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Hohenschurz-Schmidt D, Phalip J, Chan J, Gauhe G, Soliman N, Vollert J, Lunde SJ, Vase L. Placebo analgesia in physical and psychological interventions: Systematic review and meta-analysis of three-armed trials. Eur J Pain 2024; 28:513-531. [PMID: 37985188 DOI: 10.1002/ejp.2205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2023] [Revised: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The magnitude of placebo effects from physical and psychological 'sham' is unknown but could impact efficacy trials and treatment understanding. To quantify placebo effects, this systematic review of three-armed randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of physical and psychological interventions for pain compared outcomes in 'sham' control intervention and non-exposure arms. METHODS RCTs with treatment, 'sham' control intervention, and non-exposure groups were included, enrolling adults with any pain. A protocol was pre-registered (PROSPERO: CRD42023413324), and twelve databases searched from 2008 to July 2023. Trial methods and blinding were analysed descriptively and risk of bias assessed. Meta-analysis of pain measures at short-, medium- and long-term was performed with random-effects models of standardised mean differences (SMD).Studies were sub-grouped according to control intervention type. RESULTS Seventeen RCTs were included. The average short-term placebo effect was small (0.21 SMD, 0.1-0.33 95% CI, p = 0.0002, 1440 participants). It showed no heterogeneity (Tau2 = 0.1, I2 = 11%, p = 0.3), preventing meta-regression analyses of effect modifiers. However, sub-group analyses revealed larger placebo effects in manual control interventions compared to disabled devices and miscellaneous control interventions. Overall, placebo analgesia accounted for 39% of treatments' short-term effectiveness. No placebo effects were found at medium-term (7 RCTs, 381 participants) or long-term follow-up (3 RCTs, 173 participants). CONCLUSIONS The observed placebo analgesia has mechanistic and methodological implications, though its clinical importance may be limited. Control intervention design affects placebo effects, highlighting the importance of considering methodology in RCT interpretation. Review limitations include a small number of long-term studies and sample heterogeneity. SIGNIFICANCE This systematic review directly quantifies placebo effects from physical and psychological 'sham' control interventions and compares them to treatments' overall effectiveness. By doing so, the review enhances our understanding of placebo effects, their relative contribution in clinical trials, and their susceptibly to trial design. It poses further questions regarding the influence of blinding, participant expectations, and features of the therapeutic context. Overall, the insights provided by this review carry methodological significance and are important for the interpretation and synthesis of efficacy trials in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Hohenschurz-Schmidt
- Pain Research, Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Research Department, University College of Osteopathy, London, UK
| | - Jules Phalip
- Institut ANALGESIA, Faculté de Médecine, Université Clermont Auvergne, Clermont-Ferrand, France
- CHU Clermont-Ferrand, Inserm 1107 Neuro-Dol, Service de pharmacologie médicale, Université Clermont Auvergne, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Jessica Chan
- Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Greta Gauhe
- Centre for Dance Research, Coventry University, Coventry, UK
| | - Nadia Soliman
- Pain Research, Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Jan Vollert
- Pain Research, Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Division of Neurological Pain Research and Therapy, Department of Neurology, University Hospital of Schleswig-Holstein, Kiel, Germany
- Department of Anaesthesiology, Intensive Care and Pain Medicine, University Hospital Muenster, Münster, Germany
- Neurophysiology, Mannheim Center of Translational Neuroscience (MCTN), Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Sigrid Juhl Lunde
- Department of Psychology and Behavioural Sciences, School of Business and Social Sciences, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Lene Vase
- Department of Psychology and Behavioural Sciences, School of Business and Social Sciences, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
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Vaira LA, Massaiu A, Massaiu G, Salzano G, Maglitto F, Lechien JR, Biglio A, Visaloco G, Piombino P, Biglioli F, De Riu G. Efficacy of auriculotherapy in the control of pain, edema, and trismus following surgical extraction of the lower third molars: a split-mouth, randomized, placebo-controlled, and triple-blind study. Oral Maxillofac Surg 2024; 28:279-287. [PMID: 36735078 PMCID: PMC10914868 DOI: 10.1007/s10006-023-01140-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2022] [Accepted: 01/29/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The aim of this split-mouth, randomized, placebo-controlled, and triple-blind study was to evaluate whether auriculotherapy had any effect on the post-operative course after the extraction of third molars in terms of the control of pain, edema, and trismus. MATERIALS AND METHODS The study included 42 patients (84 teeth) who had undergone a surgical extraction of the lower third molars. In each patient, the two extractions were randomly assigned to two study groups. In the therapy group, the patients underwent auriculotherapy with vaccaria seeds applied with patches in 6 ear points. In the control group, the patches were applied, without seeds, to the same ear points. After the extraction, the patients were asked to stimulate the ear points three times a day and whenever they felt pain. The patients were asked to keep a diary in which they assessed their pain by means of the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for 8 days. Edema and trismus were assessed 1, 2, 3, and 8 days after surgery. RESULTS The differences between the two groups were statistically significant at the 12-h control (auriculotherapy group (AG) VAS 5.5 [IQR 4.25-6.75], placebo group (PG) VAS 6 [IQR 5-8], p = 0.040), after 24 h (AG VAS 5 [IQR 4-6], PG VAS 6 [IQR 4.25-7], p = 0.024), after 2 days (AG VAS 4 [IQR 3-5], PG VAS 4.5 [IQR 4-6], p = 0.044), and after 3 days (AG VAS 3 [IQR 0-5], PG VAS 4 [IQR 3-5], p = 0.024). Throughout the observation period, the AG took a significantly lower number of painkillers than the PG (AG 6 [IQR 4.25-7]; PG 8 [IQR 8-9], p < 0.001). There were no significant differences in the levels of edema and trismus between the two groups throughout the observation period. CONCLUSIONS On the basis of the results of the present study, auriculotherapy can be considered as a cost-effective adjuvant pain reliever treatment in patients undergoing an extraction of the lower third molars.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luigi Angelo Vaira
- Maxillofacial Surgery Operative Unit, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Pharmacy, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy.
- Biomedical Science Department, PhD School of Biomedical Science, University of Sassari, Viale San Pietro 43B, Sassari, Italy.
| | | | | | - Giovanni Salzano
- Department of Maxillofacial Surgery, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Fabio Maglitto
- Department of Maxillofacial Surgery, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Jerome R Lechien
- Department of Anatomy and Experimental Oncology, Mons School of Medicine, UMONS Research Institute for Health Sciences and Technology, University of Mons (UMons), Mons, Belgium
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head Neck Surgery, Polyclinic of Poitiers, Elsan Hospital, Poitiers, France
| | - Andrea Biglio
- Maxillofacial Surgery Operative Unit, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Pharmacy, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
- Maxillofacial Surgery Department, San Paolo Hospital, ASST Santi Paolo E Carlo, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Giulio Visaloco
- Maxillofacial Surgery Operative Unit, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Pharmacy, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
- Dental School, University Hospital of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Pasquale Piombino
- Department of Maxillofacial Surgery, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Federico Biglioli
- Maxillofacial Surgery Department, San Paolo Hospital, ASST Santi Paolo E Carlo, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Giacomo De Riu
- Maxillofacial Surgery Operative Unit, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Pharmacy, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
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Müller M, Schmucker C, Naumann J, Schlueter N, Huber R, Lederer AK. Acupuncture in management of acute dental pain - A systematic review and meta-analysis. JAPANESE DENTAL SCIENCE REVIEW 2023; 59:114-128. [PMID: 36950225 PMCID: PMC10025006 DOI: 10.1016/j.jdsr.2023.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2022] [Revised: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Acute dental pain is a common issue leading to dental consultation. Besides causal therapy, patients are treated with acupuncture, but efficacy in acute dental pain is still not clarified. We aimed to evaluate results of recent research to estimate the efficacy of acupuncture compared to pain-relieving approaches in treatment of acute dental pain. A systematic review of controlled trials being published between database inception and 2020 were conducted to evaluate the efficacy of acupuncture (alone or as complementary therapy) compared to local anesthesia or conventional analgesic medications in acute dental pain (intraoperatively and postoperatively) and to clarify whether acupuncture reduces the use of postoperative analgesic medications. Of 1672 publications, 23 publications met the inclusion criteria. From these, 11 randomized controlled trials (n = 668) reported on the efficacy of acupuncture on postoperative acute dental pain. Patients, who received acupuncture, showed lower pain scores postoperatively compared to sham acupuncture (Relative Risk -0.77, 95% Confidence interval -1.52 to -0.03). Overall, the results suggest a potential role of acupuncture in improving acute dental pain intraoperatively and postoperatively as well as improving the efficacy of local anesthesia, but the results are limited due to methodological shortcomings emphasizing the necessity for future high-quality research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moritz Müller
- Center for Complementary Medicine, Department of Medicine II, Medical Center – University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Christine Schmucker
- Institute for Evidence in Medicine, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Johannes Naumann
- European Institute for Physical Therapy and Balneology (EIPB), 79106 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Nadine Schlueter
- Hannover Medical School (MHH), Department of Conservative Dentistry, Periodontology and Preventive Dentistry, Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1, D-30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Roman Huber
- Center for Complementary Medicine, Department of Medicine II, Medical Center – University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Ann-Kathrin Lederer
- Center for Complementary Medicine, Department of Medicine II, Medical Center – University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
- Department of General, Visceral and Transplant Surgery, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University, 55131 Mainz, Germany
- Corresponding author at: Department of General, Visceral and Transplant Surgery, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University, 55131 Mainz, Germany.
