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Casale M. Improving the health and treatment success rates of in vitro fertilization patients with traditional Chinese medicine: Need for more robust evidence and innovative approaches. JOURNAL OF INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE 2022; 20:187-192. [PMID: 35216931 DOI: 10.1016/j.joim.2022.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2021] [Accepted: 01/26/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Maximising access to and the success of fertility treatments should be a priority for global reproductive health, as should overall patient well-being. The demand for in vitro fertilization (IVF) and other assisted fertility treatments has increased over the past decade and is likely to further increase in years to come. Nevertheless, there is still considerable unmet demand for infertility support worldwide. Moreover, the high emotional, physical and financial burden experienced by individuals undergoing IVF cycles can be a risk for their mental and physical health, which in turn can influence treatment continuation and the likelihood of IVF success. Studies from various parts of the world show that most individuals undergoing IVF also use adjunct alternative medicines and procedures, the most common being traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). The complementary and synergistic role of TCM for individuals undergoing IVF is an area that merits further attention and research, both for its potential positive effects on IVF success rates and for its broader physical and mental health benefits. However, much of the existing evidence is not sufficiently robust or consistent for findings to be adopted with confidence. This commentary argues that much work must be done to understand the efficacy and clinical best practices for these integrated approaches. This can be achieved in part by developing more robust and clinically relevant randomized controlled trial protocols, collecting and triangulating evidence through a variety of study designs and methods, and strengthening the collection and pooling of clinic-level data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marisa Casale
- School of Public Health, University of the Western Cape, Bellville 7535, South Africa.
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Lin SK, Wang PH, Huang CH, Kuo YH, Lai JN, Cheng-Chung Wei J. Association between Traditional Chinese medicine and a lower risk of dementia in patients with major depression: A case-control study. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2021; 278:114291. [PMID: 34089809 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2021.114291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2020] [Revised: 06/01/2021] [Accepted: 06/01/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Major depression is an important risk factor for dementia. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) can alleviate the symptoms of major depression. However, it is unclear whether TCM decreases the risk of dementia in patients with major depression. Therefore, in this nationwide case-control study, we aimed to evaluate the association between TCM and the risk of dementia. MATERIALS AND METHODS We included 31,981 major depression patients with dementia from the National Dementia Database as the case group, and 4391 major depression patients without dementia from a one-million random sample database as the control group. We matched age (plus or minus two years), sex, and year of depression diagnosis based on a 1:4 ratio. RESULT There were 11,724 and 2931 patients in the case and control groups, respectively. Based on a conditional logistic regression analysis, the TCM groups exhibited significantly lower odds ratios with a 95% confidence interval of 0.83 (0.74-0.91). TCM treatment for more than 90 days, dispersing Qi, and activating blood circulation resulted in lower dementia risk with the following odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals: 0.60 (0.56-0.68), 0.87 (0.74-1.08), and 0.66 (0.49-0.81). CONCLUSION The results suggest that TCM is associated with lower dementia risk in major depression patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shun-Ku Lin
- Institute of Public Health, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China; Department of Chinese Medicine, Taipei City Hospital, Renai Branch, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China; General Education Center, University of Taipei, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Pin-Hsuan Wang
- Department of Chinese Medicine, Taipei City Hospital, Renai Branch, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China; School of Chinese Medicine, College of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Ching-Hsuan Huang
- Department of Chinese Traumatology Medicine, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Yu-Hsien Kuo
- Department of Chinese Traumatology Medicine, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Jung-Nien Lai
- School of Chinese Medicine, College of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan, Republic of China; Department of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan, Republic of China.
| | - James Cheng-Chung Wei
- Department of Allergy, Immunology & Rheumatology, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan, Republic of China; Institute of Medicine, Chung-Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan, Republic of China; Graduate Institute of Integrated Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan, Republic of China.
