 10.1097/MD.0000000000033939 -
International Journal of Nursing Studies Sep 2023Preoperative anxiety is prevalent amongst adults with elective surgery and is associated with multiple detrimental perioperative physiological effects. Increasing... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Preoperative anxiety is prevalent amongst adults with elective surgery and is associated with multiple detrimental perioperative physiological effects. Increasing studies support the effectiveness of acupressure in managing preoperative anxiety. However, the magnitude of acupressure's positive association with preoperative anxiety is still unclear due to a lack of rigorous evidence synthesis.
OBJECTIVE
To estimate the efficacy of acupressure on preoperative anxiety and physiological parameters amongst adults scheduled for elective surgery.
DESIGN
Systematic review and meta-analysis.
DATA SOURCES
Search terms were combined for acupressure and preoperative anxiety in PubMed, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, CINAHL, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, and WanFang Data Knowledge Service Platform to search for eligible randomised controlled trials from the inception of each database through September 2022.
METHODS
Pairs of researchers independently screened and extracted data from included studies. The risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane risk of bias tool Version 2.0. Meanwhile, random-effects meta-analysis of overall effects and prespecified subgroup (i.e., surgery types, intervention providers, and acupressure stimulation tools) was conducted using Review Manager Software 5.4.1. Meta-regression was performed to explore study-level variables that may contribute to heterogeneity using STATA 16.
RESULTS
Of 24 eligible randomised controlled trials, there were a total of 2537 participants from 5 countries contributed to this synthesis. When comparing acupressure with usual care or placebo, acupressure showed a large effect size for preoperative anxiety (SMD = -1.30; 95%CI = -1.54 to -1.06; p < 0.001; I = 86%). The significant mean reduction of heart rate, and systolic and diastolic blood pressure was -4.58 BPM (95%CI = -6.70 to -2.46; I = 89%), -6.05 mmHg (95%CI = -8.73 to -3.37; p < 0.001; I = 88%), and -3.18 mmHg (95%CI = -5.09 to -1.27; p = 0.001; I = 78%), respectively. Exploratory subgroup analyses showed significant differences in surgery types and acupressure stimulation tools, whilst the intervention providers (i.e., healthcare professionals and self-administered) showed no statistically significant difference for acupressure therapy. None of the predefined participants and study-level characteristics moderated preoperative anxiety through meta-regression.
CONCLUSION
Acupressure appears efficacious as a therapy for improving preoperative anxiety and physiological parameters amongst adults with elective surgery. Self-administered acupressure, which is effective with a large effect, may be considered as an evidence-based approach to managing preoperative anxiety. Hence, this review aids in the development of acupressure in different types of elective surgeries and the improvement of the rigour of acupressure therapy.
Topics: Humans; Adult; Acupressure; Anxiety; Acupuncture Therapy; Bias; China; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 37321140
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijnurstu.2023.104531 -
BMC Women's Health Jul 2023Menopause is the time that marks passing 12 months after the last menstruation cycle in women between ages 40-50. Menopausal women often experience depression and...
BACKGROUND
Menopause is the time that marks passing 12 months after the last menstruation cycle in women between ages 40-50. Menopausal women often experience depression and insomnia that significantly impact their overall well-being and quality of life. This systematic review aims to determine the effects of different therapeutic physiotherapy modalities on insomnia and depression in perimenopausal, menopausal, and post-menopausal women.
METHODOLOGY
After identifying our inclusion/exclusion criteria, we conducted a database search in Ovid Embase, MIDRIS, PubMed, Cochrane, and ScienceOpen, where 4007 papers were identified. By using EndNote software, we excluded duplicates, unrelated, and non-full text papers. Adding more studies from manual search, we finally included 31 papers including 7 physiotherapy modalities: exercise, reflexology, footbath, walking, therapeutic and aromatherapy massage, craniofacial message, and yoga.
RESULTS
Reflexology, yoga, walking and aromatherapy massage showed an overall significant impact on decreasing insomnia and depression in menopausal women. Most of exercise and stretching interventions also showed improvement in sleep quality but inconsistent findings regarding depression. However, insufficient evidence was found regarding the effect of craniofacial massage, footbath, and acupressure on improving sleep quality and depression in menopausal women.