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Hohenschurz-Schmidt D, Draper-Rodi J, Vase L, Scott W, McGregor A, Soliman N, MacMillan A, Olivier A, Cherian CA, Corcoran D, Abbey H, Freigang S, Chan J, Phalip J, Sørensen LN, Delafin M, Baptista M, Medforth NR, Ruffini N, Andresen SS, Ytier S, Ali D, Hobday H, Ngurah Agung Adhiyoga Santosa AA, Vollert J, Rice AS. Blinding and sham control methods in trials of physical, psychological, and self-management interventions for pain (article II): a meta-analysis relating methods to trial results. Pain 2023; 164:509-533. [PMID: 36271798 PMCID: PMC9916063 DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000002730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2021] [Revised: 05/16/2022] [Accepted: 06/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Sham interventions in randomized clinical trials (RCTs) of physical, psychological, and self-management (PPS) therapies for pain are highly variable in design and believed to contribute to poor internal validity. However, it has not been formally tested whether the extent to which sham controls resemble the treatment under investigation consistently affects trial outcomes, such as effect sizes, differential attrition, participant expectancy, and blinding effectiveness. Placebo- or sham-controlled RCTs of PPS interventions of clinical pain populations were searched in 12 databases. The similarity of control interventions to the experimental treatment was rated across 25 features. Meta-regression analyses assessed putative links between employed control interventions, observed effect sizes in pain-related outcomes, attrition, and blinding success. The sample included 198 unique control interventions, dominated by manual therapy and chronic musculoskeletal pain research. Meta-analyses indicated small-to-moderate benefits of active treatments over control interventions, across subgroups of manual therapies, exercise, and rehabilitation, and psychological intervention trials. Multiple meta-regression modelling demonstrated that similarity between sham control and tested interventions predicted variability in pain-related outcomes, attrition, and blinding effectiveness. Influential variables were differences relating to the extent of intervention exposure, participant experience, and treatment environments. The results support the supposed link between blinding methods and effect sizes, based on a large and systematically sourced overview of methods. However, challenges to effective blinding are complex and often difficult to discern from trial reports. Nonetheless, these insights have the potential to change trial design, conduct, and reporting and will inform guideline development.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Hohenschurz-Schmidt
- Pain Research, Department Surgery & Cancer, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jerry Draper-Rodi
- Research Centre, University College of Osteopathy, London, United Kingdom
| | - Lene Vase
- Department of Psychology and Behavioural Sciences, Section for Psychology and Neuroscience, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Whitney Scott
- Health Psychology Section, Department of Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
- INPUT Pain Management Unit, Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Alison McGregor
- Human Performance Group, Department Surgery & Cancer, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College, London, United Kingdom
| | - Nadia Soliman
- Pain Research, Department Surgery & Cancer, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College, London, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew MacMillan
- Research Centre, University College of Osteopathy, London, United Kingdom
| | - Axel Olivier
- Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Cybill Ann Cherian
- Chemical Engineering Department, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | | | - Hilary Abbey
- Research Centre, University College of Osteopathy, London, United Kingdom
| | - Sascha Freigang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Medical University Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Jessica Chan
- Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Lea Nørgaard Sørensen
- Department of Occupational Medicine, Danish Ramazzini Centre, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Maite Delafin
- The Penn Clinic, Hertfordshire, Hatfield, United Kingdom
| | - Margarida Baptista
- Wolfson Centre for Age Related Diseases, Department of Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Nuria Ruffini
- National Centre Germany, Foundation C.O.M.E. Collaboration, Berlin, Germany
| | | | | | - Dorota Ali
- Genetic and Developmental Psychiatry Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Harriet Hobday
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Jan Vollert
- Pain Research, Department Surgery & Cancer, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College, London, United Kingdom
- Division of Neurological Pain Research and Therapy, Department of Neurology, University Hospital of Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel, Germany
- Department of Anaesthesiology, Intensive Care and Pain Medicine, University Hospital Muenster, Münster,Germany
- Neurophysiology, Mannheim Center of Translational Neuroscience (MCTN), Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Andrew S.C. Rice
- Pain Research, Department Surgery & Cancer, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College, London, United Kingdom
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Hohenschurz-Schmidt D, Draper-Rodi J, Vase L, Scott W, McGregor A, Soliman N, MacMillan A, Olivier A, Cherian CA, Corcoran D, Abbey H, Freigang S, Chan J, Phalip J, Nørgaard Sørensen L, Delafin M, Baptista M, Medforth NR, Ruffini N, Skøtt Andresen S, Ytier S, Ali D, Hobday H, Santosa AANAA, Vollert J, Rice AS. Blinding and sham control methods in trials of physical, psychological, and self-management interventions for pain (article I): a systematic review and description of methods. Pain 2023; 164:469-484. [PMID: 36265391 PMCID: PMC9916059 DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000002723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2021] [Revised: 05/17/2022] [Accepted: 06/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Blinding is challenging in randomised controlled trials of physical, psychological, and self-management therapies for pain, mainly because of their complex and participatory nature. To develop standards for the design, implementation, and reporting of control interventions in efficacy and mechanistic trials, a systematic overview of currently used sham interventions and other blinding methods was required. Twelve databases were searched for placebo or sham-controlled randomised clinical trials of physical, psychological, and self-management treatments in a clinical pain population. Screening and data extraction were performed in duplicate, and trial features, description of control methods, and their similarity to the active intervention under investigation were extracted (protocol registration ID: CRD42020206590). The review included 198 unique control interventions, published between 2008 and December 2021. Most trials studied people with chronic pain, and more than half were manual therapy trials. The described control interventions ranged from clearly modelled based on the active treatment to largely dissimilar control interventions. Similarity between control and active interventions was more frequent for certain aspects (eg, duration and frequency of treatments) than others (eg, physical treatment procedures and patient sensory experiences). We also provide an overview of additional, potentially useful methods to enhance blinding, as well as the reporting of processes involved in developing control interventions. A comprehensive picture of prevalent blinding methods is provided, including a detailed assessment of the resemblance between active and control interventions. These findings can inform future developments of control interventions in efficacy and mechanistic trials and best-practice recommendations.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Hohenschurz-Schmidt
- Pain Research, Department of Surgery and Cancer, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College, Chelsea, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jerry Draper-Rodi
- Research Centre, University College of Osteopathy, London, United Kingdom
| | - Lene Vase
- Section for Psychology and Neuroscience, Department of Psychology and Behavioural Sciences, Aarhus University, Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Whitney Scott
- Health Psychology Section, Department of Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
- INPUT Pain Management Unit, Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Alison McGregor
- Human Performance Group, Department of Surgery and Cancer, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College, London, United Kingdom
| | - Nadia Soliman
- Pain Research, Department of Surgery and Cancer, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College, Chelsea, London, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew MacMillan
- Research Centre, University College of Osteopathy, London, United Kingdom
| | - Axel Olivier
- Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Cybill Ann Cherian
- Chemical Engineering Department, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | | | - Hilary Abbey
- Research Centre, University College of Osteopathy, London, United Kingdom
| | - Sascha Freigang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Medical University Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Jessica Chan
- Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Lea Nørgaard Sørensen
- Department of Occupational Medicine, Danish Ramazzini Centre, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Maite Delafin
- The Penn Clinic, Hertfordshire, Hatfield, United Kingdom
| | - Margarida Baptista
- Department of Psychology, Wolfson Centre for Age Related Diseases, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Nuria Ruffini
- National Centre Germany, Foundation C.O.M.E. Collaboration, Berlin, Germany
| | | | | | - Dorota Ali
- Genetic and Developmental Psychiatry Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Harriet Hobday
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Jan Vollert
- Pain Research, Department of Surgery and Cancer, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College, Chelsea, London, United Kingdom
- Division of Neurological Pain Research and Therapy, Department of Neurology, University Hospital of Schleswig-Holstein, Kiel, Germany
- Neurophysiology, Mannheim Center of Translational Neuroscience (MCTN), Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Anaesthesiology, Intensive Care and Pain Medicine, University Hospital Muenster, Muenster, Germany
| | - Andrew S.C. Rice
- Pain Research, Department of Surgery and Cancer, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College, Chelsea, London, United Kingdom
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Lee YS, Kim SY, Lee H, Chae Y, Lee MS. ACURATE: A guide for reporting sham controls in trials using acupuncture. J Evid Based Med 2023; 16:82-90. [PMID: 36959765 DOI: 10.1111/jebm.12524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/25/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To promote better reporting quality regarding sham acupuncture in clinical trials for a precise appraisal of the adequacy of the sham acupuncture procedure. METHODS A three-stage online Delphi survey was conducted to a group of experts. Items with higher than 80% consensus from the initial checklist were selected as the final candidates. Further discussion among the working group was convened to preclude potential redundancy among the items. RESULTS A total of 23 experts out of 35 (66%) responded to the Delphi process. The final checklist consists of 23 items in six categories: type of sham acupuncture, details of sham acupuncture manipulation, location of sham acupuncture, treatment regimen, practitioner, and protocol and settings. CONCLUSION This paper presents the Acupuncture Controls gUideline for Reporting humAn Trials and Experiments (ACURATE) checklist, an extension of The Consolidated Standards for Reporting of Trials (CONSORT) and to be used along with STandards for Reporting Interventions in Clinical Trials of Acupuncture (STRICTA) when sham acupuncture needles are used in the study. This checklist focuses on a clear depiction of sham needling procedures to enhance replicability and enable a precise appraisal. We encourage researchers to use ACURATE in trials and reviews involving sham acupuncture to assist reporting sham acupuncture procedures and the related components.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ye-Seul Lee
- Jaseng Spine and Joint Research Institute, Jaseng Medical Foundation, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Song-Yi Kim
- Department of Anatomy and Acupoint, College of Korean Medicine, Gachon University, Seongnam, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyangsook Lee
- Department of Science in Korean Medicine, College of Korean Medicine, Graduate School, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Younbyoung Chae
- Acupuncture and Meridian Science Research Center, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Myeong Soo Lee
- KM Science Research Division, Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
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Braithwaite FA, Walters JL, Moseley GL, Williams MT, McEvoy MP. A novel blinding protocol to test participant and therapist blinding during dry needling: a randomised controlled experiment. Physiotherapy 2021; 113:188-198. [PMID: 34579950 DOI: 10.1016/j.physio.2021.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2021] [Revised: 07/04/2021] [Accepted: 08/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Dry needling is widely used in physiotherapy. Lack of blinding in clinical trials means that dry needling effects and mechanisms remain unclear, with blinding issues accepted as an unavoidable barrier to better evidence. The authors aimed to overcome this barrier by designing a protocol to double-blind dry needling trials. DESIGN A prospectively registered randomised experiment tested a novel blinding protocol for blinding effectiveness. SETTING University physiotherapy clinic. PARTICIPANTS Therapists (n=15) and asymptomatic volunteers ('recipients') (n=45) were randomly allocated to real and/or sham interventions. INTERVENTIONS The protocol involved custom-made needles and cognitive and multisensory blinding techniques. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES The primary outcome was guesses about allocation. The a priori criterion for successful blinding was ≤50% correct guesses (random chance). Secondary analyses explored blinding patterns using blinding indices. RESULTS Correct guesses were not different from 50% for therapists [41% (95%CI 30 to 50), n=120 guesses] or recipients [49% (95%CI 38 to 60), n=90 guesses]. Blinding indices supported the primary result but revealed that recipients were better at detecting real dry needling than sham. CONCLUSION Both therapists and recipients were successfully blinded, which contrasts with the widely held assumption that double-blinding is impossible for needling interventions. The authors recommend that any future trials can, and therefore should, blind therapists. However, secondary analyses revealed that recipients receiving real dry needling were less blinded than sham recipients, which may still create bias in clinical trials and suggests further work is needed to improve recipient blinding. Nonetheless, the current findings offer an opportunity to gain better evidence concerning the effects and mechanisms of dry needling. STUDY REGISTRATION https://osf.io/rkzeb/.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felicity A Braithwaite
- IIMPACT in Health, University of South Australia, GPO Box 2471, Adelaide 5001, South Australia, Australia.
