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Arquivos de Neuro-psiquiatria Dec 2023Myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) is a common source of pain in primary care or pain clinics. There are many different ways to manage and treat MPS, such as physical... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) is a common source of pain in primary care or pain clinics. There are many different ways to manage and treat MPS, such as physical exercise, trigger points massage, and dry needling.
OBJECTIVE
The objective of this overview is to highlight and discuss the evidence-based treatment of myofascial pain by dry needling in patients with low back pain.
METHODS
A systematic review was made based on meta-analysis (MA) and randomized controlled trials (RCTs) related to dry needling treatment for myofascial pain in patients with lumbar pain, published from 2000 to 2023.
RESULTS
A total of 509 records were identified at first. Seventy were published before 2000, so they were excluded. From the remaining 439 studies, ninety-two were RCTs or MA, of which 86 additional studies were excluded for the following reasons: not related to dry needling treatment (n = 79), not published in English (n = 4), duplicated (n = 1), project protocol (n = 1), and not related to myofascial pain (n = 1). So, this review was based on 4 RCTs and two MA. These studies compared dry needling efficacy to other treatments, such as acupuncture, sham dry needling, laser therapy, physical therapy, local anesthetic injection, ischemic compression, and neuroscience education. Despite outcomes and follow-up period varied between them, they showed that dry needling can decrease post-intervention pain intensity and pain disability.
CONCLUSION
Dry needling is an effective procedure for the treatment of myofascial pain in patients with acute and chronic low back pain. Further high-quality studies are needed to clarify the long-term outcomes.
Topics: Humans; Evidence-Based Practice; Low Back Pain; Myofascial Pain Syndromes; Percutaneous Collagen Induction; Trigger Points; Dry Needling
PubMed: 38157883
DOI: 10.1055/s-0043-1777731 -
Journal of Integrative and... Jun 2024Postoperative pain control is a challenge in enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS). The current study reviewed the efficacy and safety of incorporating acupoint... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Postoperative pain control is a challenge in enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS). The current study reviewed the efficacy and safety of incorporating acupoint stimulation for postoperative pain control in ERAS. Ten databases for relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published in English or Mandarin Chinese were searched from 1997 to 2022. The quality of each article was appraised using the Cochrane Collaboration Risk of Bias Criteria and the modified Jadad Scale. The primary outcome was pain control, measured using the visual analog scale 24 h after surgery. Eleven trials met the eligibility criteria and were included in the study. Acupoint stimulation was found more effective than control treatments in terms of pain intensity (standardized mean difference [SMD] -0.94; 95% confidence interval [CI] -1.35 to -0.53), analgesic drug consumption (SMD -1.87; 95% CI -2.98 to -0.75), postoperative nausea (PON; SMD 0.31; 95% CI 0.13 to 0.73), postoperative vomiting (POV; SMD 0.57; 95% CI 0.11 to 2.92), and PON and POV (PONV; SMD 0.29; 95% CI 0.16 to 0.53). The Zusanli (ST36) and Neiguan (PC6) were the most-used acupoints in the included trials (8/11). The reported adverse reaction was only one case of bruising. Acupoint stimulation improved pain control in patients undergoing ERAS more than control treatments. The findings provide an evidence-based premise for incorporating acupoint stimulation into ERAS strategies. More rigorous RCTs are needed in the future.