CONCLUSION
Using non-pharmaceutical interventions such as therapeutic and manual physiotherapy have an overall positive impact on reducing insomnia and depression in menopausal women.
Topics: Female; Humans; Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders; Postmenopause; Perimenopause; Depression; Quality of Life; Menopause; Physical Therapy Modalities
PubMed: 37422660
DOI: 10.1186/s12905-023-02515-9 -
Journal of Integrative Neuroscience Aug 2023Pharmacological treatment is the primary approach in chronic migraine (CM), although non-drug interventions such as physical therapy are used as adjunct treatments. We... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Pharmacological treatment is the primary approach in chronic migraine (CM), although non-drug interventions such as physical therapy are used as adjunct treatments. We aimed to review the efficacy of physical therapy and rehabilitation approaches for CM and their impact on quality of life (QoL) and disability.
METHODS
This systematic review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines and included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in adults with CM. The primary outcomes were changes in intensity, frequency, duration of headache, disability, and QoL. Methodological quality was assessed using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) scale. Data synthesis and quantitative analysis were conducted on relevant studies.
RESULTS
Seven RCTs were included in the narrative review, and five of them were eligible for quantitative analysis. Aerobic exercise (AE), osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT), occipital transcutaneous electrical stimulation (OTES), acupressure, hydrotherapy, instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM), facial proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (FPNF), and connective tissue massage (CTM) were used in CM. AE combined with pharmacological therapy reduced the frequency, duration, and intensity of headache. OMT combined with medication improved QoL and reduced disability, intensity of pain, and migraine days per month. Hydrotherapy combined with medication also resulted in improvements in the intensity of headache, frequency, and overall QoL. IASTM and OTES reduced the intensity of headache, alleviated neck pain, and improved QoL, although there were conflicting findings following OTES alone on disability and intensity of headache. Both FPNF and CTM reduced the intensity of headache. Acupressure as an adjunct to medication did not show additional benefits on the intensity of headache and QoL. Quantitative analysis of the data showed that manual physical therapy combined with medication reduced the intensity of headache ( = 0.0796), and manual or AE combined with medication reduced the headache days per month ( = 0.047).
CONCLUSIONS
A limited number of RCTs investigating the efficacy of physical therapy and rehabilitation approaches show promise in improving headache symptoms, reducing disability, and enhancing QoL in CM. Meta-analysis of the data also supported favorable outcomes for both intensity and headache days per month. Further research is needed to better understand the efficacy, optimal duration, and safety of physical therapy and rehabilitation approaches for CM, and to explore alternative interventions.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Physical Therapy Modalities; Migraine Disorders; Headache; Pain; Databases, Factual
PubMed: 37735140
DOI: 10.31083/j.jin2205126 -
Journal of Clinical Medicine Aug 2023Chemotherapy, as well as opioid and antiemetic drugs, can contribute to constipation in oncological patients. This systematic review aims to analyse the potential of... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Chemotherapy, as well as opioid and antiemetic drugs, can contribute to constipation in oncological patients. This systematic review aims to analyse the potential of specific rehabilitation strategies and alternative strategies for improving constipation symptoms, with the goal of incorporating these strategies into a dedicated protocol for managing cancer-related constipation. This could potentially reduce the dosages of or eliminate the need for constipation medications.
METHODS
A systematic search was conducted on PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science. The review included studies analysing constipation complaints in cancer patients treated with rehabilitation, acupuncture and osteopathy.
RESULTS
The review included 16 studies in line with PRISMA and PICOS criteria. Most studies showed that physical exercise, abdominal massage, TENS, acupuncture and education on the correct defecation position positively impacted the management of constipation and quality of life in oncological patients. A physiotherapy program involving massages as well as aerobic and resistance training improved constipation in oncological women, regardless of age, sex and frailty. A combination of abdominal massage, abdominal muscle stretching and education on proper defecation position alleviated the severity of constipation and related depression. However, the outcomes regarding TENS were yet inconsistent. Another technique, becoming increasingly common for constipation, and demonstrating positive results, involved stimulating trigger points through acupressure and acupuncture. Conversely, osteopathic and superficial manipulations more frequently required constipation medications than did the other alternative approaches. However, no existing studies have proposed a specific protocol to manage cancer-related constipation.