| | - Julie L Walters
- IIMPACT in Health, University of South Australia, GPO Box 2471, Adelaide 5001, South Australia, Australia.
| | - G Lorimer Moseley
- IIMPACT in Health, University of South Australia, GPO Box 2471, Adelaide 5001, South Australia, Australia.
| | - Marie T Williams
- IIMPACT in Health, University of South Australia, GPO Box 2471, Adelaide 5001, South Australia, Australia.
| | - Maureen P McEvoy
- IIMPACT in Health, University of South Australia, GPO Box 2471, Adelaide 5001, South Australia, Australia.
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Braithwaite FA, Walters JL, Moseley GL, Williams MT, McEvoy MP. A collaborative experiential problem-solving approach to develop shams for complex physical interventions: a case study of dry needling. Physiotherapy 2021; 113:177-187. [PMID: 34563384 DOI: 10.1016/j.physio.2021.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2020] [Revised: 07/04/2021] [Accepted: 08/02/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Complex physical interventions are widely used in physiotherapy, despite doubts over the validity of clinical trial results due to lack of credible shams. Credible shams are critically needed, so too, therefore, is a process by which they can be developed. The authors used a novel methodology to develop and test blinding protocols for dry needling, a complex physical intervention for which blinding is particularly difficult. DESIGN The research design was a practical three-day workshop influenced by Participatory Action Research, which uses iteration and reflection to solve a problem. PARTICIPANTS Five multidisciplinary experts (researchers, clinicians, technician, magician) were invited. Healthy volunteers ('recipients', n=17) and accredited physiotherapists (n=6) were recruited to enable testing of blinding strategies. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Primary outcomes were expert opinion on the potential to blind recipients/therapists for (1) individual blinding strategies, and (2) entire blinding protocols. Secondary outcomes included recipient/therapist blinding effectiveness and acceptability. RESULTS Experts iteratively developed 11 blinding protocols involving 22 blinding strategies. Experts rated 18 of the blinding strategies to 'definitely have potential' and identified four categories: knowledge of the sham, clinical interaction, disinformation, and sensation. Recipient and therapist blinding became more successful as the protocols evolved. CONCLUSIONS Credible shams capable of simultaneous recipient and therapist blinding have been regarded to be impossible in dry needling. The preliminary success of the devised protocols suggest that our novel approach may be a crucial step in sham development. Improvements in expert rankings and blinding effectiveness as the protocols progressed support the value of this workshop approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felicity A Braithwaite
- IIMPACT in Health, University of South Australia, GPO Box 2471, Adelaide 5001, South Australia, Australia.
| | - Julie L Walters
- IIMPACT in Health, University of South Australia, GPO Box 2471, Adelaide 5001, South Australia, Australia.
| | - G Lorimer Moseley
- IIMPACT in Health, University of South Australia, GPO Box 2471, Adelaide 5001, South Australia, Australia.
| | - Marie T Williams
- IIMPACT in Health, University of South Australia, GPO Box 2471, Adelaide 5001, South Australia, Australia.
| | - Maureen P McEvoy
- IIMPACT in Health, University of South Australia, GPO Box 2471, Adelaide 5001, South Australia, Australia.
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9
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Lynning M, Hanehøj K, Westergaard K, Kjær Ersbøll A, Claesson MH, Boesen F, Skovgaard L. Effect of Acupuncture on Cytokine Levels in Persons with Multiple Sclerosis: A Randomized Controlled Trial. J Altern Complement Med 2021; 27:832-840. [PMID: 34265224 DOI: 10.1089/acm.2020.0510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Cytokines have been found to play a role in the disease activity of multiple sclerosis (MS). Previous studies indicate that acupuncture can affect cytokine levels in persons with other inflammatory diseases. Objectives: The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of acupuncture on cytokine levels and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in persons with MS. Materials and Methods: A single-blind, randomized controlled trial was performed. Participants (n = 66) were randomized into three groups (real acupuncture, sham acupuncture, and reference). Participants in the real acupuncture and sham groups received six treatments during a period of 4 weeks. The serum levels of 11 pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines (IFNγ, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, IL-12p70, IL-13, TNFα, IL-10, IL-4, IL-2, and IL-17A) were assessed at baseline, after 2 and 4 weeks of treatment, and 4 weeks after the final treatment. Changes in HRQoL were assessed using the Functional Assessment of Multiple Sclerosis questionnaire. Results: No statistically significant differences in plasma levels between the three groups were seen for either of the cytokines, nor were there any differences between the groups for HRQoL. Conclusions: In this study, the authors could not demonstrate that a 4-week acupuncture treatment had a measurable effect on the plasma levels of seven selected cytokines or on HRQoL among people with MS. The trial was registered with the ISRCTN registry as ISRCTN34352011.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Annette Kjær Ersbøll
- National Institute of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Mogens Helweg Claesson
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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10
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de Felipe ÍO. The Universality of Science and Traditional Chinese Medicine: A Philosophical Survey. SCIENCE & EDUCATION 2021; 30:1353-1370. [PMID: 34188362 PMCID: PMC8226147 DOI: 10.1007/s11191-021-00249-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/31/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
This paper represents a philosophical appraisal of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) from the point of view of the philosophy of science. As it is generally the case with other versions of Traditional Medicine, rather than a coherent research program Traditional Chinese Medicine constitutes an array of various techniques and practices coupled with a diversity of very different speculative doctrines regarding the physiological structure of certain body parts as well as the purported etiology of disease and malfunction. This chapter starts off by describing some of the theoretical assumptions on which TCM relies with the aim of casting light on whether they, alongside the clinical techniques TCM encompasses, can significantly be considered as a scientific theory comparable with that of conventional medicine. In so doing the chapter examines a plurality of demarcation criteria between science and non-science coming from various existing philosophical frameworks old and new. While, as will be shown, a wealth of research based on RCTs (randomized control trials) points out that TCM´s degree of effectiveness is low, that is not the point this paper intends to make. Instead of such an empirical criticism, the author sustains a comparably stronger epistemic contention, namely: even if the clinical results of TCM fared better than they actually do, that observation alone would not be a good reason to consider this branch of traditional medicine as a scientifically respectable endeavor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Íñigo Ongay de Felipe
- Faculty of Social and Human Sciences, University of Deusto, Bilbao, Spain
- Fundación Gustavo Bueno, Oviedo, Spain
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11
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Digestion-Specific Acupuncture Effect on Feeding Intolerance in Critically Ill Post-Operative Oral and Hypopharyngeal Cancer Patients: A Single-Blind Randomized Control Trial. Nutrients 2021; 13:nu13062110. [PMID: 34205461 PMCID: PMC8234819 DOI: 10.3390/nu13062110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2021] [Revised: 06/09/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Malnourishment is prevalent in patients suffering from head and neck cancer. The postoperative period is crucial in terms of nutritional support, especially after composite resection and reconstruction surgery. These patients present with a number of risk factors that aggravate feeding intolerance, including postoperative status, prolonged immobility, decreased head elevation, mechanical ventilation, and applied sedative agents. Routine management protocols for feeding intolerance include prokinetic drug use and post-pyloric tube insertion, which could be both limited and accompanied by detrimental adverse events. This single-blind clinical trial aimed to investigate the effects of acupuncture in postoperative feeding intolerance in critically ill oral and hypopharyngeal cancer patients. Twenty-eight patients were randomized into two groups: Intervention group and Control group. Interventions were administered daily over three consecutive postoperative days. The primary outcome revealed that the intervention group reached 70% and 80% of target energy expenditure (EE) significantly earlier than the control group (4.00 ± 1.22 versus 6.69 ± 3.50 days, p = 0.012), accompanied by higher total calorie intake within the first postoperative week (10263.62 ± 1086.11 kcals versus 8384.69 ± 2120.05 kcals, p = 0.004). Furthermore, the intervention group also needed less of the prokinetic drug (Metoclopramide, 20.77 ± 48.73 mg versus 68.46 ± 66.56 mg, p = 0.010). In conclusion, digestion-specific acupuncture facilitated reduced postoperative feeding intolerance in oral and hypopharyngeal cancer patients.