Topics: Humans; Acupuncture Points; Enhanced Recovery After Surgery; Pain Management; Pain, Postoperative; Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 38153965
DOI: 10.1089/jicm.2023.0272 -
Cancers Dec 2023Numerous acupuncture studies have been conducted on cancer-related pain; however, its efficacy compared to sham acupuncture remains controversial. We confirmed whether... (Review)
Review
Numerous acupuncture studies have been conducted on cancer-related pain; however, its efficacy compared to sham acupuncture remains controversial. We confirmed whether the outcome of acupuncture differs according to the needling points of sham acupuncture for cancer-related pain. We searched 10 databases on 23 May 2023 to screen acupuncture trials using sham acupuncture or waiting list as controls for cancer-related pain. Sham acupuncture was classified into two types, depending on whether the needling was applied at the same locations as verum acupuncture (SATV) or not (SATS). A network meta-analysis (NMA) was performed on the basis of a frequentist approach to assess pain severity. Eight studies ( = 574 participants) were included in the review, seven of which ( = 527 participants) were included in the NMA. The pain severity was not significantly different between SATV and verum acupuncture, but verum acupuncture significantly improved pain severity compared to SATS. The risk of bias affecting the comparisons between the verum and sham acupuncture was generally low. Previous acupuncture trials for cancer-related pain showed differing outcomes of sham and verum acupuncture, depending on the needling points of sham acupuncture. The application of SATV cannot be considered a true placebo, which leads to an underestimation of the efficacy of verum acupuncture.
PubMed: 38136419
DOI: 10.3390/cancers15245875 -
American Journal of Otolaryngology 2024To evaluate the efficacy of acupoint catgut embedding in the treatment of allergic rhinitis by Meta-analysis. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the efficacy of acupoint catgut embedding in the treatment of allergic rhinitis by Meta-analysis.
METHODS
Pubmed, Web of Science, Embase, Elsevier, CNKI, and VIP databases were searched for clinical randomized controlled trials (RCTS) on acupoint catgut embedding for allergic rhinitis from the establishment of the database to December 30, 2022. RevMan5.4 and Stata12 software were used for Meta-analysis.
RESULTS
A total of 17 articles were included, involving 1231 patients. Meta-analysis showed that the total effective rate of acupoint catgut embedding for allergic rhinitis was higher than that of the control group [Pooled Odds Ratio = 5.19, 95%CI (3.14, 8.58), P < 0.00001]. Sensitivity analysis indicated that the total effective rate of acupoint catgut embedding in the treatment of allergic rhinitis was stable. The efficacy of the acupoint embedding group was better than that of the western medicine group [OR = 5.78, 95%CI (3.25, 10.27), P < 0.00001]. Acupoint embedding decreased serum IL-33 levels [MD = -70.79, 95%CI (-102.60, -38.98), P < 0.0001] and improved TNNSS score [MD = -0.25, 95%CI (-0.40, -0.11), P = 0.0005] was statistically different from the control group.
CONCLUSION
Acupoint catgut embedding in the treatment of allergic rhinitis has a certain effect, but the accuracy of this conclusion still needs to be verified by higher-quality RCT in the later stage.
Topics: Humans; Acupuncture Therapy; Catgut; Acupuncture Points; Treatment Outcome; Rhinitis, Allergic
PubMed: 38134849
DOI: 10.1016/j.amjoto.2023.104135 -
Frontiers in Public Health 2023The efficacy of acupoint catgut embedding (ACE) for the treatment of pre-diabetes remains controversial. Therefore, this study investigated the clinical efficacy and... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVE
The efficacy of acupoint catgut embedding (ACE) for the treatment of pre-diabetes remains controversial. Therefore, this study investigated the clinical efficacy and acupoint selection in ACE for the treatment of pre-diabetes.
METHODS
Eight common databases were searched for relevant literature on ACE for pre-diabetes. Meta-analysis was used to evaluate its efficacy and safety, and data mining was used to explore the protocol for acupoint selection.
RESULTS
The meta-analysis revealed that compared with conventional treatment alone, conventional treatment combined with ACE reduced the levels of glycated hemoglobin A1c [mean difference (MD) -0.45, 95% confidence interval (CI) -0.67 to -0.24%, < 0.001], fasting blood glucose (MD -0.61 mmol/L, 95% CI -0.87 to -0.36 mmol/L, < 0.001), 2-h postprandial glucose (MD -0.77 mmol/L, 95% CI -0.98 to -0.55 mmol/L, < 0.001), total cholesterol (MD -0.37 mmol/L, 95% CI -0.74 to 0.00 mmol/L, = 0.049), triglyceride (MD -0.49 mmol/L, 95% CI -0.77 to -0.20 mmol/L, < 0.001) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (MD -0.23 mmol/L, 95% CI -0.33 to -0.12 mmol/L, < 0.001), and increased high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels (MD 0.16 mmol/L, 95% CI 0.05 to 0.27 mmol/L, = 0.004), whereas changes in the body mass index and the adverse event rates were comparable between groups. Data mining revealed that Pishu (BL20), Weiwanxiashu (EX-B3), Zusanli (ST36), Shenshu (BL23), Sanyinjiao (SP6), Weishu (BL21), and Taixi (KI3) were the core acupoints used in ACE for pre-diabetes.
