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Li X, Zhai G, Zhang H, Li X, Wu M, Zhang S, Cui J, Tang Z, Hu Z. Clinical efficacy of acupuncture therapy combined with core muscle exercises in treating patients with chronic nonspecific low back pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Front Med (Lausanne) 2024; 11:1372748. [PMID: 38638928 PMCID: PMC11024316 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2024.1372748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction This meta-analysis aimed to determine the clinical efficacy of acupuncture combined with core muscle exercises on pain and functional status in patients with chronic nonspecific low back pain. Methods This study followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and meta-analysis criteria for systematic reviews and meta-analyses. Randomized controlled trials published till November 2023 were searched in PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane, Embase, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Chinese Biomedical Literature, and Wanfang databases. The search strategy was related to disease type, intervention, and control measures and was structured around the search terms "low back pain," "acupuncture therapy," and "exercise." Two reviewers applied inclusion and exclusion criteria. Sensitivity and fixed effects analyses were performed to determine the primary outcomes. Results We included 11 randomized controlled trials (n = 727) on acupuncture combined with core muscle exercises in patients with chronic nonspecific low back pain. Compared with controls, clinical efficacy was significant, with improvements in pain scores (visual analog pain scale and numerical rating scale) and Oswestry Disability Index in the intervention group. Discussion Acupuncture therapy combined with core muscle exercises improved pain and functional status in patients with chronic nonspecific low back pain, with favorable clinical outcomes compared with single-core muscle training. Multicenter large-sample trials are required to obtain more reliable conclusions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xia Li
- Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Guohua Zhai
- Fenglin Community Health Service Centre, Shanghai, China
| | - Hongkai Zhang
- Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xuefei Li
- Longhua Clinical Medical College of Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Mingqi Wu
- Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Sidi Zhang
- Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiawen Cui
- School of Rehabilitation Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhanying Tang
- Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Jinshan District Hospital of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhijun Hu
- Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
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Menezes FDS, Chaves EDCL, Mantuani AP, Marino LDS, Alcantara MAR, Nassif MS, de Castro Moura C, Carvalho LC, Iunes DH. Effects of low-power laser auriculotherapy on chronic spinal pain: Randomized clinical trial. Complement Ther Clin Pract 2022; 48:101578. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ctcp.2022.101578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2021] [Revised: 03/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Suen LKP, Yeh CH, Yeung SKW, Yeung JWF. Is the combined auriculotherapy approach superior to magneto-auriculotherapy alone in aging males with lower urinary tract symptoms? A randomized controlled trial. Aging Male 2020; 23:544-555. [PMID: 30651007 DOI: 10.1080/13685538.2018.1542673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The negative impact of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) on affected males is substantial. This study aims to assess whether a combined auriculotherapy (AT) using laser AT (LAT) and magneto-AT (MAT) is more effective than using MAT alone or placebo for managing LUTS of aging males.Methods: A randomized controlled, double-blinded trial was conducted. Sixty-two aging males with moderate or severe LUTS symptoms were randomly allocated into groups: Group 1, placebo LAT plus placebo MAT (n = 20); Group 2, combined AT approach using LAT plus MAT (n = 20); and Group 3, placebo LAT followed by MAT (n = 22). Six ear acupoints assumed to be suitable for alleviating LUTS were used. The total treatment period was 4 weeks, with follow-up visits till 3 months. Generalized estimating equations model was used for the examination of the interactions among the groups over time.Results: A combined AT approach exhibited a stronger treatment effect in relieving voiding problems, improving the peak urinary flow rate, and reducing the post-void residual urine than the placebo group or MAT alone.Conclusions: This study demonstrates that the AT protocol used in this study for aging males with LUTS is feasible and can be adopted in future study of increased scale.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorna K P Suen
- School of Nursing, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, HungHom, Hong Kong
| | - Chao Hsing Yeh
- Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Simon K W Yeung
- School of Nursing, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, HungHom, Hong Kong
| | - Jerry W F Yeung
- School of Nursing, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, HungHom, Hong Kong
