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Lasers in Medical Science Feb 2024The application of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) to acupuncture points may produce effects similar to that of needle stimulation in patients with temporomandibular... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
The application of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) to acupuncture points may produce effects similar to that of needle stimulation in patients with temporomandibular disorders (TMD). This systematic review was conducted according to the Cochrane Collaboration guidelines and aimed to address clinical questions using the following strategy: Patient/Problem, Intervention, Comparison, and Outcome (PICO). A comprehensive literature search was performed upto April 26, 2023, across nine electronic databases (BVS, PubMed, Scopus, Embase, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, Cochrane Library, Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences Literature (LILACS), and Google Scholar) supplemented with gray literature. The risk of bias in randomized and nonrandomized clinical trials was assessed using two tools: risk-of-bias (RoB) 2 and Risk Of Bias In Non-randomised Studies-of Interventions (ROBINS-I). Meta-analysis involved the extraction of mean and standard deviation values for spontaneous pain and mouth opening levels. Seven studies were included in this review, all of which used LLLT. The applied wavelengths ranged from 690 to 810 nm without significant variations in light emission patterns. LLLT demonstrated a significant reduction in instantaneous pain levels (standard mean difference [SMD] = 3.85; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 2.09, 5.62; p < 0.003) and an improvement in instantaneous mouth opening ability (mean difference [SMD] = -7.15; 95% CI = -11.73, -2.58; p < 0.002), with low certainty of evidence. LLLT may alleviate symptoms in patients with TMD; however, caution should be exercised when interpreting the results because of protocol variations among studies and the limited number of studies included in the meta-analysis.
Topics: Humans; Acupuncture Therapy; Laser Therapy; Pain; Temporomandibular Joint Disorders; Lasers
PubMed: 38374226
DOI: 10.1007/s10103-024-03999-z -
Disability and Rehabilitation Feb 2024To determine the effectiveness of different types of acupuncture in reducing pain, improving maximum mouth opening and jaw functions in adults with orofacial pain. (Review)
Review
PURPOSE
To determine the effectiveness of different types of acupuncture in reducing pain, improving maximum mouth opening and jaw functions in adults with orofacial pain.
METHODS
Six databases were searched until 15 June 2023. The Cochrane risk of bias tool and GRADE were employed to evaluate bias and overall evidence certainty.
RESULTS
Among 52 studies, 86.5% ( = 45) exhibited high risk of bias. Common acupoints, including Hegu LI 4, Jiache ST 6, and Xiaguan ST 7, were used primarily for patients with temporomandibular disorder [TMDs]. Meta-analyses indicated that acupuncture significantly reduced pain intensity in individuals with myogenous TMD (MD = 26.02 mm, I=89%, = 0.05), reduced tenderness in the medial pterygoid muscle (standardised mean differences [SMD] = 1.72, I = 0%, < 0.00001) and jaw dysfunction (SMD = 1.62, I = 88%, = 0.010) in mixed TMD when compared to sham/no treatment. However, the overall certainty of the evidence was very low for all outcomes as evaluated by GRADE.
CONCLUSION
The overall results in this review should be interpreted with caution as there was a high risk of bias across the majority of randomized controlled trial (RCTs), and the overall certainty of the evidence was very low. Therefore, future studies with high-quality RCTs are warranted evaluating the use of acupuncture in patients with orofacial pain.
PubMed: 38357796
DOI: 10.1080/09638288.2024.2310766 -
Medicine Jan 2024This study aimed to systematically evaluate the clinical effectiveness and safety of acupoint herbal patching in the treatment of postherpetic neuralgia. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
This study aimed to systematically evaluate the clinical effectiveness and safety of acupoint herbal patching in the treatment of postherpetic neuralgia.
METHODS
Eight databases including PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wan-Fang Database, China Biomedical Literature Service System, and Chongqing VIP Chinese Science were searched. The search time was set to October 2023. Two researchers independently screened the literature according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria; extracted the basic information, acupoints, Chinese herbal medicine, pain score, sleep score, depression score, and other information of the subjects, and independently assessed the risk of bias by 2 researchers. Meta-analysis of the included studies was performed using the StataMP 16 software.