CONCLUSIONS
The results of the studies confirm the positive influences of rehabilitation, osteopathy and acupuncture on constipation and pain in oncological patients. Nevertheless, further studies are required to establish the best type, timing and duration of treatment, as well as how the stage and location of the cancer and the cause of constipation (drug-induced or functional) impact the results.
PubMed: 37568485
DOI: 10.3390/jcm12155083 -
Alternative Therapies in Health and... Oct 2023Dementia is the cognitive decline of patients, who often exhibit behavioral and psychological symptoms, severely affecting their quality of life (QoL) and placing a... (Review)
Review
CONTEXT
Dementia is the cognitive decline of patients, who often exhibit behavioral and psychological symptoms, severely affecting their quality of life (QoL) and placing a heavy burden on caregivers. Studies have found that acupressure can have benefits for individuals with dementia.
OBJECTIVE
The review intended to critically analyze the currently available evidence on the use of acupressure as a nonpharmacological therapy for people with dementia, based on results from available clinical trials.
DESIGN
The research team performed an evidence-based review between March and June 2020, following a systematic search strategy, to find human clinical trials using acupressure as an intervention for dementia patients. For the search, the research team used major research databases-Pubmed, EBSCOhost, PsycInfo, ProQuest, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and CINAHL Plus.
SETTING
The study was conducted through remote collaboration coordinated through Charles Sturt University Bathurst campus in Australia.
PARTICIPANTS
The 12 clinical trials included 973 participants, with the pooled mean age being 81.10 ± 6.74 and 48.2% being males and 51.8% females.
INTERVENTION
The reviewed studies evaluated acupressure as an intervention for dementia patients.
OUTCOME MEASURES
The team synthesized the review results to examine the effects of acupressure on various outcome measures of interest for dementia.
RESULTS
Twelve clinical trials (N = 973), including eight randomized controlled studies, were included in the review. Participants were predominantly institutionalized residents, with moderate-to-severe dementia. Baihui (GV20), Shenmen (HT7), Fengchi (GB20), Neiguan (PC6), Sanyinjiao (SP6), and Yingtang (EX-HN3) were the most-used acupoints for intervention. The acupressure techniques varied greatly, with no standardized approach being used. The review found inconsistent evidence on the effectiveness of acupressure in reducing agitation and behavioral disturbances, but the treatment appears to improve the ease of care and reduce physical stress. Affixing acupressure devices on selected acupoints can potentially decrease psychiatric pain, anxiety, and depression. Long-term treatment (6 months) may improve cognitive function, the ability to perform the activities of daily living, and QoL of patients with mild-to-moderate dementia. The effect of acupressure on sleep disturbances remains unclear.
CONCLUSIONS
More high-quality research on acupressure is needed to fill the gaps in knowledge and inform better care for dementia patients in the future.
Topics: Male; Female; Humans; Quality of Life; Activities of Daily Living; Acupressure; Cognitive Dysfunction; Dementia
PubMed: 35427233
DOI: No ID Found -
Frontiers in Physiology 2023Auricular acupressure (AA) has been widely utilized in the management of constipation, with several studies suggesting its efficacy in treating constipation patients....
Auricular acupressure (AA) has been widely utilized in the management of constipation, with several studies suggesting its efficacy in treating constipation patients. However, the safety and effectiveness of AA in constipation remain uncertain. Hence, the aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness and safety of AA for constipation. A total of eight electronic databases and three clinical trial registration platforms were searched from their inception to April 2023 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of AA for constipation. The included studies were appraised for quality using the Cochrane Collaboration's Risk of Bias Assessment tool. The quality of evidence was assessed by two independent reviewers employing the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation System (GRADE) evaluation tool. Meta-analysis of data and assessment of publication bias were performed using RevMan 5.4 and STATA 13.0 software, respectively. This review included 34 randomized controlled trials conducted between 2007 and 2023, involving 2,465 participants. The findings of the study indicate that overall, AA is significantly associated with improved CSBMs (MD = 1.22, 95% CI [0.68, 1.77], < 0.0001, I = 0%), BSF (MD = 0.72, 95%CI: [0.15,1.28], = 0.01, I = 82%), CAS (MD = -3.28, 95%CI: [-5.95, -0.60], = 0.02, I = 80%), responder rate (RR = 1.27, 95%CI: [1.16, 1.38], < 0.00001, I = 79%), cure rate (RR = 1.84, 95% CI [1.56, 2.15], < 0.00001, I = 0%), and PAC-QOL (MD = -2.73, 95% CI: [-3.41, -2.04], < 0.00001, I = 98%) compared to the control group. However, no difference in PAC-SYM (MD = -0.15, 95%CI: [-0.38,0.07], = 0.19, I = 67%) was found between the two groups. Additionally, there was no significant difference in adverse events (RR = 0.53, 95% CI: [0.24, 1.21], = 0.13, I = 38%). Based on the available evidence, auricular acupressure appears to be a potentially safe and effective intervention for managing constipation in adults. Nonetheless, the overall quality of evidence for the identified outcomes was assessed as low to very low, highlighting the need for additional high-quality randomized controlled trials to further validate these findings. https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero, identifier CRD42023425033.