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12
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Brøndum L, Markfoged B, Finderup J. Acupuncture as a tool to reduce nausea in terminally ill patients. Scand J Caring Sci 2021; 36:1046-1053. [PMID: 33894009 DOI: 10.1111/scs.12991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2020] [Revised: 03/12/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
AIM To investigate if acupuncture reduces nausea and vomiting in terminally ill patients. DESIGN A comparative effectiveness research design was used to generate evidence-based knowledge close to practice for the use of clinicians. The sample size was calculated to 136 patients randomised into an intervention and a control group, respectively. Nausea and vomiting were measured using the EORTC QLQ-c15-PAL (European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer, Quality of Life Questionnaire, core 15, Palliation). LOCATION The trial was conducted among terminally ill patients admitted to three in-bed hospices in Demark. PARTICIPANTS Terminally ill patients suffering from nausea and/or vomiting; 95% of patients had cancer. INTERVENTION The intervention group received acupuncture in addition to usual care for three days. We used the acupuncture spots: Pericardium-6, Stomach-36, Liver-3 and Yin Tang. The control group received usual care only. RESULTS In total, 136 patients were randomised, 24 patients withdrew resulting in a total sample of 112 patients: 52 patients in the intervention group and 60 patients in the control group. In the intervention group, 75% of the patients experienced a reduction of their nausea score after the intervention compared to 55% in the control group. The statistical difference was p = 0.028. In the intervention group, 52% of the patients did not experience nausea at all after the intervention compared to 30% in the control group. In the intervention group, 31% of the patients were still vomiting after the intervention compared to 34% in the control group; no statistically significant difference was found. CONCLUSION Acupuncture reduced the experience of nausea among terminally ill patients but did not reduce vomiting. Thus, acupuncture is recommended to reduce nausea among terminally ill patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jeanette Finderup
- Department of Renal Medicine, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark.,Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark.,ResCenPI - Research Centre for Patient Involvement, Aarhus University & the Central Denmark Region, Aarhus, Denmark
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13
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Liu X, Xu Z, Wang Y, Luo H, Zou D, Zhou Z, Zhuang L. Evaluating the Quality of Reports About Randomized Controlled Trials of Acupuncture for Low Back Pain. J Pain Res 2021; 14:1141-1151. [PMID: 33911896 PMCID: PMC8071706 DOI: 10.2147/jpr.s308006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2021] [Accepted: 04/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective This study aims to improve the reporting quality of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) by evaluating RCTs of acupuncture for low back pain (LBP) based on the CONSORT and STRICTA statements. Methods Literature from the Cochrane Library, Medline, Embase, Ovid, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), WanFang database, and Chongqing Weipu (VIP) was systematically searched from 2010 to 2020. The general characteristics and the overall quality score (OQS) of the literature were evaluated by two investigators. The agreement between investigators was calculated using Cohen’s kappa statistics. Results A total of 31 RCTs were extracted in the final analysis. Based on the CONSORT statement, the items “title and abstract”, “background and objectives”, “intervention”, “outcomes”, “statistical methods”, “baseline data”, “outcomes and estimation” and “interpretation” have a positive rate of greater than 80%. The items “implementation”, “generalizability” and “protocol” have a positive rate of less than 30%. Based on the STRICTA statement, the items “style of acupuncture”, “needle retention time”, “number of treatment sessions”, “frequency and duration of treatment” and “precise description of the control or comparator” have a positive rate of greater than 80%. The item “extent to which the treatment was varied” has a positive rate of less than 30%. The agreements among most items are determined to be moderate or good. Conclusion The reporting quality of RCTs of acupuncture for LBP is moderate. Researchers should rigidly follow the CONSORT and STRICTA statements to enhance the quality of their studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Liu
- Clinical Medical College of Acupuncture Moxibustion and Rehabilitation, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510000, People's Republic of China
| | - Ziqiao Xu
- Clinical Medical College of Acupuncture Moxibustion and Rehabilitation, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510000, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuting Wang
- Clinical Medical College of Acupuncture Moxibustion and Rehabilitation, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510000, People's Republic of China
| | - Huiling Luo
- Clinical Medical College of Acupuncture Moxibustion and Rehabilitation, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510000, People's Republic of China
| | - Donglei Zou
- Clinical Medical College of Acupuncture Moxibustion and Rehabilitation, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510000, People's Republic of China
| | - Ziyuan Zhou
- Faculty of Science, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 999077, People's Republic of China
| | - Lixing Zhuang
- Department of Rehabilitation, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510000, People's Republic of China
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14
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Liu X, Lu J, Wang G, Chen X, Xv H, Huang J, Xue M, Tang J. Acupuncture for Arthralgia Induced by Aromatase Inhibitors in Patients with Breast Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Integr Cancer Ther 2021; 20:1534735420980811. [PMID: 33586504 PMCID: PMC7883140 DOI: 10.1177/1534735420980811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Aromatase inhibitor-induced arthralgia (AIA) is the most common side effect of aromatase inhibitors (AIs) used in breast cancer patients and is related to the rate of adherence to AIs. The clinical effects of acupuncture on AIA have been assessed by some randomized controlled trials (RCTs). However, some studies reported that acupuncture was effective, while others claimed that it was ineffective. To clarify the clinical and placebo effects of acupuncture in treating AIA, we conducted this meta-analysis. Methods: Two reviewers (XL and GW) independently searched for RCTs in 5 English databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Springer, Cochrane Library) and 4 Chinese databases (China National Knowledge Infrastructure Database (CNKI), SinoMed, VIP and Wanfang Database) from their inception to 30 November 2019. Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, this meta-analysis was performed by fixed or random-effects models, and data were pooled with mean differences (MDs). Results: Seven trials involving 603 patients were reviewed. The primary outcome, the Brief Pain Inventory (BPI) score, significantly differed between the acupuncture and control groups [pain-related interference: MD = −1.89, 95% confidence interval (CI) [−2.99, −0.79], Z = 3.36 (P = .008 < .05), pain severity: MD = −1.57, 95% CI [−2.46, −0.68], Z = 3.45 (P = .0006 < .05), worst pain: MD = −2.31, 95% CI [−3.15, −1.48], Z = 5.47 (P < .0001 < .05)]. No severe adverse events were reported in any study. Conclusion: This meta-analysis showed that acupuncture is a safe and effective treatment for breast cancer patients with AIA. Additional research with improved blinding methods is warranted to further explore the nature of non-specific and placebo effects in true and sham acupuncture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaomeng Liu
- Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, People's Republic of China.,The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Jing Lu
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Guoxin Wang
- Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiu Chen
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Haiping Xv
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Jing Huang
- Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, People's Republic of China
| | - Mingxin Xue
- Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, People's Republic of China.,The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Jinhai Tang
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
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15
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Lu H, Hu J, Han L, Guo Y, Zhang C. Commentary on "Urtica dioica in comparison with placebo and acupuncture: A new possibility for menopausal hot flashes: A randomized clinical trial" by Rahele Kargozar et al., 2019. Complement Ther Med 2020; 54:102212. [PMID: 33183653 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctim.2019.102212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2019] [Accepted: 10/08/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Hai Lu
- First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 300193 Tianjin, China; Graduate College of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 300193 Tianjin, China
| | - Jiahui Hu
- First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 300193 Tianjin, China; Graduate College of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 300193 Tianjin, China
| | - Lisha Han
- First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 300193 Tianjin, China; Graduate College of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 300193 Tianjin, China
| | - Yunping Guo
- Longhua Hospital Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, China
| | - Chunhong Zhang
- First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 300193 Tianjin, China.
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16
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Liem A. The possibilities and challenges of integrative medicine implementation in clinical psychology: a qualitative study in Indonesia. BMC Complement Med Ther 2020; 20:223. [PMID: 32664917 PMCID: PMC7362562 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-020-03019-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2019] [Accepted: 07/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Integrative medicine (IM), which is the integration of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) into conventional health services, has been applied in some nations. Despite its highly relevant holistic approach with the improvement of mental health care using person-centred approach, there are limited studies that discuss IM, specifically in clinical psychology. Therefore, this qualitative study aimed to explore the perspectives of Indonesian clinical psychologists (CPs) on the possibilities and challenges of IM implementation in clinical psychology. METHODS Semi-structured interviews with 43 CPs who worked in public health centres were conducted between November 2016 and January 2017. A maximum variation sampling was used. Thematic analysis of interview transcripts was applied considering its flexibility to report and examine explicit and latent contents. RESULTS Three themes were identified from the analysis. First, the possibility of IM implementation in clinical psychology, which revealed two possible options that were centred on creating co-located services. Second, the challenges that covered (a) credibility, (b) acceptance, (c) procedure and facility, and (d) understanding and skill. Lastly, participants proposed four strategies to overcome these challenges, including: (a) certification, (b) facilities, (c) dialogue, and (d) regulations. CONCLUSION Participants recognised the possibility of IM implementation in clinical psychology, particularly in clinical psychology services. This IM implementation may face challenges that could be overcome by dialogue between CPs and CAM practitioners as well as clear regulation from the government and professional psychology association.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrian Liem
- Department of Psychology, University of Macau, Macao (SAR), China.