RESULTS
Fifteen studies with 1362 participants were included in this meta-analysis. Ashi is the acupoint frequency at the forefront, and Borneol is the Chinese herbal medicine frequency at the forefront. The acupoint herbal patching group showed significant improvements in visual analog score (SMD: -2.09; 95% Cl: -2.77, -1.42; P < .001), sleep score (SMD: -1.58; 95% Cl: -2.11, -1.05; P < .001), depression score (SMD: -1.61; 95% Cl: -2.22, -0.99; P < .001), Chinese medicine syndrome score (SMD: -2.32; 95% Cl: -2.84, -1.80; P = .06), dermatology life quality index (weighted mean differences: -4.11; 95% Cl: -4.58, -3.63; P = .98), and related laboratory indicators compared to the control group, and the total effective rate was significantly higher (relative risk: 1.20; 95% confidence interval: 1.15, 1.26; P = .99) than the control group. Two studies reported adverse reactions, but the 2 groups were not statistically significant.
CONCLUSIONS
Acupoint herbal patching intervention in postherpetic neuralgia is effective in improving the pain, sleep, anxiety, depression, quality of life of patients, and related laboratory indicators.
Topics: Humans; Drugs, Chinese Herbal; Neuralgia, Postherpetic; Acupuncture Points; Quality of Life; Phytotherapy
PubMed: 38277557
DOI: 10.1097/MD.0000000000037029 -
Medicine Jan 2024Previous clinical trials have reported that acupoint catgut embedding (ACE) is a useful modality for weight loss. However, no study has specifically investigated the... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Previous clinical trials have reported that acupoint catgut embedding (ACE) is a useful modality for weight loss. However, no study has specifically investigated the effectiveness and safety of comparing verum and sham ACE in adults with obesity. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of comparing verum and sham ACE in obese adults.
METHODS
A comprehensive literature search was conducted in the electronic databases of PUBMED, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang, China Science and Technology Journal Database, and China Biomedical Literature Service System from inception to April 1, 2022. Randomized clinical trials that focused on evaluating the effectiveness of comparing verum and sham ACE in adults with obesity were included. The primary outcomes included reduction in body weight, body mass index, hip circumference, and waist circumference. The secondary outcomes consisted of a decrease in body fat percentage and the occurrence rate of adverse events. The methodological quality of the included randomized clinical trials was evaluated using the Cochrane Risk-of-bias tool. Statistical analysis was performed using RevMan 5.4 software.
RESULTS
Six trials involving 679 adults with obesity were included in this study and entered in the data analysis of systematic review and meta-analysis. Results of the meta-analysis revealed significant reduction in body weight (mean difference [MD] = -1.68, 95% confidence intervals (CI) [-2.34, -1.01], I2 = 51%, P < .001), body mass index (MD = -0.51, 95% CI [-0.81, -0.21], I2 = 74%, P < .001), hip circumference (MD = -1.11, 95% CI [-1.67, -0.55], I2 = 0%, P < .001), waist circumference (MD = -2.42, 95% CI [-3.38, -1.45], I2 = 68%, P < .001), and decrease in body fat percentage (MD = -0.83, 95% CI [-1.30, -0.36], I2 = 16%, P < .001) in comparing verum and sham ACE. However, no significant difference was identified in AEs (odds ratio = 1.53, 95% CI [0.80, 2.95], I2 = 0%, P = .20) between the 2 groups.
CONCLUSION
ACE is effective in the treatment of obesity in adults with safety profile. Further studies with higher quality and larger sample size are warranted to confirm the current findings.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Catgut; Acupuncture Points; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Obesity; Body Weight
PubMed: 38277544
DOI: 10.1097/MD.0000000000036653 -
Medicine Jan 2024This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Buzhongyiqi decoction combined with acupoint application in the treatment of functional constipation in elderly... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
PURPOSE
This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Buzhongyiqi decoction combined with acupoint application in the treatment of functional constipation in elderly people.