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Morais BX, Ongaro JD, Almeida FO, Luz EMFD, Greco PBT, Magnago TSBDS. Auriculotherapy and reducing chronic musculoskeletal pain: integrative review. Rev Bras Enferm 2020; 73:e20190394. [PMID: 33263671 DOI: 10.1590/0034-7167-2019-0394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2019] [Accepted: 05/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES to describe the scientific evidence on the use of auriculotherapy to reduce chronic musculoskeletal pain in adults and the elderly. METHODS integrative literature review conducted in the Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences, SciVerse Scopus and MEDLINE databases (via National Library of Medicine), in March 2019, with no time frame. RESULTS 14 original scientific articles were analyzed, 64.3% of which were classified with level of evidence 2. All productions show the benefit of auriculotherapy in reducing chronic musculoskeletal pain, especially in the lumbar spine (42.9%). The treatment was developed in one or more sessions, using semi-permanent needles (42.9%) and electro-auriculotherapy (21.4%). CONCLUSIONS auriculotherapy was effective in reducing chronic musculoskeletal pain, showing itself as an alternative to be used for the promotion and recovery of individuals' health.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Juliana Dal Ongaro
- Universidade Federal de Santa Maria. Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
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Amaral LK, Souza MB, Campos MG, Mendonça VA, Bastone A, Pereira LS, Mascarenhas RO, Oliveira VC. Efficacy of conservative therapy in older people with nonspecific low back pain: A systematic review with meta-analysis and GRADE recommendations. Arch Gerontol Geriatr 2020; 90:104177. [DOI: 10.1016/j.archger.2020.104177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2020] [Revised: 07/04/2020] [Accepted: 07/05/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Nielsen A, Tick H, Mao JJ, Hecht F. Academic Consortium for Integrative Medicine & Health Commentary to CMS; RE: National Coverage Analysis (NCA) Tracking Sheet for Acupuncture for Chronic Low Back Pain (CAG-00452N). Glob Adv Health Med 2019; 8:2164956119857648. [PMID: 31321149 PMCID: PMC6624915 DOI: 10.1177/2164956119857648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Arya Nielsen
- Department of Family Medicine & Community Health, Icahn
School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Heather Tick
- Department of Family Medicine, and Anesthesiology & Pain
Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington
| | - Jun J. Mao
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Frederick Hecht
- Osher Center for Integrative Medicine, San Francisco,
California
| | - the Consortium Pain Task Force
- Department of Family Medicine & Community Health, Icahn
School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
- Department of Family Medicine, and Anesthesiology & Pain
Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
- Osher Center for Integrative Medicine, San Francisco,
California
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Comparison of Magnetic Auriculotherapy, Laser Auriculotherapy and Their Combination for Treatment of Insomnia in the Elderly: A Double-Blinded Randomised Trial. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2019; 2019:3651268. [PMID: 31239857 PMCID: PMC6556291 DOI: 10.1155/2019/3651268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2019] [Accepted: 05/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Background Insomnia is common amongst the elderly. With the adverse effects of prolonged use of hypnotics, the exploration of noninvasive and nonpharmacological complementary methods for insomnia is warranted. Auriculotherapy (AT) is a therapeutic approach where specific points on the auricle are stimulated to manage various physiological disorders. The purpose of this study is to determine the desirable treatment modality using AT to improve the sleep conditions of the elderly. Methods A three-arm double-blinded randomised trial was conducted on 145 eligible subjects. This study investigated three minimally invasive procedures, namely, laser auriculotherapy (LAT), magneto-auriculotherapy (MAT), and their combination. Seven auricular points were used. Treatment was performed three times a week, for six weeks. Subjects were assessed at baseline, six weeks, and follow-up after six weeks, three months, and six months. Generalised estimating equations were used to evaluate interactions amongst the groups over time based on the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), sleep parameters using actigraphic monitoring, health-related quality of life (HRQOL) using SF-12, and PHQ-9 for depression status. Results The treatment effects of the three procedures were comparable. Significant improvements were found in all of the subjective measures (PSQI, HRQOL, and PHQ-9) for individual groups over time. Improvements in the objective sleep parameters using actigraphic monitoring were detected in subjects who received MAT procedures but not in those who received LAT. The combined MAT and LAT approach did not show any advantage over MAT. Conclusions The treatment effects of the three procedures were comparable in subjective parameters but not by objective measures using actigraphic monitoring. Longer therapeutic course and more frequent administration of LAT may be considered in future trials to achieve the optimal treatment effect. Trial Registration This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT02970695, registered May 2016.