CONCLUSION
ACE can effectively improve blood glucose and lipid levels in pre-diabetes patients and has a good safety profile. ACE consisting of Pishu (BL20), Weiwanxiashu (EX-B3), Zusanli (ST36), Shenshu (BL23), Sanyinjiao (SP6), Weishu (BL21), and Taixi (KI3), is a promising complementary strategy for the treatment of pre-diabetes.
Topics: Humans; Acupuncture Points; Blood Glucose; Catgut; Cholesterol; Prediabetic State; Data Mining
PubMed: 38131018
DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1282720 -
Supportive Care in Cancer : Official... Dec 2023Review the literature to propose suggestions or recommendations for controlling nausea and vomiting through integrative and non-pharmacological treatments for the... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
PURPOSE
Review the literature to propose suggestions or recommendations for controlling nausea and vomiting through integrative and non-pharmacological treatments for the MASCC/ESMO 2023 update of its antiemetic guidelines.
METHODS
The authors identified available systematic reviews and/or meta-analyses for 12 integrative therapies, including acupressure, acupuncture, auricular therapy, electrical stimulation of point PC6, ginger use (i.e., Zingiber officinale), guided imagery, hypnosis, inhalation aromatherapy, music therapy, food-based interventions, progressive muscle relaxation, and reflexology. Reviews were assessed for quality through the AMSTAR2 tool. A consensus committee reviewed recommendations as per MASCC/ESMO established processes.
RESULTS
Thirty-nine systematic reviews and/or meta-analyses were used. There were major methodological flaws for many of the trials used as the bases for the reviews. No recommendation for ingested ginger could be made because of conflicting evidence. Recommendations were possible for acupuncture/electroacupuncture treatments, food-based interventions, and progressive muscle relaxation training alone or combined with guided imagery. No recommendations could be reached for a number of food-based approaches, inhalation aromatherapy, hypnosis in adults, music therapy, and reflexology.
CONCLUSION
While a limited number of suggestions are provided, there is a need for significantly higher quality trials in many of the therapeutic approaches assessed, before stronger recommendations and a wider range of approaches are made.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Acupuncture Therapy; Antiemetics; Consensus; Nausea; Vomiting; Practice Guidelines as Topic
PubMed: 38102373
DOI: 10.1007/s00520-023-08225-0 -
BMJ (Clinical Research Ed.) Dec 2023What is the comparative effectiveness of available therapies for chronic pain associated with temporomandibular disorders (TMD)? (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
CLINICAL QUESTION
What is the comparative effectiveness of available therapies for chronic pain associated with temporomandibular disorders (TMD)?
CURRENT PRACTICE
TMD are the second most common musculoskeletal chronic pain disorder after low back pain, affecting 6-9% of adults globally. TMD are associated with pain affecting the jaw and associated structures and may present with headaches, earache, clicking, popping, or crackling sounds in the temporomandibular joint, and impaired mandibular function. Current clinical practice guidelines are largely consensus-based and provide inconsistent recommendations.
