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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 -
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 -
PloS One 2023In this study, we aim to evaluate the efficacy and safety of acupuncture for vocal nodules, concerning qualitive overall efficacy and quantitative improvement on quality... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
In this study, we aim to evaluate the efficacy and safety of acupuncture for vocal nodules, concerning qualitive overall efficacy and quantitative improvement on quality of voice. Four English and four Chinese databases were searched up to December 10th, 2022. Risk of bias among the included trials were evaluated by the Cochrane ROB tool. Systematic reviews and meta-analyses were conducted based on the Cochrane systematic review method by using RevMan 5.4 Software, and trial sequential analyses were performed by TSA 0.9. Meta-influence analyses, subgroup-analyses, meta-regression, and evaluation of publication bias were performed for exploration of heterogeneity by Stata V.14. Quality of the results was accessed through the GRADE-pro GDT. Cluster analyses and correlation coefficient were performed by R 4.1.3. Finally, 15 trials involving 1,888 participants were included. Results showed that compared with western medicine alone or Chinese herbal medicine alone, acupuncture alone yielded significantly (p<0.05) higher clinical effective rate and more improvement on scores of voice analyses. However, reduction on scores of grade, roughness, and breathiness and voice handicap index during follow-ups, and results of clinical effective rate suggested that acupuncture was inferior to voice training. In addition, meta-regression and sub-group analyses firstly revealed advanced efficacies of acupuncture when performed with local and remote acupoints, compared with local acupoints only. Acupuncture specified adverse event was denied in six trials while it was not mentioned in other nine trials. Results of cluster analyses and correlation coefficient showed that Kai yin yi hao and He gu (LI-4) were the most frequently applied matching-acupoints in trials. In conclusion, compared with western medicine (level of evidence: low ⨁⨁◯◯, GRADE C) and Chinese herbal medicine (level of evidence: moderate ⨁⨁⨁◯, GRADE B), acupuncture is safe and of better efficacy for patients with vocal nodules, while there is also need for RCTs with improvements on designing and interventions in experimental and controls.
Topics: Male; Humans; Drugs, Chinese Herbal; Acupuncture Therapy; Treatment Outcome; Acupuncture Points; Publication Bias
PubMed: 37922255
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0288252 -
PloS One 2023This paper aimed to evaluate the use of nonpharmacological interventions for the management of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The effects of acupuncture and behavioural... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND AND AIMS
This paper aimed to evaluate the use of nonpharmacological interventions for the management of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The effects of acupuncture and behavioural therapy, two nonpharmalogical interventions, on social function in ASD patients are still controversial. This meta-analysis investigated the impact of these two treatments and compared their effects.
METHODS
Seven electronic databases were systematically searched to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on the use of acupuncture or behavioural therapy for ASD. A meta-analysis was carried out using Review Manager 5.4 software. Continuous data are reported as mean differences (MDs) or standardized mean differences (SMDs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). An assessment of methodological quality using the Cochrane risk-of-bias (ROB) tool for trials was carried out. The Grading of Recommendation Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) was applied to evaluate the quality (certainty) of evidence for results regarding social function indicators.
RESULTS
Thirty RCTs on acupuncture and 36 on behavioural therapy were included. Compared with the control condition, body acupuncture (SMD: 0.76, 95% CI: [0.52, 1.01]; low certainty), modern acupuncture technology (SMD: 0.84, 95% CI: [0.32, 1.35]; low certainty), cognitive behavioural therapy (SMD: 0.42, 95% CI: [0.26, 0.58]; high certainty), the Denver model (SMD: 0.61, 95% CI: [0.23, 0.99]; moderate certainty) and social skills training (SMD: 0.56, 95% CI: [0.41, 0.71]; moderate certainty) improved social functioning.
CONCLUSION
Behavioural therapies (such as CBT, the Denver model, social skills training), improved the social functioning of patients with ASD in the short and long term, as supported by high- and moderate-quality evidence. Acupuncture (including scalp acupuncture, body acupuncture and use of modern acupuncture technology) also improved social functioning, as supported by low- and very low-quality evidence. More high-quality evidence is needed to confirm the effect of acupoint catgut embedding and Early Intensive Behavioural Intervention (EIBI).
Topics: Humans; Adult; Child; Acupuncture Therapy; Behavior Therapy; Cognitive Behavioral Therapy; Acupuncture Points; Autism Spectrum Disorder
PubMed: 37725597
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0291720 -
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine... Oct 2023To assess the efficacy of acupoint catgut embedding (ACE) for simple obesity in preclinical animal experiments. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVE
To assess the efficacy of acupoint catgut embedding (ACE) for simple obesity in preclinical animal experiments.