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Zhong Q, Wang D, Bai YM, Du SZ, Song YL, Zhu J. Effectiveness of Auricular Acupressure for Acute Postoperative Pain after Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Chin J Integr Med 2019; 25:225-232. [PMID: 30815805 DOI: 10.1007/s11655-019-3063-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/23/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To identify the effectiveness of auricular acupressure (AA) in patients with acute postoperative pain after surgery by systematic review. METHODS A search of randomized controlled trials was conducted in 5 English medical electronic databases and 4 Chinese databases. Two reviewers independently retrieved related studies, assessed the methodological quality, and extracted data with a standardized data form. Meta-analyses were performed using all time-points meta-analysis. RESULTS A total of 26 studies with 1,682 participants were included. Results showed that compared with conventional therapy, AA significantly improved the total effective rate [risk ratio=1.25, 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.13 to 1.37, Plt;0.0001; heterogeneity: Plt;0.0001, I2=85%]. In the subgroup analysis, the results changed in different follow-up time and surgery categories. The pain relief in the AA group might be the most significant at 72 h after surgery (mean difference=-0.85, 95% CI,-1.20 to-0.50, Plt;0.0001) and in abdominal surgery (mean difference=-1.15, 95% CI,-1.41 to-0.90, Plt;0.0001). Sensitivity analysis demonstrated that the results of this meta-analysis were stable. No serious adverse effects were recorded. CONCLUSION It was recommended to provide AA to patients with acute postoperative pain. However, a more accurate estimate of the effect requires further rigorously designed large-scale and high-quality RCTs for improving acute postoperative pain after surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qin Zhong
- School of Nursing, Nanjing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210046, China
| | - Di Wang
- School of Nursing, Nanjing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210046, China
| | - Ya-Mei Bai
- School of Nursing, Nanjing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210046, China.
| | - Shi-Zheng Du
- School of Nursing, Nanjing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210046, China
| | - Yu-Lei Song
- School of Nursing, Nanjing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210046, China
| | - Jing Zhu
- School of Nursing, Nanjing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210046, China
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Moura CDC, Chaves EDCL, Cardoso ACLR, Nogueira DA, Azevedo C, Chianca TCM. Acupuntura auricular para dor crônica nas costas em adultos: revisão sistemática e metanálise. Rev Esc Enferm USP 2019; 53:e03461. [DOI: 10.1590/s1980-220x2018021703461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2018] [Accepted: 09/25/2018] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
RESUMO Objetivo Investigar os ensaios clínicos randomizados sobre a ação da acupuntura auricular para a dor crônica nas costas em adultos, identificar os desfechos mais utilizados para avaliar essa condição, o protocolo utilizado para aplicar a intervenção e identificar nos estudos qual o efeito da terapia sobre a intensidade da dor. Método Revisão sistemática e metanálise, conduzidas entre junho de 2017 e maio de 2018, nas bases de dados PubMed, CINAHL, PEDro, Embase, Scopus e na Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde. Listas de referências de revisões sistemáticas também foram exploradas. Resultados Foram localizados 427 estudos, 15 incluídos na análise qualitativa, e sete na análise quantitativa. A acupuntura auricular obteve resultados positivos em 80% dos estudos. Os desfechos mais utilizados foram a intensidade e a qualidade da dor, consumo de medicação, incapacidade física e qualidade de vida. Não há padronização no protocolo de acupuntura auricular para dor crônica nas costas. Os resultados da metanálise apontaram que a acupuntura auricular foi eficaz em reduzir os escores de intensidade da dor (p=0,038). Conclusão A acupuntura auricular é uma prática promissora para o tratamento da dor crônica nas costas em adultos.