RECOMMENDATIONS
For patients living with chronic pain (≥3 months) associated with TMD, and compared with placebo or sham procedures, the guideline panel issued: (1) strong recommendations in favour of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) with or without biofeedback or relaxation therapy, therapist-assisted mobilisation, manual trigger point therapy, supervised postural exercise, supervised jaw exercise and stretching with or without manual trigger point therapy, and usual care (such as home exercises, stretching, reassurance, and education); (2) conditional recommendations in favour of manipulation, supervised jaw exercise with mobilisation, CBT with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS), manipulation with postural exercise, and acupuncture; (3) conditional recommendations against reversible occlusal splints (alone or in combination with other interventions), arthrocentesis (alone or in combination with other interventions), cartilage supplement with or without hyaluronic acid injection, low level laser therapy (alone or in combination with other interventions), transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, gabapentin, botulinum toxin injection, hyaluronic acid injection, relaxation therapy, trigger point injection, acetaminophen (with or without muscle relaxants or NSAIDS), topical capsaicin, biofeedback, corticosteroid injection (with or without NSAIDS), benzodiazepines, and β blockers; and (4) strong recommendations against irreversible oral splints, discectomy, and NSAIDS with opioids.
HOW THIS GUIDELINE WAS CREATED
An international guideline development panel including patients, clinicians with content expertise, and methodologists produced these recommendations in adherence with standards for trustworthy guidelines using the GRADE approach. The MAGIC Evidence Ecosystem Foundation (MAGIC) provided methodological support. The panel approached the formulation of recommendations from the perspective of patients, rather than a population or health system perspective.
THE EVIDENCE
Recommendations are informed by a linked systematic review and network meta-analysis summarising the current body of evidence for benefits and harms of conservative, pharmacologic, and invasive interventions for chronic pain secondary to TMD.
UNDERSTANDING THE RECOMMENDATION
These recommendations apply to patients living with chronic pain (≥3 months duration) associated with TMD as a group of conditions, and do not apply to the management of acute TMD pain. When considering management options, clinicians and patients should first consider strongly recommended interventions, then those conditionally recommended in favour, then conditionally against. In doing so, shared decision making is essential to ensure patients make choices that reflect their values and preference, availability of interventions, and what they may have already tried. Further research is warranted and may alter recommendations in the future.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; Chronic Pain; Hyaluronic Acid; Temporomandibular Joint Disorders
PubMed: 38101929
DOI: 10.1136/bmj-2023-076227 -
BMJ (Clinical Research Ed.) Dec 2023We explored the comparative effectiveness of available therapies for chronic pain associated with temporomandibular disorders (TMD). (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVE
We explored the comparative effectiveness of available therapies for chronic pain associated with temporomandibular disorders (TMD).
DESIGN
Systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomised clinical trials (RCTs).
DATA SOURCES
MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, CENTRAL, and SCOPUS were searched to May 2021, and again in January 2023.
STUDY SELECTION
Interventional RCTs that enrolled patients presenting with chronic pain associated with TMD.
DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS
Pairs of reviewers independently identified eligible studies, extracted data, and assessed risk of bias. We captured all reported patient-important outcomes, including pain relief, physical functioning, emotional functioning, role functioning, social functioning, sleep quality, and adverse events. We conducted frequentist network meta-analyses to summarise the evidence and used the GRADE approach to rate the certainty of evidence and categorise interventions from most to least beneficial.
RESULTS
233 trials proved eligible for review, of which 153-enrolling 8713 participants and exploring 59 interventions or combinations of interventions-were included in network meta-analyses. All subsequent effects refer to comparisons with placebo or sham procedures. Effects on pain for eight interventions were supported by high to moderate certainty evidence. The three therapies probably most effective for pain relief were cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) augmented with biofeedback or relaxation therapy (risk difference (RD) for achieving the minimally important difference (MID) in pain relief of 1 cm on a 10 cm visual analogue scale: 36% (95% CI 33 to 39)), therapist-assisted jaw mobilisation (RD 36% (95% CI 31 to 40)), and manual trigger point therapy (RD 32% (29 to 34)). Five interventions were less effective, yet more effective than placebo, showing RDs ranging between 23% and 30%: CBT, supervised postural exercise, supervised jaw exercise and stretching, supervised jaw exercise and stretching with manual trigger point therapy, and usual care (such as home exercises, self stretching, reassurance).Moderate certainty evidence showed four interventions probably improved physical functioning: supervised jaw exercise and stretching (RD for achieving the MID of 5 points on the short form-36 physical component summary score: 43% (95% CI 33 to 51)), manipulation (RD 43% (25 to 56)), acupuncture (RD 42% (33 to 50)), and supervised jaw exercise and mobilisation (RD 36% (19 to 51)). The evidence for pain relief or physical functioning among other interventions, and all evidence for adverse events, was low or very low certainty.