- School of Psychology, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
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17
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Braithwaite FA, Walters JL, Moseley GL, Williams MT, McEvoy MP. Towards more credible shams for physical interventions: A Delphi survey. Clin Trials 2020; 17:295-305. [PMID: 32153205 DOI: 10.1177/1740774520910365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIMS In clinical trials of physical interventions, participant blinding is often poorly addressed and therapist blinding routinely omitted. This situation presents a substantial barrier to moving the field forward. Improving the success of blinding will be a vital step towards determining the true mechanisms of physical interventions. We used a Delphi approach to identify important elements of shams for physical interventions to maximise the likelihood of participant and therapist blinding in clinical trials. METHODS Two expert groups were recruited: (1) experts in research methodology and (2) experts in deceptive and/or hypnotic techniques including magic. Magicians were included because they were considered a potentially rich source of innovation for developing credible shams due to their unique skills in altering perceptions and beliefs. Three rounds of survey were conducted, commencing with an open-ended question. Responses were converted to single 'items', which participants rated in the following two rounds using a 9-point Likert scale, categorised as 'Not important' (0-3), 'Depends' (4-6) and 'Essential' (7-9). Consensus was pre-defined as ≥80% agreement within a 3-point category. RESULTS Thirty-eight experts agreed to participate (research methodology: n = 22; deceptive and/or hypnotic techniques: n = 16), and 30 experts responded to at least one round (research methodology: n = 19; deceptive and/or hypnotic techniques: n = 11). Of 79 items, five reached consensus in the 'Essential' category in both groups, which related to beliefs of participants (n = 3 items), interactions with researchers (n = 1 item) and standardisation of clinical assessments (n = 1 item). Thirteen additional items reached consensus in the 'Essential' category in one group. Experts in research methodology had one additional item reach consensus, related to authentic delivery of study information. The remaining 12 additional items that reached consensus in the deceptive and/or hypnotic techniques group related mainly to therapist attitude and behaviour and the clinical interaction. CONCLUSION Experts agreed that, for shams to be believable, consideration of cognitive influences is essential. Contrary to the focus of previous shams for physical interventions, replicating the tactile sensation of the active treatment was not considered an essential part of sham development. Therefore, when designing sham-controlled clinical trials, researchers should carefully consider the cognitive credibility of the entire intervention experience, and not just the indistinguishability of the sham intervention itself. The findings provide new guidance to researchers on important contributors to blinding in physical intervention trials.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Julie L Walters
- School of Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - G Lorimer Moseley
- School of Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Marie T Williams
- School of Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Maureen P McEvoy
- School of Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, Australia
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18
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Zhang Q, Yue JH, Sun ZR, Golianu B. Effectiveness of acupuncture for the treatment of postoperative pain: A protocol for a systematic review of randomized controlled trial. Medicine (Baltimore) 2019; 98:e17606. [PMID: 31804303 PMCID: PMC6919394 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000017606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This aim of this study is to assess the effectiveness and safety of acupuncture for the treatment of patients with postoperative pain (PPP). METHODS We will carry out a systematic review of the published literature and will comprehensively search Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Allied and Complementary Medicine Database, Chinese Biomedical Literature Database, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure from inception to the present with no language restrictions. Randomized controlled trials comparing acupuncture with other interventions or sham acupuncture will be included. Two reviewers will independently conduct study selection, data collection, and study quality. A third reviewer will resolve any discrepancies. We will apply RevMan 5.3 software for statistical analysis. RESULTS The protocol of this study will systematically assess the effectiveness and safety of acupuncture for patients with PPP. The primary outcome is postoperative pain intensity. The secondary outcomes comprise of: analgesic consumption, postoperative recovery parameters, vital signs, quality of life, and treatment related adverse events. CONCLUSION This study will summarize the current evidence base for the effectiveness and safety of acupuncture for patients with PPP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qinhong Zhang
- Department of acupuncture and moxibustion, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, China
- Neuro Acupuncture Health Center, Fremont
- University of Herbal Medicine, Hayward
- Department of Anesthesia, Stanford University, CA
| | | | - Zhong-Ren Sun
- Department of acupuncture and moxibustion, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, China
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19
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Braithwaite FA, Walters JL, Li LSK, Moseley GL, Williams MT, McEvoy MP. Blinding Strategies in Dry Needling Trials: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Phys Ther 2019; 99:1461-1480. [PMID: 31373369 DOI: 10.1093/ptj/pzz111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2019] [Revised: 01/21/2019] [Accepted: 03/23/2019] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Blinding of participants and therapists in trials of physical interventions is a significant and ongoing challenge. There is no widely accepted sham protocol for dry needling. PURPOSE The purpose of this review was to summarize the effectiveness and limitations of blinding strategies and types of shams that have been used in dry needling trials. DATA SOURCES Twelve databases were searched from inception to February 2016. STUDY SELECTION Trials that compared active dry needling with a sham that simulated dry needling were included. DATA EXTRACTION The main domains of data extraction were participant/therapist details, intervention details, blinding strategies, blinding assessment outcomes, and key conclusions of authors. Reported blinding strategies and sham types were synthesized descriptively, with available blinding effectiveness data synthesized using a chance-corrected measurement of blinding (blinding index). DATA SYNTHESIS The search identified 4894 individual publications with 27 trials eligible for inclusion. In 22 trials, risk of methodological bias was high or unclear. Across trials, blinding strategies and sham types were heterogeneous. Notably, no trials attempted therapist blinding. Sham protocols have focused on participant blinding using strategies related to group standardization and simulation of tactile sensations. There has been little attention given to the other senses or cognitive strategies to enhance intervention credibility. Nonpenetrating sham types may provide effective participant blinding. LIMITATIONS Trials were clinically and methodologically diverse, which limited the comparability of blinding effectiveness across trials. Reported blinding evaluations had a high risk of chance findings with power clearly achieved in only 1 trial. CONCLUSIONS Evidence-based consensus on a sham protocol for dry needling is required. Recommendations provided in this review may be used to develop sham protocols so that future protocols are more consistent and potentially more effective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felicity A Braithwaite
- Division of Health Sciences, School of Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Julie L Walters
- Division of Health Sciences, School of Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Lok Sze Katrina Li
- Division of Health Sciences, School of Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - G Lorimer Moseley
- Division of Health Sciences, School of Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Marie T Williams
- Division of Health Sciences, School of Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Maureen P McEvoy
- Division of Health Sciences, School of Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
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20
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Systematic review and meta-analysis of placebo/sham controlled randomised trials of spinal cord stimulation for neuropathic pain. Pain 2019; 161:24-35. [DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000001689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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21
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Vega-García A, Neri-Gómez T, Buzoianu-Anguiano V, Guerra-Araiza C, Segura-Uribe J, Feria-Romero I, Orozco-Suarez S. Electroacupuncture Reduces Seizure Activity and Enhances GAD 67 and Glutamate Transporter Expression in Kainic Acid Induced Status Epilepticus in Infant Rats. Behav Sci (Basel) 2019; 9:E68. [PMID: 31252624 PMCID: PMC6680393 DOI: 10.3390/bs9070068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2019] [Revised: 06/10/2019] [Accepted: 06/21/2019] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Status epilepticus (SE) is one of the most significant complications in pediatric neurology. Clinical studies have shown positive effects of electroacupuncture (EA) as a therapeutic alternative in the control of partial seizures and secondary generalized clonic seizures. EA promotes the release of neurotransmitters such as GABA and some opioids. The present study aimed to evaluate the anticonvulsive and neuromodulatory effects of Shui Gou DM26 (SG_DM26) acupuncture point electrostimulation on the expression of the glutamate decarboxylase 67 (GAD67) enzyme and the glutamate transporter EAAC1 in an early SE model. At ten postnatal days (10-PD), male rats weighing 22-26 g were divided into 16 groups, including control and treatment groups: Simple stimulation, electrostimulation, anticonvulsant drug treatment, and combined treatment-electrostimulation and pentobarbital (PB). SE was induced with kainic acid (KA), and the following parameters were measured: Motor behavior, and expression of GAD67 and EAAC1. The results suggest an antiepileptic effect derived from SG DM26 point EA. The possible mechanism is most likely the increased production of the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA, which is observed as an increase in the expression of both GAD67 and EAAC1, as well as the potential synergy between the neuromodulator effects of EA and PB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelica Vega-García
- Unidad de Investigación Médica en Enfermedades Neurológicas, Hospital de Especialidades "Dr. Bernardo Sepúlveda", Centro Médico Nacional Siglo XXI, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social (IMSS), Ciudad de México CP.06720, Mexico
| | - Teresa Neri-Gómez
- Laboratorio de Nanomateriales, Centro de Investigación en Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí, Estado de San Luis Potosí CP.78210, Mexico
| | - Vinnitsa Buzoianu-Anguiano
- Unidad de Investigación Médica en Enfermedades Neurológicas, Hospital de Especialidades "Dr. Bernardo Sepúlveda", Centro Médico Nacional Siglo XXI, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social (IMSS), Ciudad de México CP.06720, Mexico
| | - Christian Guerra-Araiza
- Unidad de Investigación en Farmacología, Hospital de Especialidades, "Dr. Bernardo Sepúlveda", Centro Médico Nacional Siglo XXI, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social (IMSS), Ciudad de México CP.06720, Mexico
| | - Julia Segura-Uribe
- Unidad de Investigación Médica en Enfermedades Neurológicas, Hospital de Especialidades "Dr. Bernardo Sepúlveda", Centro Médico Nacional Siglo XXI, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social (IMSS), Ciudad de México CP.06720, Mexico
| | - Iris Feria-Romero
- Unidad de Investigación Médica en Enfermedades Neurológicas, Hospital de Especialidades "Dr. Bernardo Sepúlveda", Centro Médico Nacional Siglo XXI, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social (IMSS), Ciudad de México CP.06720, Mexico
| | - Sandra Orozco-Suarez
- Unidad de Investigación Médica en Enfermedades Neurológicas, Hospital de Especialidades "Dr. Bernardo Sepúlveda", Centro Médico Nacional Siglo XXI, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social (IMSS), Ciudad de México CP.06720, Mexico.