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Efficacy of Auricular Acupressure for Chronic Low Back Pain: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2017; 2017:6383649. [PMID: 28804504 PMCID: PMC5539928 DOI: 10.1155/2017/6383649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2017] [Revised: 04/14/2017] [Accepted: 06/08/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Objectives To identify the efficacy of auricular acupressure on pain and disability for chronic LBP by systematic review. Methods A search of randomized controlled trials was conducted in four English medical electronic databases and three Chinese databases. Two reviewers independently retrieved related studies, assessed the methodological quality, and extracted data with a standardized data form. Meta-analyses were performed using all time-points meta-analysis. Results A total of 7 trials met the inclusion criteria, of which 4 had the low risk of bias. The findings of this study showed that, for the immediate effect, auricular acupressure had large, significant effects in improving pain within 12 weeks. As for the follow-up effect, the pooled estimates also showed promising effect at 4-week follow-up after 4-week intervention (standardized mean difference = −1.13, 95% CI (−1.70, −0.56), P < 0.001). But, for the disability level, the therapeutic effect was not significant (mean difference = −1.99, 95% CI (−4.93, 0.95), P = 0.18). No serious adverse effects were recorded. Conclusions The encouraging evidence of this study indicates that it is recommended to provide auricular acupressure to patients with chronic low back pain. However, a more accurate estimate of the effect will require further rigorously designed large-scale RCTs on chronic LBP for improving pain and disability.
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ZHAO H, LIU BY, LIU ZS, XIE LM, FANG YG, ZHU Y, LI SN, SUN YX, HAN MJ. Clinical practice guidelines of using acupuncture for low back pain. WORLD JOURNAL OF ACUPUNCTURE-MOXIBUSTION 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/s1003-5257(17)30016-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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Suen LKP, Yeh CH, Yeung SKW. Using auriculotherapy for osteoarthritic knee among elders: a double-blinded randomised feasibility study. Altern Ther Health Med 2016; 16:257. [PMID: 27473749 PMCID: PMC4966810 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-016-1242-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2016] [Accepted: 07/23/2016] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Background Osteoarthritic knee (OA knee) is a common condition in the elderly. Exploration of non-invasive complementary therapies for OA knee is warranted given the limitations of pharmacologic therapies. Auriculotherapy (AT) is a therapeutic method in which specific points on the auricle are stimulated to treat various disorders of the body, and the therapeutic value and synergistic effect of laser auriculotherapy (LAT) when combined with magneto-auriculotherapy (MAT) merits further investigation. Methods This study adopted a double-blinded four-arm randomized placebo design. The aims of study are (1) to assess the feasibility of AT among elders with OA knee in a future large-scale study, including the use of blinding in subjects and evaluators, acceptance of treatment protocol, and estimating the effect size and attrition rate; and (2) to evaluate the preliminary effect of AT in elders with OA knee. Subjects were randomly divided into four groups with different modes of AT with/without placebo objects. A total of 43 subjects completed the 6-week intervention and post-assessment. Assessments included a numerical rating scale of pain (NRS), the timed-up-and-go test (TUGT), and standard goniometer measurements during knee flexion and extension, Kruskal–Wallis test was used to evaluate differences among groups, and Wilcoxon sign-ranked test for examining within-group comparison. Results Preliminary results indicated the absence of differences in the NRS, TUGT, and active/passive knee flexion and extension at baseline, as well as post-therapy, between the four groups. Even though the differences of these parameters between groups were not significant, the relative differences of NRS and TUGT in subjects who received combined MAT plus LAT were higher than those treated with MAT or LAT alone, or the placebo group. Four of the six parameters demonstrated significant within group differences in subjects who received MAT and/or LAT, whereas no significant differences were found in the placebo group. Conclusion This study demonstrates that the AT protocol adopted in this study for elders with OA knee is feasible and could be applied in future larger-scale study. Larger sample size should be considered in a future trial to determine the causal relationship between treatment and effect. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT02352636. Registered on 23 January 2015.