PubMed: 37908337
DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1257660 -
Asian Journal of Psychiatry Feb 2024Depression is a common mental disorder caused by the interaction of social, psychological, and biological factors. Treatments include psychotherapy, pharmacotherapy, and... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Depression is a common mental disorder caused by the interaction of social, psychological, and biological factors. Treatments include psychotherapy, pharmacotherapy, and other therapies, but they have limitations. Particularly, the COVID-19 pandemic may have a negative impact on depressed people. Thus, developing more potential treatments for depression has currently been an urgent challenge. A growing number of studies have found that acupressure is effective in relieving the symptoms of depression. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of acupressure in people with depression. English (PubMed, CENTRAL, EMBASE, APA PsycINFO, and CINAHL) and Chinese databases (CBM, CNKI, Wanfang, and VIP), ClinicalTrials.gov and Chinese Clinical Trial Registry were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on patients diagnosed with depression from study inception until March 31, 2023. Studies that compared acupressure with sham acupressure, conventional treatments (i.e., medication, usual care, etc.), and acupressure as an adjunct to conventional treatment for depression were included. The primary outcome was depression level measured using the Hamilton Depression Scale, Self-Rating Depression Scale, or Geriatric Depression Scale. A total of 19 RCTs involving 1686 participants were included. The pooled results showed that acupressure exhibited a significant beneficial effect on reducing the severity of depression compared with sham acupressure and served as an adjunct to conventional treatment, although the evidence level was moderate. Thus, acupressure may be a potential treatment for depression.
Topics: Humans; Aged; Depression; Acupressure; Psychotherapy; Acupuncture Therapy; Psychotic Disorders
PubMed: 38171225
DOI: 10.1016/j.ajp.2023.103884 -
Journal of Pain and Symptom Management Jul 2023Acupressure is a popular nonpharmacological intervention that is increasingly proven to effectively alleviate symptoms in patients with cancer. However, the effects of... (Review)
Review
CONTEXT
Acupressure is a popular nonpharmacological intervention that is increasingly proven to effectively alleviate symptoms in patients with cancer. However, the effects of self-acupressure on cancer symptom management are less clear.
OBJECTIVES
This systematic review is the first to summarize the current experimental evidence on self-acupressure for symptom management in cancer patients.
METHODS
Eight electronic databases were searched for experimental studies that examined self-acupressure for cancer patients with symptoms and published in peer-reviewed English or Chinese journals. The methodological quality of the included studies was evaluated using the revised Cochrane risk-of-bias assessment tool and the JBI critical appraisal checklist for quasi-experimental studies. Data were extracted as predefined and synthesized narratively. The Template for Intervention Description and Replication checklist was used to report the intervention characteristics.
RESULTS
A total of 11 studies were included in this study, six as feasibility or pilot trials. The methodological quality of included studies was suboptimal. Substantial heterogeneity was observed in acupressure training, acupoint selection, intervention duration, dosage, and timing. Self-acupressure was only associated with reduced nausea and vomiting (P = 0.006 and P = 0.001).
CONCLUSION
The limited evidence from this review precludes the definitive conclusions on intervention effectiveness for cancer symptoms. Future research should consider developing the standard protocol for intervention delivery, improving the methodology of self-acupressure trials, and conducting large-scale research to advance the science of self-acupressure for cancer symptom management.
Topics: Humans; Acupressure; Vomiting; Nausea; Neoplasms; Acupuncture Therapy
PubMed: 36898639
DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2023.03.002