METHODS
(1) Four Chinese databases (China National Knowledge Infrastructure, China Science Periodical Database, Chinese Citation Database, China Biology Medicine) and 4 foreign databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Embase) were searched, excluded, and included in randomized controlled trials of Buzhongyiqi decoction combined with acupoint application for the treatment of functional constipation in elderly people. (2) Systematic evaluation and meta-analysis using the RevMan 5.3 software. (3) Harbord linear regression and sensitivity analyses were conducted to evaluate publication bias using Stata 14.0. (4) Reliability of the conclusion assessment by sequential test analysis in TSA0.9 software. (5) Quality of evidence evaluation of outcome indicators was evaluated using Gradepro 3.6 software.
RESULTS
Eight randomized controlled trials including 658 case sample sizes were included. Compared with the control group, the intervention group showed improved clinical cure rate and effective rate of functional constipation in elderly people, reduced recurrence rate, and efficacy regulated the levels of defecation-related indices and indices of gastrointestinal function. In addition, trial sequential analysis indicated that the total clinical efficacy rate was conclusive, which showed that the therapeutic efficacy of the intervention group was superior to that of the control group. However, the incidence of adverse effects in intervention group was comparable to that of control group, and trial sequential analysis suggests that this result needs to be supported by additional research.
CONCLUSION
Buzhongyiqi decoction combined with acupoint application has potential value in the treatment of functional constipation in elderly people. Currently, there is insufficient clinical evidence to objectively evaluate safety grades for this combination therapy.
Topics: Humans; Aged; Acupuncture Points; Reproducibility of Results; Constipation; Medicine, Chinese Traditional; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 38241527
DOI: 10.1097/MD.0000000000036579 -
PloS One 2024Intracutaneous pyonex therapy (IPT), a novel acupuncture technique also known as intradermal thumbtack needle embedding therapy, has been reported to optimize... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Intracutaneous pyonex therapy (IPT), a novel acupuncture technique also known as intradermal thumbtack needle embedding therapy, has been reported to optimize postoperative pain management following perianal surgery. This meta-analysis aimed to analyze the efficacy of IPT for postoperative pain management following perianal surgery. The Cochrane Library, PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, CNKI, SinoMed, Wanfang, and VIP databases were systematically searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on IPT as a treatment for postoperative pain management following perianal surgery from inception until June 15, 2022. The analyzed outcomes from the eleven RCTs included in this meta-analysis were as follows: postoperative visual analogue scale(VAS), analgesic duration, ineffective cases following treatment, and adverse events. Subgroup analyses were conducted according to different time points. Risk-of-bias assessment, publication bias analysis, sensitivity analysis, and trial sequential analysis were performed. Of the 895 patients, 450 and 445 were included in the IPT and control groups, respectively. The IPT group showed a better analgesic effect[standard mean difference (SMD) = -0.77, 95% CI: -1.00 to -0.53, P < 0.00001; P for heterogeneity = 0.009, I2 = 59%] and longer analgesic duration [SMD = 0.56, 95% CI: 0.31 to 0.82, P < 0.0001; P for heterogeneity = 0.6, I2 = 0%], fewer ineffective cases following treatment [risk ratio(RR) = 0.23; 95% CI: 0.13 to 0.39, P < 0.00001; P for heterogeneity = 0.76, I2 = 0%], and lower overall occurrence of postoperative complications [RR = 0.35; 95% CI: 0.17 to 0.70; P = 0.003; P for heterogeneity = 0.85, I2 = 0%] than the control group. Thus, our findings indicated that IPT can provide better pain management following perianal surgery compared to controls. This novel approach complements a reasonable modality for postoperative multimodal analgesia and is worth promoting.