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Influence of the Intensity, Components, and Spreading of the Deqi Sensation on the Analgesic Effect of SP6 Needling in Primary Dysmenorrhea Patients: A Secondary Analysis of a Randomised Controlled Trial. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2019; 2019:6462576. [PMID: 31223331 PMCID: PMC6541943 DOI: 10.1155/2019/6462576] [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: 01/15/2019] [Revised: 03/18/2019] [Accepted: 04/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Although deqi, the phenomenon whereby excitation of Qi in the meridians occurs with needling, is critical to the practice of acupuncture and its efficacy, it is poorly understood. So we investigate the influence of the deqi sensation on the analgesic effects of acupuncture in patients who were enrolled in a randomised controlled trial for the treatment of patients with primary dysmenorrhea, a painful and common condition, and cold and dampness stagnation. Two groups were assessed: a deqi group (undergoing deep needling with thick needles and manipulation, n=17) and a non-deqi group (undergoing shallow needling with thin needles and no manipulation, n=51). The Sanyinjiao (SP6) was needled for 30 min in both groups. Pain scores at baseline, upon needle removal, and at 10, 20, and 30 min after needle removal were evaluated by the Visual Analogue Scale for pain. The deqi sensation was evaluated by the Acupuncture Deqi Clinical Assessment Scale. Patients who experienced a genuine deqi sensation (n=39) were selected for further analysis. Compared with patients in the non-deqi group who experienced deqi (n=25), patients who self-reported deqi in the deqi group (n=14) felt a stronger deqi sensation, experienced soreness and fullness more frequently, felt a greater intensity of soreness, fullness, electric sensation, spreading, and radiating, and experienced larger spreading distances. In those who experienced the deqi sensation in the deqi group, the intensity of the sensation, as well as their degree of soreness and fullness, was negatively correlated with pain reduction. In patients who experienced the deqi sensation in the non-deqi group, deqi intensity was positively correlated with pain reduction, while soreness was negatively correlated with pain reduction. The distance of spreading was not correlated with pain reduction in either group. We found, in SP6 needling of patients with primary dysmenorrhea with cold and dampness stagnation, that a moderate deqi response predicted a prolonged analgesic effect better than a strong deqi response.
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Levy I, Attias S, Gavrieli S, Oliven R, Neerland BE, Devlin JW, Ben-Arye E, Greenberg D, Schiff E. The study protocol for a randomized, controlled trial of acupuncture versus a sham procedure versus standard care alone for the treatment of delirium in acutely hospitalized older adults with a medical illness. Maturitas 2019; 124:72-80. [PMID: 31097183 DOI: 10.1016/j.maturitas.2019.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2018] [Revised: 01/13/2019] [Accepted: 03/02/2019] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Many hospitalized older adults experience delirium, but treatment options are limited. Acupuncture has been shown to improve cognitive function and reduce agitation in dementia. We hypothesize that acupuncture, when compared with a sham intervention, will reduce the duration and severity of delirium, normalize delirium biomarkers, and improve clinical outcomes related to delirium in acutely hospitalized older adults with a medical illness. METHODS This three-arm, prospective, randomized, clinical trial will evaluate adults aged over 65 years who are acutely hospitalized to an internal-medicine ward and diagnosed with delirium or subsyndromal delirium. The 288 patients (96 in each of three groups) will be randomly allocated to receive either daily true acupuncture with usual care, a daily sham procedure with usual care, or usual care only in a 1:1:1 distribution for up to one week or until the patient is delirium-free for over 48 h. Other delirium and clinical interventions will remain unchanged. Delirium will be diagnosed using DSM-5 criteria and its severity will be assessed using the long Confusion Assessment Method Severity (CAM-S) tool. OUTCOMES The primary study outcome will be the daily CAM-S score over 7 days between the three groups. Secondary outcomes will include time to first resolution of the delirium (over 7 days), the proportion of days spent delirium-free, daily antipsychotic use, daily pain scores, sleep quality, morning serum cortisol and T3 levels, and midnight urinary cortisol/creatinine ratio, all determined twice a week, and delirium-related complications. Hospital mortality, duration of hospital stay and functional status at discharge will also be compared between the three groups. Adverse events potentially related to acupuncture will be evaluated daily. The cost-effectiveness of acupuncture will be estimated. CONCLUSION This novel randomized study will evaluate both the specific and the non-specific effects of acupuncture on delirium, and related outcomes, and its safety. Potential mechanism(s) of action for acupuncture in reducing delirium will be explored and healthcare-related costs estimated. Positive study results may prove pivotal in facilitating a multimodal, non-pharmacologic, integrative approach to delirium treatment among older, medical inpatients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilana Levy
- Internal Medicine B Department, Bnai Zion Medical Center, Haifa, Israel.
| | - Samuel Attias
- Complementary Medicine Department, Bnai Zion Medical Center, Haifa, Israel; School of Public Health, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - Sagi Gavrieli
- Complementary Medicine Department, Bnai Zion Medical Center, Haifa, Israel
| | - Ron Oliven
- Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel; Internal Medicine C Department, Bnai Zion Medical Center, Haifa, Israel; Geriatric Unit, Bnai Zion Medical Center, Haifa, Israel
| | - Bjorn E Neerland
- Oslo Delirium Research Group, Department of Geriatric Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - John W Devlin
- Northeastern University, School of Pharmacy, Boston, MA, United States; Tufts Medical Center, 1867, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Eran Ben-Arye
- Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel; Integrative Oncology Program, The Oncology Service and Lin Medical Center, Clalit Health Services, Haifa, Israel
| | - Dan Greenberg
- Department of Health Systems Management, Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Public Health, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel
| | - Elad Schiff
- Internal Medicine B Department, Bnai Zion Medical Center, Haifa, Israel; Complementary Medicine Department, Bnai Zion Medical Center, Haifa, Israel; Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
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Armond A, Glória J, dos Santos C, Galo R, Falci S. Acupuncture on anxiety and inflammatory events following surgery of mandibular third molars: a split-mouth, randomized, triple-blind clinical trial. Int J Oral Maxillofac Surg 2019; 48:274-281. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijom.2018.07.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2018] [Revised: 06/22/2018] [Accepted: 07/25/2018] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Takakura N, Takayama M, Nishiwaki M, Yajima H. Blinding Indices and Blinding Scenarios of Practitioners and Patients with Acupuncture Needles for Double Blinding. Acupunct Med 2018; 36:123-124. [DOI: 10.1136/acupmed-2017-011430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/07/2017] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Nobuari Takakura
- Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tokyo Ariake University of Medical and Health Sciences, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Physiology, Showa University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Miho Takayama
- Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tokyo Ariake University of Medical and Health Sciences, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Physiology, Showa University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masako Nishiwaki
- Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tokyo Ariake University of Medical and Health Sciences, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiroyoshi Yajima
- Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tokyo Ariake University of Medical and Health Sciences, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Physiology, Showa University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
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Braithwaite FA, Walters JL, Li LSK, Moseley GL, Williams MT, McEvoy MP. Effectiveness and adequacy of blinding in the moderation of pain outcomes: Systematic review and meta-analyses of dry needling trials. PeerJ 2018; 6:e5318. [PMID: 30083458 PMCID: PMC6074757 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.5318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2018] [Accepted: 07/05/2018] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Blinding is critical to clinical trials because it allows for separation of specific intervention effects from bias, by equalising all factors between groups except for the proposed mechanism of action. Absent or inadequate blinding in clinical trials has consistently been shown in large meta-analyses to result in overestimation of intervention effects. Blinding in dry needling trials, particularly blinding of participants and therapists, is a practical challenge; therefore, specific effects of dry needling have yet to be determined. Despite this, dry needling is widely used by health practitioners internationally for the treatment of pain. This review presents the first empirical account of the influence of blinding on intervention effect estimates in dry needling trials. The aim of this systematic review was to determine whether participant beliefs about group allocation relative to actual allocation (blinding effectiveness), and/or adequacy of blinding procedures, moderated pain outcomes in dry needling trials. METHODS Twelve databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, AMED, Scopus, CINAHL, PEDro, The Cochrane Library, Trove, ProQuest, trial registries) were searched from inception to February 2016. Trials that compared active dry needling with a sham that simulated dry needling were included. Two independent reviewers performed screening, data extraction, and critical appraisal. Available blinding effectiveness data were converted to a blinding index, a quantitative measurement of blinding, and meta-regression was used to investigate the influence of the blinding index on pain. Adequacy of blinding procedures was based on critical appraisal, and subgroup meta-analyses were used to investigate the influence of blinding adequacy on pain. Meta-analytical techniques used inverse-variance random-effects models. RESULTS The search identified 4,894 individual publications with 24 eligible for inclusion in the quantitative syntheses. In 19 trials risk of methodological bias was high or unclear. Five trials were adequately blinded, and blinding was assessed and sufficiently reported to compute the blinding index in 10 trials. There was no evidence of a moderating effect of blinding index on pain. For short-term and long-term pain assessments pooled effects for inadequately blinded trials were statistically significant in favour of active dry needling, whereas there was no evidence of a difference between active and sham groups for adequately blinded trials. DISCUSSION The small number and size of included trials meant there was insufficient evidence to conclusively determine if a moderating effect of blinding effectiveness or adequacy existed. However, with the caveats of small sample size, generally unclear risk of bias, statistical heterogeneity, potential publication bias, and the limitations of subgroup analyses, the available evidence suggests that inadequate blinding procedures could lead to exaggerated intervention effects in dry needling trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felicity A. Braithwaite
- School of Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia
- Body in Mind research group, University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Julie L. Walters
- School of Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Lok Sze Katrina Li
- School of Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia
| | - G. Lorimer Moseley
- School of Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia
- Body in Mind research group, University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Marie T. Williams
- School of Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia
- Alliance for Research in Exercise, Nutrition and Activity (ARENA), University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Maureen P. McEvoy
- School of Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia
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Kim K, Lee S. Intradermal Acupuncture Along with Analgesics for Pain Control in Advanced Cancer Cases: A Pilot, Randomized, Patient-Assessor-Blinded, Controlled Trial. Integr Cancer Ther 2018; 17:1137-1143. [PMID: 30009652 PMCID: PMC6247560 DOI: 10.1177/1534735418786797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose: Ninety percent of patients with advanced cancer have
moderate to severe pain, and up to 70% of patients with cancer pain do not
receive adequate pain relief. This randomized controlled clinical trial was
designed to determine the feasibility and evaluate the effects and safety of
intradermal acupuncture (IA) in patients who were being administered analgesics
for cancer pain. Methods: Advanced cancer patients experiencing
pain were randomly assigned to IA or sham IA treatment for 3 weeks (15 patients
for each group), wherein the CV12, bilateral ST25, LI4, LR3, PC06, and Ashi
points were selected and stimulated. Follow-up evaluations were conducted 3
weeks after the end of treatments. The grade and dosage of analgesics for cancer
pain, pain intensity, quality of life, and safety were assessed.