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Zhichao H, Ching LW, Huijuan L, Liang Y, Zhiyu W, Weiyang H, Zhaoxiang B, Linda ZLD. A network meta-analysis on the effectiveness and safety of acupuncture in treating patients with major depressive disorder. Sci Rep 2021; 11:10384. [PMID: 34001924 PMCID: PMC8129113 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-88263-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2020] [Accepted: 04/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Acupuncture is an important alternative therapy in treating major depressive disorder (MDD), but its efficacy and safety are still not well assessed. This study is the first network meta-analysis exploring the effectiveness and safety of acupuncture, common pharmacological treatments or other non-medication therapies for MDD. Eight databases including PubMed, Embase, Allied and Complementary Medicine Database, Cochrane Library, Wan Fang Data, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, China Biology Medicine disc, and Chongqing VIP Database were searched up to Jan 17, 2021. Articles were screened and selected by two reviewers independently. We used the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach to assess the certainty of the evidence. A total of 71 eligible studies were included. The network analysis results indicated that the combined interventions of electro-acupuncture (EA) with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and manual acupuncture (MA) with SSRIs were more effective in improving depression symptoms compared with acupuncture alone, pharmacological interventions alone, or other inactive groups. Among all the regimens, EA with SSRIs was found to have the highest effect in improving depression symptoms of MDD. In addition, there were slight differences in the estimations of the various treatment durations. The combination of acupuncture and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) was found to be more effective than SNRIs alone. In conclusion, acupuncture and its combinations could be safe and effective interventions for MDD patients. EA with SSRIs seems to be the most effective intervention among the assessed interventions. Well-designed and large-scale studies with long-term follow-up should be conducted in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hu Zhichao
- Hong Kong Chinese Medicine Clinical Study Center, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon, 999077, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Lam Wai Ching
- Hong Kong Chinese Medicine Clinical Study Center, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon, 999077, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Li Huijuan
- School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China
- Evidence-Based Medicine Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China
| | - Yao Liang
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Wang Zhiyu
- Guangdong Provincial Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Huang Weiyang
- Hong Kong Chinese Medicine Clinical Study Center, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon, 999077, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Bian Zhaoxiang
- Hong Kong Chinese Medicine Clinical Study Center, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon, 999077, Hong Kong SAR, China.
| | - Zhong L D Linda
- Hong Kong Chinese Medicine Clinical Study Center, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon, 999077, Hong Kong SAR, China.
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The Safety of Baduanjin Exercise: A Systematic Review. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2021; 2021:8867098. [PMID: 33552220 PMCID: PMC7847359 DOI: 10.1155/2021/8867098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2020] [Revised: 11/25/2020] [Accepted: 01/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Objectives Baduanjin exercise is a form of Qigong exercise therapy that has become increasingly popular worldwide. The aims of the current systematic review were to summarize reported adverse events potentially associated with Baduanjin exercise based on currently available literature and to evaluate the quality of the methods used to monitor adverse events in the trials assessed. Methods The English databases PubMed, Cochrane library, and EMbase were searched from inception to October 2020 using the keywords “Baduanjin” or “eight session brocade.” Only studies that included Baduanjin exercise therapy were included. Results Forty-seven trials with a total of 3877 participants were included in this systematic review. Twenty-two studies reported protocols for monitoring adverse events, and two studies reported the occurrence of adverse events during training. The adverse events reported included palpitation, giddiness, knee pain, backache, fatigue, nervousness, dizziness, shoulder pain, chest tightness, shortness of breath, and muscle ache. Conclusions Only two studies reported adverse events that were potentially caused by Baduanjin exercise. Adverse events related to Baduanjin exercise in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome may include muscle ache, palpitation, giddiness, knee pain, backache, fatigue, nervousness, dizziness, shoulder pain, chest tightness, and shortness of breath. Further studies conducted in accordance with the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials statement guideline incorporating monitoring of adverse events are recommended. Additional clinical trials in which Baduanjin exercise is used as a main intervention are needed, and further meta-analysis may be required to assess its safety and reach more informed conclusions in this regard in the future.
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Mindful Exercise (Baduanjin) as an Adjuvant Treatment for Older Adults (60 Years Old and Over) of Knee Osteoarthritis: A Randomized Controlled Trial. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2020; 2020:9869161. [PMID: 32617115 PMCID: PMC7312696 DOI: 10.1155/2020/9869161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2020] [Accepted: 05/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Background The postural stability is a major factor that helps prevent developing knee osteoarthritis with aging. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of Baduanjin qigong on postural control and physical function in older adults with knee osteoarthritis. Methods Fifty-six individuals over 60 years of age with knee osteoarthritis were randomly assigned to either an experimental group (n = 28) or a control group (n = 28). Participants in the experimental group received a 12-week Baduanjin training, while those in the control group did not receive any additional physical exercise during the study period. The postural control was quantified by perimeter and ellipse area of center of pressure movement trajectory. The assessments were conducted three times (baseline, week 8, and week 12). Results The perimeter and ellipse area with both open- and closed-eyes conditions and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) function were significantly improved at week eight in the experimental group (p < 0.005). The ellipse area with open-eyes condition, WOMAC index, and stiffness and physical function domains were significantly decreased after the 12 weeks of Baduanjin training compared to the control group (p < 0.005). Only the perimeter area with both open- and closed-eyes conditions was not statistically significant at week 12 in the intervention group (p > 0.005). Conclusions Baduanjin is an effective and adjuvant therapy for older adults with knee osteoarthritis. Regular Baduanjin training can improve postural control and WOMAC function of old individuals with knee osteoarthritis. More advanced techniques and biopsychological measurements are required for further understanding of Baduanjin exercise in this population. The trial was registered in Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR-IOR-16010042).