Topics: Humans; Analgesics; Pain Management; Pain, Postoperative; Postoperative Complications
PubMed: 38241273
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0296439 -
International Journal of Clinical... 2024Perioperative sleep disorders exert a severe adverse impact on postoperative recovery. Recently, some observational studies reported that acupuncture-point stimulation... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Perioperative sleep disorders exert a severe adverse impact on postoperative recovery. Recently, some observational studies reported that acupuncture-point stimulation (APS) provided benefits for promoting perioperative sleep quality. However, the effects of APS on perioperative sleep disorders following general anesthesia have not been thoroughly assessed by any systematic study and meta-analysis. Therefore, we conducted this systematic review and meta-analysis to reveal the effects of APS on perioperative sleep disorders.
METHODS
Eight databases (Chinese: CNKI, VIP, CBM, and Wanfang; English: PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library) were thoroughly searched to find randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that indicated a link between APS and the occurrence of perioperative sleep disorders. We applied RevMan 5.4 (Cochrane Collaboration) and Stata 16.0 (Stata Corp) to conduct our meta-analysis. In addition, the trial sequential analysis (TSA) tool was utilized to estimate the validity and reliability of the data.
RESULTS
In this study, nine RCTs with 719 patients were conducted. Compared to the control group, APS significantly improved perioperative subjective sleep quality (SMD: -1.36; 95% CI: -1.71 to -1.01; < 0.00001). Besides, it increased perioperative TST (preoperative period MD = 24.29, 95% CI: 6.4 to 42.18, = 0.0008; postoperative period MD = 45.86, 95% CI: 30.00 to 61.71, < 0.00001) and SE (preoperative MD = 3.62, 95% CI: 2.84 to 4.39, < 0.00001; postoperative MD = 6.43, 95% CI: 0.95 to 11.73, < 0.00001). The consequence of trial sequential analysis further confirmed the reliability of our meta-analysis results.
CONCLUSION
According to the currently available evidence, APS could effectively improve perioperative sleep quality and play an essential role in decreasing the incidence of perioperative sleep disorders.
Topics: Humans; Acupuncture Therapy; Sleep Wake Disorders
PubMed: 38222288
DOI: 10.1155/2024/6763996 -
Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi = Zhongguo... Dec 2023This study systematically searched and sorted out randomized controlled trial(RCT) of acupuncture-moxibustion treatment for non-specific low back pain by scoping review,...
This study systematically searched and sorted out randomized controlled trial(RCT) of acupuncture-moxibustion treatment for non-specific low back pain by scoping review, so as to demonstrate the current state of the research evidence and provide a reference point for future clinical research and healthcare decision-making. Eight commonly used Chinese and English databases were searched, and the search time was from the establishment of the databases to July 7, 2023, so as to analyze the characteristics of the current status of the current research through visualization methods. A total of 50 studies were included, including 23 studies in Chinese and 27 studies in English. The overall number of studies showed an increasing trend. The percentage of studies published in Chinese non-core journals was 42.0%. The disease subtypes of interest were mainly chronic non-specific low back pain, accounting for 68.0% of the studies. The sample sizes of the studies were mainly concentrated in the range of 50-100 cases. A total of 15 types of interventions were categorized, with acupuncture interventions being the most studied. Duration of treatment did not exceed one month in 80.0% of the studies. Only 8.0% of the studies used minimal clinical important difference(MCID) as a basis for judgment. The follow-up period was set within 3 months in 28.0% of the studies, and 82.0% of the studies concluded that acupuncture-moxibustion was effective in the treatment of non-specific lower back pain. Adverse events were reported in 20.0% of the studies. The risk of bias in the included studies was dominated by low risk of bias and uncertain risk of bias, with fewer studies focusing on high risks of bias. In most of the studies, acupuncture-moxibustion was significantly more effective than the control group. The research on acupuncture-moxibustion treatment for non-specific low back pain is developing rapidly, but there are still insufficient studies on psychological state, safety, and other indicators, and there are still some studies with uncertain risks of bias, which is not conducive to the generalization and application of the findings. Therefore, future studies should improve and refine these shortcomings.