METHODS
We searched the following 14 electronic databases: PubMed, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, Oriental Medicine Advanced Searching Integrated System, KoreaMed, Korean Studies Information Service System, Science-on, Research Information Sharing Service, Korea Citation Index, Korea Traditional Knowledge Portal, China Network Knowledge Infrastructure Database, Wanfang Database, Chinese Science and Technology Journal Database, and Chinese Biology Medicine Database, from inception to November 2021 without language limitation. The assessment was performed according to the guidelines of Animal Research: Reporting of experiments; and Meta-analysis was performed using Reviewer Manager 5.4.1 software.
RESULTS
Twenty-four studies involving 813 animals were selected. Meta-analysis showed that ACE was beneficial for weight control [ 40, = -50.63, 95% (-57.59, -43.67), 0.000 01, = 0%] and reduced the Lee index [ 40, = -18.79, 95% (-20.01, -17.57), 0.000 01, = 0%]. However, when efficacy of ACE was compared with that of manual acupuncture, electroacupuncture, or oilistat therapy, statistical difference was not observed between the two groups.
CONCLUSIONS
This systematic review suggests that ACE may be efficacious in treating obesity. Moreover, the analyses highlighted the necessity to perform well-designed, higher-quality experiments.
Topics: Animals; Acupuncture Points; Catgut; Obesity; Acupuncture Therapy; China
PubMed: 37679973
DOI: 10.19852/j.cnki.jtcm.2023.05.002 -
JAMA Network Open Sep 2023When sham acupuncture is set as a control in evaluating acupuncture, the sham needling technique is usually different from acupuncture. However, the sham procedure is... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
IMPORTANCE
When sham acupuncture is set as a control in evaluating acupuncture, the sham needling technique is usually different from acupuncture. However, the sham procedure is conducted either at the same points that are used for the acupuncture group or at nonindicated points.
OBJECTIVE
To assess whether the outcome of sham acupuncture varies according to the needling points in sham-controlled trials of acupuncture for chronic nonspecific low back pain (CLBP) as an example.
DATA SOURCES
Searches of MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and the Allied and Complementary Medicine Database were conducted on February 12, 2023.
STUDY SELECTION
Randomized clinical trials (RCTs) assessing the outcomes of acupuncture in sham acupuncture-controlled or waiting list-controlled trials on CLBP were included.
DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS
Two researchers independently extracted data on study characteristics and outcomes and assessed quality. Sham acupuncture was classified according to whether it was conducted at the same acupuncture points used in the acupuncture group, referred to as sham acupuncture therapy (verum) (SATV) or at different points, referred to as sham acupuncture therapy (sham) (SATS). Clinical similarity, transitivity, and consistency tests were conducted, followed by a random-effects frequentist network meta-analysis (NMA).
MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES
The primary outcome was pain, and the secondary outcome was back-specific function. The first assessment after the end of treatment was chosen for analysis. Effect sizes are reported as standardized mean differences (SMD) with 95% CIs. The risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane risk of bias tool, and the certainty of evidence for findings was evaluated using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation approach.
RESULTS
Ten RCTs involving 4379 participants were included. In comparison with SATS, acupuncture was significantly associated with improvements in both pain (SMD, -0.33; 95% CI, -0.52 to -0.15) and function outcomes (SMD, -0.13; 95% CI, -0.25 to -0.02); however, there were no differences between acupuncture and SATV. In comparison with SATS, SATV was significantly associated with better pain (SMD, -0.45; 95% CI, -0.88 to -0.03) and function outcomes (SMD, -0.30; 95% CI, -0.56 to -0.05). The risk of bias that could affect the interpretation of the results was usually low, and the certainty of evidence was moderate to low.
CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE
In this NMA, sham acupuncture needling at the same points as those in acupuncture was not a true placebo control for assessing the efficacy of acupuncture for CLBP and might underestimate the outcome of acupuncture in clinical settings.
Topics: Humans; Low Back Pain; Network Meta-Analysis; Acupuncture Therapy; Vascular Surgical Procedures; Databases, Factual
PubMed: 37672270
DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.32452 -
Medicine Sep 2023This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the efficacy of transcutaneous electronic acupoint stimulation (TEAS) for improving postoperative recovery... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the efficacy of transcutaneous electronic acupoint stimulation (TEAS) for improving postoperative recovery after gynecologic surgery.
METHODS
We performed a thorough search of 6 databases until March 2023, identifying 12 randomized controlled trials that met our predefined inclusion criteria and encompassed a total of 1510 patients. For continuous outcomes, we calculated the weighted mean difference (WMD), and for binomial outcomes, we used the risk ratio (RR). We evaluated heterogeneity among the included studies using Cochran I2 and Q statistics, utilizing a random-effects model when the I2 value exceeded 50%. To assess publication bias, we employed Egger test.