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Ye J, Simpson MW, Liu Y, Lin W, Zhong W, Cai S, Zou L. The Effects of Baduanjin Qigong on Postural Stability, Proprioception, and Symptoms of Patients With Knee Osteoarthritis: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Front Med (Lausanne) 2020; 6:307. [PMID: 31998728 PMCID: PMC6966958 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2019.00307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2019] [Accepted: 12/05/2019] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Knee osteoarthritis is a common disease affecting a large number of old individuals worldwide. This study aimed to explore the effects of Baduanjin Qigong in patients with knee osteoarthritis. Methods: Fifty participants with knee osteoarthritis were randomly assigned to either an experimental group (n = 25) or a control group (n = 25). Participants in the experimental group received Baduanjin Qigong training for 12 weeks, with three sessions per week lasting 40 min per session. Participants in the control group did not receive any additional physical training. All of participants completed outcome (proprioception, postural stability, and functional ability) assessments at three time points (baseline, Week 8, 12). Results: Proprioception and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index function were statistically improved at eighth and 12th week of the intervention in the Baduanjin Qigong group (p < 0.05), while the control group did not have any significant changes. For postural stability at the anterior-posterior direction with eyes closed, Baduanjin Qigong group showed significant improvement compared to controls after the 12 weeks of intervention (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Regular Baduanjin Qigong practice helped the improvement of knee joint proprioception and postural stability, and reduction of pain, stiffness, and functional impairments of old adults with knee osteoarthritis. Well-designed randomized controlled trials with long-term assessment are needed. The trial was registered in Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR-IOR-16010042). URL: http://www.chictr.org.cn/hvshowproject.aspx?id=10550.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiajia Ye
- Department of Rehabilitation Assessment, Rehabilitation Hospital Affiliated to Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, China
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Michael William Simpson
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Yang Liu
- Department of Kinesiology and Program in Neuroscience, Indiana University Bloomington, Bloomington, IN, United States
| | - Wei Lin
- Academy of Integrative Medicine, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, China
| | - Weihong Zhong
- Department of Rehabilitation Assessment, Rehabilitation Hospital Affiliated to Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, China
| | - Shuhe Cai
- Department of Orthopaedic Rehabilitation, Rehabilitation Hospital Affiliated to Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, China
- Fujian Provincial Rehabilitation Industrial Institution, Fuzhou, China
| | - Liye Zou
- Exercise and Mental Health Laboratory, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Affective and Social Cognitive Science, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
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So WWY, Cai S, Yau SY, Tsang HWH. The Neurophysiological and Psychological Mechanisms of Qigong as a Treatment for Depression: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Front Psychiatry 2019; 10:820. [PMID: 31824346 PMCID: PMC6880657 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2019.00820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2019] [Accepted: 10/17/2019] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective: An increasing number of studies have shown the anti-depressive effect of qigong. However, its underlying mechanism remains poorly understood. This study aims to systematically review and meta-analyze existing literature on the mechanism of qigong in reducing depression. Method: The review process followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Randomized controlled trials of qigong were searched from PsycINFO, PubMed, Embase, ScienceDirect, and Academic Search Premier from inception to December 2018. Studies which involved depression and any neurophysiological or psychological mechanisms as outcomes were included. Publication bias was tested before conducting meta-analysis. Two independent raters were involved for the entire review process. Results: A total of nine studies were identified which covered both neurophysiological and psychological mechanisms. Among these selected studies, seven were involved in meta-analysis, which suggested that qigong was effective in alleviating depression (standardized mean difference, SMD = -0.27, p < 0.05, I 2 = 27%). A significant effect was also found for diastolic blood pressure (SMD = -1.64, p < 0.05, I 2 = 31%). However, no significant effect was found for cortisol level and systolic blood pressure. Conclusions: This review shows that qigong is effective in reducing depression through activating the parasympathetic nervous system. Future studies with higher quality of research methodology with less selection and attrition bias should be conducted to unravel the possible anti-depressive effect of qigong.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wendy Wing Yan So
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Shuhe Cai
- Department of Orthopaedic Rehabilitation, Affiliated Rehabilitation Hospital of Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, China
| | - Suk Yu Yau
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Hector Wing Hong Tsang
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
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