Topics: Humans; Acupuncture Therapy; Low Back Pain; Moxibustion; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 38211981
DOI: 10.19540/j.cnki.cjcmm.20230915.502 -
Enfermeria Clinica (English Edition) 2024To perform a literature review aimed to analyze if acupoint stimulation increases lactation quantity. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVE
To perform a literature review aimed to analyze if acupoint stimulation increases lactation quantity.
METHOD
Studies were collected from five electronic databases following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines for systematic reviews. Eligibility criteria were full-text articles in English or Spanish with clinical trial design and observational studies, with no restriction on time of publication, in which the effect of acupoint stimulation on improving the quantity of lactation by conventional acupuncture, electroacupuncture, laser, fire needling, manual stimulation, tuina or catgut had been evaluated. Two authors independently extracted data for the characteristics and main outcomes of the studies selected for inclusion. The risk of bias (RoB 2 and Robins-I) and the quality assessments (GRADE) were performed. For the quantitative synthesis, the standardized mean difference was calculated for each individual study selected and then the data were combined using a random-effects meta-analysis.
RESULTS
A total of 14 studies were included in the present review. Most of the included studies exhibited some concerns in the risk of bias assessment. The quality of the studies was moderate. The meta-analysis showed that manual acupoint stimulation improves the lactation quantity (SMD 95% CI = 1.63 [1.13-2.13]; p < 0.0001).
CONCLUSION
The literature suggests that manual stimulation of acupuncture points improves the amount of milk produced during lactation.
Topics: Female; Humans; Acupuncture Points; Acupuncture Therapy; Lactation Disorders
PubMed: 38185370
DOI: 10.1016/j.enfcle.2024.01.002 -
BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies Jan 2024There is a continuing interest in finding effective methods for scar treatment. Dry needling is gaining popularity in physiotherapy and is defined by Western medicine as...
BACKGROUND
There is a continuing interest in finding effective methods for scar treatment. Dry needling is gaining popularity in physiotherapy and is defined by Western medicine as a type of acupuncture. The terms acupuncture and dry needling have been used interchangeably so we have focused on the efficacy of dry needling or acupuncture in scar treatment.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this systematic review was to determine the usefulness of dry needling or local acupuncture for scar treatment. In our search process, we used the terms 'acupuncture,' 'needling,' or 'dry needling' to identify all relevant scientific papers. We have focused on the practical aspects of local management of different scar types with dry needling or acupuncture.
SEARCH STRATEGY
The search strategy included different combinations of the following keywords: 'scar', 'keloid', 'dry needling', 'needling', 'acupuncture', 'treatment', 'physical therapy'. This systematic review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. MEDLINE (PubMed, EBSCOHost and Ovid), EMBASE (Elsevier), and Web of Science databases were searched for relevant publications from inception through October 2023.
INCLUSION CRITERIA
The studies that investigated the effectiveness of dry needling or acupuncture for scar treatment were included.
DATA EXTRACTION AND ANALYSIS
The main extraction data items were: the needling technique; needle: diameter, length; needling locations; manual needling manipulation; number of sessions; settings; outcomes and results.
RESULTS
As a result of a comprehensive search, 11 manuscripts were included in the systematic review, of which eight were case reports, two were randomized trials and one study concerned case series. Two case reports scored 2-4 out of 8 points on the JBI checklist, five studies scored 5-7, and one study scored 8 points. The methodological quality of the two clinical trials was rated as good or fair on the PEDro scale. The case series study scored 7 of 10 points on the JBI checklist. A meta-analysis was not possible as only two randomized trials, eight case reports, and one case series were eligible for review; also, scar assessment scales and pain severity scales were highly heterogeneous.
CONCLUSIONS
The studies differed regarding the delivery of dry needling or local acupuncture for scar treatment. Differences included treatment frequency, duration, number of treatments, selection of needle insertion sites, number of needles used, angle of needle placement, and use of manual needling manipulation.
SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION
INPLASY no. 202310058.
Topics: Humans; Acupuncture Therapy; Cicatrix; Dry Needling; Percutaneous Collagen Induction; Physical Therapy Modalities; Case Reports as Topic
PubMed: 38167051
DOI: 10.1186/s12906-023-04301-4