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Hou PW, Hsu HC, Lin YW, Tang NY, Cheng CY, Hsieh CL. The History, Mechanism, and Clinical Application of Auricular Therapy in Traditional Chinese Medicine. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE : ECAM 2015; 2015:495684. [PMID: 26823672 PMCID: PMC4707384 DOI: 10.1155/2015/495684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2015] [Accepted: 12/06/2015] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Auricular therapy includes acupuncture, electroacupuncture, acupressure, lasering, cauterization, moxibustion, and bloodletting in the auricle. For 2500 years, people have employed auricular therapy for treating diseases, but the methods have been limited to bloodletting and cauterization. Only after 1957, the international scientific community became aware that the map of the ear resembles an inverted fetus, its introduction has led to auricular acupuncture (AA) becoming a more systemic approach, and, following the identification and standardization of more precise points, AA has been employed in clinical applications. The mechanisms of AA are considered to have a close relationship with the autonomic nervous system, the neuroendocrine system, neuroimmunological factors, neuroinflammation, and neural reflex, as well as antioxidation. Auricular therapy has been applied, for example, for pain relief, for the treatment of epilepsy, anxiety, and obesity, and for improving sleep quality. However, the mechanisms and evidence for auricular therapy warrant further study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pu-Wei Hou
- Department of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung 40447, Taiwan
| | - Hsin-Cheng Hsu
- Department of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung 40447, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Wen Lin
- Graduate Institute of Acupuncture Science, College of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung 40402, Taiwan
| | - Nou-Ying Tang
- School of Chinese Medicine, College of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung 40402, Taiwan
| | - Chin-Yi Cheng
- School of Chinese Medicine, College of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung 40402, Taiwan
| | - Ching-Liang Hsieh
- Department of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung 40447, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Integrated Medicine, College of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung 40402, Taiwan
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King CHC, Moore LC, Spence CDL. Exploring Self-Reported Benefits of Auricular Acupuncture Among Veterans With Posttraumatic Stress Disorder. J Holist Nurs 2015; 34:291-9. [PMID: 26530240 DOI: 10.1177/0898010115610050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Auricular acupuncture treatments are becoming increasingly available within military treatment facilities, resulting in an expansion of nonpharmacologic treatment options available to veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This study aimed to explore the self-reported benefits of auricular acupuncture treatments for veterans living with PTSD. DESIGN A qualitative research methodology, thematic content analysis, was used to analyze data. METHOD Seventeen active duty veterans with PTSD provided written comments to describe their experiences and perceptions after receiving a standardized auricular acupuncture regimen for a 3-week period as part of a pilot feasibility study. FINDINGS A variety of symptoms experienced by veterans with PTSD were improved after receiving auricular acupuncture treatments. Additionally, veterans with PTSD were extremely receptive to auricular acupuncture treatments. Four themes emerged from the data: (1) improved sleep quality, (2) increased relaxation, (3) decreased pain, and (4) veterans liked/loved the auricular acupuncture treatments. CONCLUSIONS Veterans with PTSD reported numerous benefits following auricular acupuncture treatments. These treatments may facilitate healing and recovery for veterans with combat-related PTSD, although further investigations are warranted into the mechanisms of action for auricular acupuncture in this population.
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The Anti-Inflammatory Actions of Auricular Point Acupressure for Chronic Low Back Pain. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2015; 2015:103570. [PMID: 26170869 PMCID: PMC4480805 DOI: 10.1155/2015/103570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2014] [Revised: 03/01/2015] [Accepted: 03/02/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Background. Auricular point acupressure (APA) is a promising treatment for pain management. Few studies have investigated the physiological mechanisms of APA analgesics. Method. In this pilot randomized clinical trial (RCT), a 4-week APA treatment was used to manage chronic low back pain (CLBP). Sixty-one participants were randomized into a real APA group (n = 32) or a sham APA group (n = 29). Blood samples, pain intensity, and physical function were collected at baseline and after 4 weeks of treatment. Results. Subjects in the real APA group reported a 56% reduction of pain intensity and a 26% improvement in physical function. Serum blood samples showed (1) a decrease in IL-1β, IL-2, IL-6, and calcitonin gene-related peptide [CGRP] and (2) an increase in IL-4. In contrast, subjects in the sham APA group (1) reported a 9% reduction in pain and a 2% improvement in physical function and (2) exhibited minimal changes of inflammatory cytokines and neuropeptides. Statistically significant differences in IL-4 and CGRP expression between the real and sham APA groups were verified. Conclusion. These findings suggest that APA treatment affects pain intensity through modulation of the immune system, as reflected by APA-induced changes in serum inflammatory cytokine and neuropeptide levels.