CONCLUSION
When restricted to moderate or high certainty evidence, interventions that promote coping and encourage movement and activity were found to be most effective for reducing chronic TMD pain.
REGISTRATION
PROSPERO (CRD42021258567).
Topics: Humans; Chronic Pain; Network Meta-Analysis; Exercise Therapy; Cognitive Behavioral Therapy; Physical Therapy Modalities; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 38101924
DOI: 10.1136/bmj-2023-076226 -
European Review For Medical and... Nov 2023This meta-analysis was performed to investigate the effectiveness of acupuncture in post-stroke limb movement disorders. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVE
This meta-analysis was performed to investigate the effectiveness of acupuncture in post-stroke limb movement disorders.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
An electronic search of databases including MEDLINE/PubMed, Web of Science, the Cochrane database, EMBASE, CBM, CNKI, WanFang, and VIP was performed to collect randomized controlled clinical studies on acupuncture administered for post-stroke dyskinesia from inception to April 2023. Data including baseline information, Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA) scores, and Barthel Index (BI) were included and analyzed using the meta package in R language.
RESULTS
After searching and screening, 17 pieces of literature involving 1,928 participants were included, with 962 participants in the control group and 966 in the study group. Results from the included studies suggested significant benefits provided by acupuncture to improve FMA scores and BI. In specific, incorporation of acupuncture in the treatment of post-stroke limb movement disorders significantly reduced the overall FMA scores of patients by 3.45 (95% CI: 0.22, 6.69) points, the upper extremity FMA scores by 3.63 (95% CI: 0.64, 6.62) points, the lower extremity FMA scores by 3.56 (95% CI: 1.78, 5.35) points, and BI by 7.75 (95% CI: 3.35, 12.16) points.
CONCLUSIONS
Acupuncture as an adjunct to the management of post-stroke limb movement disorders contributes significantly to enhancing the motor function and quality of life of patients. However, the evidence of this study is compromised by the limited quantity of the included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and the mediocre methodological quality. Therefore, high-quality randomized controlled trials are required to validate the benefits of acupuncture on the motor function of patients with post-stroke limb movement disorders.
Topics: Humans; Stroke; Acupuncture Therapy; Stroke Rehabilitation; Upper Extremity; Movement Disorders; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 38039029
DOI: 10.26355/eurrev_202311_34467 -
Medicine Nov 2023During the 2022 Annual National Terahertz Biophysics Conference, the hypothesis was proposed that bio frequency electromagnetic fields sensitive points, akin to...
During the 2022 Annual National Terahertz Biophysics Conference, the hypothesis was proposed that bio frequency electromagnetic fields sensitive points, akin to acupuncture points, exist in the human body. This development has prompted numerous researchers to apply terahertz technology to the field of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). In recent years, terahertz technology has achieved notable progress in the field of TCM, particularly concerning the meridian-collateral system. This review systematically presents the advancements in terahertz technology and its implications on TCM theory from a biophysical perspective. Additionally, it summarizes the utilization of terahertz waves in elucidating aspects of TCM, particularly focusing on the scientific connotation of Qi, the theoretical foundation of the meridian-collateral system, and moxibustion in diagnosing and treating diseases. We aimed to explore the innovative applications and distinct advantages of terahertz technology in TCM and its feasibility as a pioneering technological tool for the modernization of TCM.
Topics: Humans; Acupuncture Points; Electromagnetic Fields; Medicine, Chinese Traditional; Technology
PubMed: 37986326
DOI: 10.1097/MD.0000000000035870