Results: Twenty-seven patients (90%) completed 6-week trial,
and no serious adverse events were associated with either IA or sham IA
procedures except the transient side effect such as fatigue. Nine patients in
the IA group (64.3%) and 5 in the sham IA group (38.5%) responded to the 3-week
intervention. These patients were mostly in the nonopioid and the weak opioid
levels of the World Health Organization analgesic ladder. Self-reported pain
declined by −1.54 ± 1.45 and −1.15 ± 1.57 in the IA and sham IA groups,
respectively, with improved quality of life reported. Conclusions:
IA treatment appears feasible and safe for advanced cancer patients. It might
reduce analgesic usage in the early World Health Organization analgesic ladder
stage cancer patient, though it could not show significant outcome differences
due to design limitation of sham IA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyungsuk Kim
- 1 Department of Medical Consilience, Graduate school, Dankook University, Yongin-si, Republic of Korea
| | - Sanghun Lee
- 1 Department of Medical Consilience, Graduate school, Dankook University, Yongin-si, Republic of Korea
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Fan Q, Cavus O, Xiong L, Xia Y. Spinal Cord Injury: How Could Acupuncture Help? J Acupunct Meridian Stud 2018; 11:124-132. [PMID: 29753705 DOI: 10.1016/j.jams.2018.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2018] [Revised: 04/25/2018] [Accepted: 05/04/2018] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) is one of the most common causes of death and disability worldwide, and it can result in both permanent disability and serial complications in patients. Research shows that patients with SCI complications are often interested in acupuncture for symptomatic relief. Therefore, the issue of physicians advising their patients regarding the use of acupuncture to alleviate SCI complications becomes pertinent. We review and summarize two types of relevant publications: (1) literature concerning acupuncture for SCI and its complications and (2) underlying mechanisms of acupuncture therapy for SCI. Clinical trials and reviews have suggested that acupuncture effectively manages a range of post-SCI complications, including motor and sensory dysfunction, pain, neurogenic bowel and bladder, pressure ulcers, spasticity, and osteoporosis. The effect of acupuncture on post-SCI orthostatic hypotension and sexual dysfunction remains unclear. Decreased oxidative stress, inhibition of inflammation and neuronal apoptosis, regulation of the expression and activity of endogenous biological mediators, and increased regenerative stem cell production are the possible mechanisms of acupuncture therapy for SCI. Although many limitations have been reported in previous studies, given the evidence for the efficacy of acupuncture, we recommend that physicians should support the use of acupuncture therapy for SCI complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qianqian Fan
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, PR China
| | - Omer Cavus
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Lize Xiong
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, PR China.
| | - Yun Xia
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, United States
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Takakura N, Takayama M, Nasu M, Nishiwaki M, Kawase A, Yajima H. Patient blinding with blunt tip placebo acupuncture needles: comparison between 1 mm and 2 mm skin press. JOURNAL OF INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE 2018; 16:164-171. [PMID: 29753429 DOI: 10.1016/j.joim.2018.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2017] [Accepted: 12/05/2017] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the influence of the depth of skin press in blunt tip placebo acupuncture needles on patient blinding and its relationship to needle diameter. METHODS Forty healthy volunteers were enrolled as subjects for patient blinding. Four acupuncturists applied the following needles randomly at three points in each forearm: 0.18 mm and 0.25 mm diameter penetrating needles inserted to a depth of 5 mm, and 0.18 mm and 0.25 mm diameter skin-touch needles depressing the skin at the acupoint to a depth of 1 mm and 2 mm from the skin surface. The subjects reported their guesses at the nature of needles they received, and rated needle pain and de qi. A blinding index was calculated to define the success of blinding for subjects. RESULTS The blinding status of subjects for 1 mm press needles of 0.18 mm diameter was "random guess", but "unblinded" for 1 mm press needles of 0.25 mm diameter. For 2 mm press needles of both diameters, the blinding status was "opposite guess" and the blinding status for penetrating needles of both diameters was "unblinded." The percentages of "felt pain" with 2 mm press needles of both diameters were similar to that with penetrating needles, but those were not similar for 1 mm press needles. The frequency of de qi occurrence with 2 mm press needles of 0.18 mm diameter was similar to that of penetrating needles of both diameters. CONCLUSION Placebo needles of 2 mm press made more subjects guess that the needles penetrated the skin than 1 mm press needles. The use of small diameter needles increased patient blinding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nobuari Takakura
- Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Faculty of Health Sciences, Tokyo Ariake University of Medical and Health Sciences, Tokyo 135-0063, Japan; Department of Physiology, Showa University School of Medicine, Tokyo 142-8555, Japan; Japan School of Acupuncture, Moxibustion and Physiotherapy, Tokyo 150-0031, Japan.
| | - Miho Takayama
- Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Faculty of Health Sciences, Tokyo Ariake University of Medical and Health Sciences, Tokyo 135-0063, Japan; Department of Physiology, Showa University School of Medicine, Tokyo 142-8555, Japan; Japan School of Acupuncture, Moxibustion and Physiotherapy, Tokyo 150-0031, Japan
| | - Morihiro Nasu
- Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Faculty of Health Sciences, Tokyo Ariake University of Medical and Health Sciences, Tokyo 135-0063, Japan
| | - Masako Nishiwaki
- Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Faculty of Health Sciences, Tokyo Ariake University of Medical and Health Sciences, Tokyo 135-0063, Japan
| | - Akiko Kawase
- Japan School of Acupuncture, Moxibustion and Physiotherapy, Tokyo 150-0031, Japan
| | - Hiroyoshi Yajima
- Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Faculty of Health Sciences, Tokyo Ariake University of Medical and Health Sciences, Tokyo 135-0063, Japan; Department of Physiology, Showa University School of Medicine, Tokyo 142-8555, Japan; Japan School of Acupuncture, Moxibustion and Physiotherapy, Tokyo 150-0031, Japan
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Acupuncture for Acne Vulgaris: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2018; 2018:4806734. [PMID: 29721027 PMCID: PMC5867647 DOI: 10.1155/2018/4806734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2017] [Accepted: 01/21/2018] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Purpose To conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to determine the current best available evidence of the efficacy and safety of acupuncture and related therapies for acne vulgaris. Methods Eleven English and Chinese databases were searched to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of acne vulgaris compared to pharmacotherapies, no treatment, and sham or placebo acupuncture. Methodological quality was assessed using Cochrane Collaboration's risk of bias tool. Meta-analysis was conducted using RevMan software. Results Twelve RCTs were included in the qualitative review and 10 RCTs were included in meta-analysis. Methodological quality of trials was generally low. The chance of achieving ≥30% change in lesion count in the acupuncture group was no different to the pharmacotherapy group (RR: 1.07 [95% CI 0.98, 1.17]; I2 = 8%) and ≥50% change in lesion count in the acupuncture group was not statistically different to the pharmacotherapy group (RR: 1.07 [95% CI 0.98, 1.17]; I2 = 50%). Conclusions While caution should be exercised due to quality of the included studies, acupuncture and auricular acupressure were not statistically different to guideline recommended treatments but were with fewer side effects and may be a treatment option. Future trials should address the methodological weaknesses and meet standard reporting requirements stipulated in STRICTA.