RESULTS
Our analysis found that TEAS significantly reduced the risk of postoperative nausea (RR: 0.60, 95% CI: 0.43-0.83, P = .002) and postoperative vomiting (RR: 0.54, 95% CI: 0.43-0.67, P < .001), visual analogue scale (WMD: -0.47, 95% CI: -0.76 to -0.17, P = .002), as well as shortened the time to first bowel movement (WMD: -18.43, 95% CI: -20.87 to -15.99, P < .001) and time to first flatus (WMD: -8.98, 95% CI: -12.46 to -5.51, P < .001) compared to the conventional group.
CONCLUSIONS
Our findings suggested that TEAS may improve postoperative recovery following gynecologic surgery. However, to confirm these results, larger randomized controlled trials encompassing a more diverse range of patient populations are urgently required.
Topics: Female; Humans; Acupuncture Points; Gynecologic Surgical Procedures; Databases, Factual; Defecation; Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting; Electronics
PubMed: 37657060
DOI: 10.1097/MD.0000000000034834 -
Alternative Therapies in Health and... Oct 2023This study aims to comprehensively summarize and evaluate the impact of non-pharmacological interventions on mild cognitive impairment (MCI) in elderly individuals...
OBJECTIVE
This study aims to comprehensively summarize and evaluate the impact of non-pharmacological interventions on mild cognitive impairment (MCI) in elderly individuals through a systematic review of pertinent literature. The interventions include acupuncture, massage, ear point pressing, acupoint moxibustion, dietary modifications, and exercise interventions.
METHODS
A thorough literature search spanned 2017 to 2023 across databases like Zhichou, Wanfang, PubMed, CINAHL, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library. It covered pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions, emphasising MCI in elderly patients. Independent screening, evaluation, and data extraction were conducted and assessed via the AMSTAR 2 scale and GRADE approach. Outcome measures (e.g., MMSE, MoCA, ADL, CDT, overall efficacy) were analyzed.
RESULTS
Three systematic evaluations were assessed using AMSTAR 2. Two were low quality, one moderate. Limited rigor in two studies led to considering only medium-quality papers for evidence grading. Key indicators in RCTs included MMSE (eight studies), MoCA (seven studies), ADL (two studies), CDT (two studies), and overall efficacy (12 studies). GRADE evaluation revealed moderate, high, and high evidence quality for intervention efficacy at one, two, and three months respectively. MMSE evidence was low, MoCA high, ADL very low, and CDT moderate. Adverse events were reported in one publication, suggesting acupuncture's potential pain and resistance.
CONCLUSIONS
Non-pharmacological interventions, like acupuncture, cognitive exercises, and exercise, show promise in mild cognitive impairment among the elderly. They enhance cognitive function and daily living while maintaining safety. Acupuncture notably improves MoCA scores, supported by robust evidence.
PubMed: 37632951
DOI: No ID Found -
Medicine Aug 2023The efficacy of acupoint application in the treatment of ulcerative colitis (UC) is still controversial. The purpose of this study is to systematically evaluate the... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
The efficacy of acupoint application in the treatment of ulcerative colitis (UC) is still controversial. The purpose of this study is to systematically evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of acupoint application in the treatment of ulcerative colitis.
METHODS
The databases of China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Chinese Biology Medicine (CBM), VIP, Wanfang, Embase, PubMed, the Cochrane Library and Web of Science were searched. The time limit was from the establishment of the database to July 2022. The published randomized controlled trials of acupoint application in the treatment of UC were analyzed by meta-analysis and trial sequential analysis.
RESULTS
A total of 13 studies were included, with a total sample size of 878 cases. Compared with conventional western medicine, acupoint application can effectively improve the effective rates of clinical comprehensive (risk ratio [RR] 1.13, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.06-1.20, P = .0003), syndrome (RR 1.13, 95% CI 1.03-1.24, P = .009), and interleukin-4 (IL-4) (mean differences 2.62, 95% CI 1.96-3.28, P < .00001) in the treatment of UC, and reduce interferon-γ (mean differences -5.38, 95% CI -6.81 to -3.94, P < .00001). The effective rates of colonoscopy (RR 0.94, 95% CI 0.84-1.05, P = .25), pathological examination (RR 1.04, 95% CI 0.90-1.20, P = .60) and rate of adverse reaction (RR 0.55, 95% CI 0.25-1.21, P = .14) were the same. Trial sequential analysis indicated that the benefits of effective rates of clinical comprehensive and syndrome, IL-4, and interferon-γ were conclusive. Harbord regression showed no publication bias (P = .98). The evaluation of evidence quality suggested that the evidence quality of effective rates of clinical comprehensive and syndrome was moderate and the evidence quality of other indicators was low or very low.
CONCLUSION
Acupoint application is a safe and effective method for the treatment of UC, and has the prospect of clinical application.
Topics: Humans; Colitis, Ulcerative; Interleukin-4; Acupuncture Points; Interferon-gamma; Medicine
PubMed: 37603518
DOI: 10.1097/MD.0000000000034489