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Auricular point acupressure for chronic pain: a feasibility study of a 4-week treatment protocol. Holist Nurs Pract 2015; 28:184-94. [PMID: 24722613 DOI: 10.1097/hnp.0000000000000027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
This 1-group, 4-week observational study aimed to (1) assess the feasibility of recruiting, retention, and completion of a 4-week auricular point acupressure (APA) treatment protocol for chronic pain in adult patients and (2) assess the effects of APA in pain reduction (pain severity and pain interference) among these patients. The participants received a 4-week APA treatment protocol in weekly cycles. Each weekly cycle included 5 days with APA seeds taped onto the ear and 2 days without. Each participant was called every day to monitor adherence to the treatment protocol (the actual times the participant pressed the seeds each day and the duration of applied pressure), to answer analgesic use, and to answer the pain intensity questionnaire. Thirty participants were initially enrolled in this study, but 5 did not continue. The retention rate was 83% (n = 25). Approximately 60% of the participants (n = 15) adhered to the 4-week APA and completed all data assessments. At baseline assessment, only 40% of all participants (n = 12 of 30) were confident that APA would reduce and eliminate pain; nonetheless, all participants reported fewer episodes of pain occurrences and pain intensity with the APA treatment. For the participants who completed the 4-week APA protocol (n = 15), 96% (n = 14) decreased analgesic medication intake and 88% (n = 13) felt "much better" after the APA treatment. Participants reported an average reduction of 63% in the worst pain intensity at day 7. By the end of the 4-week APA protocol, an even greater reduction in pain intensity was reported (66%, n = 10, at day 28). The participants who did not complete the treatment protocol reported an average pain reduction of 29%, which fluctuated to 22% before they dropped out. Auricular point acupressure is feasible for patients with chronic pain. The preliminary findings of this feasibility study show a reduction in pain intensity and improvement in physical function, which demonstrate the potential for APA as a treatment option for patients with chronic pain.
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Auricular point acupressure to manage chronic low back pain in older adults: a randomized controlled pilot study. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2014; 2014:375173. [PMID: 25147574 PMCID: PMC4134789 DOI: 10.1155/2014/375173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2014] [Revised: 05/13/2014] [Accepted: 05/21/2014] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
This prospective, randomized clinical trial (RCT) pilot study was designed to (1) assess the feasibility and tolerability of an easily administered, auricular point acupressure (APA) intervention and (2) provide an initial assessment of effect size as compared to a sham treatment. Thirty-seven subjects were randomized to receive either the real or sham APA treatment. All participants were treated once a week for 4 weeks. Self-report measures were obtained at baseline, weekly during treatment, at end-of-intervention (EOI), and at a 1-month follow-up. A dropout rate of 26% in the real APA group and 50% in the sham group was observed. The reduction in worst pain from baseline to EOI was 41% for the real and 5% for the sham group with a Cohen's effect size of 1.22 (P < 0.00). Disability scores on the Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ) decreased in the real group by 29% and were unchanged in the sham group (+3%) (P < 0.00). Given the high dropout rate, results must be interpreted with caution; nevertheless, our results suggest that APA may provide an inexpensive and effective complementary approach for the management of back pain in older adults, and further study is warranted.
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A randomized clinical trial of auricular point acupressure for chronic low back pain: a feasibility study. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2013; 2013:196978. [PMID: 23554825 PMCID: PMC3603381 DOI: 10.1155/2013/196978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2012] [Revised: 01/22/2013] [Accepted: 01/23/2013] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Objectives. This prospective, randomized clinical trial (RCT) was designed to investigate the feasibility and effects of a 4-week auricular point acupressure (APA) for chronic low back pain (CLBP). Methods. Participants were randomized to either true APA (true acupoints with taped seeds on the designated ear points for CLBP) or sham APA (sham acupoints with taped seeds but on different locations than those designated for CLBP). The duration of treatment was four weeks. Participants were assessed before treatment, weekly during treatment, and 1 month following treatment. Results. Participants in the true APA group who completed the 4-week APA treatment had a 70% reduction in worst pain intensity, a 75% reduction in overall pain intensity, and a 42% improvement in disability due to back pain from baseline assessment. The reductions of worst pain and overall pain intensity in the true APA group were statistically greater than participants in the sham group (P < 0.01) at the completion of a 4-week APA and 1 month followup. Discussion. The preliminary findings of this feasibility study showed a reduction in pain intensity and improvement in physical function suggesting that APA may be a promising treatment for patients with CLBP.
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