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Schlaeger JM, Takakura N, Yajima H, Takayama M, Steffen AD, Gabzdyl EM, Nisi RA, McGowan Gruber K, Bussell JM, Wilkie DJ. Double-blind acupuncture needles: a multi-needle, multi-session randomized feasibility study. Pilot Feasibility Stud 2018; 4:72. [PMID: 29686883 PMCID: PMC5897935 DOI: 10.1186/s40814-018-0265-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2017] [Accepted: 03/22/2018] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Efficacy of acupuncture is difficult to demonstrate without a feasible double-blind milieu. Double-blind acupuncture needles have been validated in single session protocols with one or two needles but not been tested in a protocol requiring many needles and repeated sessions. Methods We determined the feasibility of a 13-needle, 10-session study protocol. Feasibility focused on (1) enrolling and retaining participants; (2) two acupuncturists accurately implementing a double-blind, multi-needle, multi-session protocol; (3) participants completing measures; and (4) protocol acceptability to participants. In this double-blind randomized controlled pilot study, participants were randomized 1:1 to a penetrating needle group or a skin-touch placebo control group. Results Six women with vulvodynia (mean age 31.5 ± 8 years; five white, non-Latina, one black/African American) met the eligibility requirements, consented to participation, and were enrolled. All six participants (100%) completed the 10-session study protocol in 5 weeks without missing any treatment sessions. Per observed checklist documented technique, two acupuncturists flawlessly administered the 13-needle, 10-session acupuncture protocol; no needles malfunctioned. Six participants attended all sessions and completed 99% of measurement items. One participant did not like acupuncture (60% acceptability score) and five liked acupuncture (100% acceptability scores); the mean acceptability score was 93.3%. Conclusion Study feasibility was supported. This protocol can be used in a double-blind efficacy trial of acupuncture for vulvodynia. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02704234. Registered 30 November 2015.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judith M Schlaeger
- 1Department of Women, Children and Family Health Science, College of Nursing, University of Illinois at Chicago, 845 S. Damen (M/C 802), Chicago, IL 60612 USA
| | - Nobuari Takakura
- 2Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Faculty of Health Sciences, Tokyo Ariake University of Medical and Health Sciences, 2-9-1 Ariake, Koto-ku, Tokyo, 135-0063 Japan
| | - Hiroyoshi Yajima
- 2Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Faculty of Health Sciences, Tokyo Ariake University of Medical and Health Sciences, 2-9-1 Ariake, Koto-ku, Tokyo, 135-0063 Japan
| | - Miho Takayama
- 2Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Faculty of Health Sciences, Tokyo Ariake University of Medical and Health Sciences, 2-9-1 Ariake, Koto-ku, Tokyo, 135-0063 Japan
| | - Alana D Steffen
- 1Department of Women, Children and Family Health Science, College of Nursing, University of Illinois at Chicago, 845 S. Damen (M/C 802), Chicago, IL 60612 USA
| | - Elizabeth M Gabzdyl
- 1Department of Women, Children and Family Health Science, College of Nursing, University of Illinois at Chicago, 845 S. Damen (M/C 802), Chicago, IL 60612 USA
| | - Robyn A Nisi
- 1Department of Women, Children and Family Health Science, College of Nursing, University of Illinois at Chicago, 845 S. Damen (M/C 802), Chicago, IL 60612 USA
| | - Kathleen McGowan Gruber
- 1Department of Women, Children and Family Health Science, College of Nursing, University of Illinois at Chicago, 845 S. Damen (M/C 802), Chicago, IL 60612 USA
| | - Jason M Bussell
- 3Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, 615 N. Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD 21205 USA
| | - Diana J Wilkie
- 4Department of Biobehavioral Nursing Science, College of Nursing, University of Florida, 1225 Center Drive, Gainesville, FL 32610 USA
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Carlino E, Vase L. Can knowledge of Placebo and Nocebo Mechanisms Help Improve Randomized Clinical Trials? INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF NEUROBIOLOGY 2018; 138:329-357. [PMID: 29681333 DOI: 10.1016/bs.irn.2018.01.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Over the last decade, there has been a substantial increase in negative results from randomized controlled trials (RCTs), which may be due to an increasing placebo response among other factors. Currently, identification and exclusion of placebo responders from trials are attempted to overcome this problem, but so far the success of these approaches has been limited. At the same time, the placebo-mechanism literature has highlighted how contextual factors, such as patients' expectations, interfere with the effect of drug administration, leading to a certain degree of uncertainty in RCTs. In this chapter, we review the current challenges of RCTs including the uncertainties of the active arm, the placebo arm, the additivity assumption, and the double-blind procedure. We use the placebo-mechanism literature to debate the strengths and weaknesses of attempts to identify and exclude placebo responders from trials. Finally, we illustrate how insights from the placebo-mechanism literature may point to new ways of improving RCTs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lene Vase
- School of Business and Social Sciences, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark.
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Abstract
Because acupuncture treatment is defined by the process of needles penetrating the body, placebo needles were originally developed with non-penetrating mechanisms. However, whether placebo needles are valid controls in acupuncture research is subject of an ongoing debate. The present review provides an overview of the characteristics of placebo needles and how they differ from placebo pills in two aspects: (1) physiological response and (2) blinding efficacy. We argue that placebo needles elicit physiological responses similar to real acupuncture and therefore provide similar clinical efficacy. We also demonstrate that this efficacy is further supported by ineffective blinding (even in acupuncture-naïve patients) which may lead to opposite guesses that will further enhances efficacy, as compared to no-treatment, e.g., with waiting list controls. Additionally, the manner in which placebo needles can exhibit therapeutic effects relative to placebo pills include enhanced touch sensations, direct stimulation of the somatosensory system and activation of multiple brain systems. We finally discuss alternative control strategies for the placebo effects in acupuncture therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Younbyoung Chae
- Acupuncture and Meridian Science Research Center, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Ye-Seul Lee
- Acupuncture and Meridian Science Research Center, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, South Korea.,Department of Anatomy and Meridians, College of Korean Medicine, Gachon University, Seongnam, South Korea
| | - Paul Enck
- Department of Internal Medicine, Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
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Quinlan-Woodward J, Gode A, Dusek JA, Reinstein AS, Johnson JR, Sendelbach S. Assessing the Impact of Acupuncture on Pain, Nausea, Anxiety, and Coping in Women Undergoing a Mastectomy. Oncol Nurs Forum 2017; 43:725-732. [PMID: 27768139 DOI: 10.1188/16.onf.725-732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES To compare the effect of acupuncture to a standard-of-care (control) group on pain, nausea, anxiety, and ability to cope.
. DESIGN Pilot randomized, controlled trial.
. SETTING Abbott Northwestern Hospital, a large, urban, tertiary care hospital in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
. SAMPLE 30 adult women undergoing surgery for breast cancer.
. METHODS Women were randomly assigned to two hospital-based acupuncture treatments versus usual care after breast cancer surgery. Pain, nausea, anxiety, and the patient's ability to cope pre- and post-treatment were compared within and between groups at two different time points postoperatively.
. MAIN RESEARCH VARIABLES Mean change in pain, nausea, anxiety, and ability to cope by treatment group.
. FINDINGS Compared to women assigned to the control group, women who received acupuncture reported a statistically significant greater reduction in pain, nausea, anxiety, and increase in ability to cope on the first postoperative day and in pain on the second postoperative day following mastectomy surgery.
. CONCLUSIONS Acupuncture delivered postoperatively in the hospital after mastectomy can reduce the severity of symptoms experienced, as well as increase the patient's ability to cope with her symptoms. However, before implementation as a standard of care, further research needs to be conducted.
. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING Acupuncture adds a nonpharmacologic intervention for symptom management in women undergoing mastectomies for breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Autumn Gode
- Penny George Institute for Health and Healing
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Bataille B, Chan-Shun C, Nucci B, Verdoux B, Mora M, Cocquet P, Silva S. Effect of transcutaneous electroacupuncture at Neiguan (PC 6) on refractory vomiting in patients in intensive care unit. J TRADIT CHIN MED 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/s0254-6272(17)30163-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Sham Electroacupuncture Methods in Randomized Controlled Trials. Sci Rep 2017; 7:40837. [PMID: 28106094 PMCID: PMC5247761 DOI: 10.1038/srep40837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2016] [Accepted: 12/13/2016] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Sham electroacupuncture (EA) control is commonly used to evaluate the specific effects of EA in randomized-controlled trials (RCTs). However, establishing an inert and concealable sham EA control remains methodologically challenging. Here, we aimed to systematically investigate the sham EA methods. Eight electronic databases were searched from their inception to April 2015. Ten out of the 17 sham EA methods were identified from 94 RCTs involving 6134 participants according to three aspects: needle location, depth of needle insertion and electrical stimulation. The top three most frequently used types were sham EA type A, type L and type O ordinally. Only 24 out of the 94 trials reported credibility tests in six types of sham EA methods and the results were mainly as follows: sham EA type A (10/24), type B (5/24) and type Q (5/24). Compared with sham EA controls, EA therapy in 56.2% trials reported the specific effects, of which the highest positive rate was observed in type N (3/4), type F (5/7), type D (4/6) and type M (2/3). In conclusion, several sham EA types were identified as a promising candidate for further application in RCTs. Nonetheless, more evidence for inert and concealable sham EA control methods is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- S W Choi
- Department of Anaesthesiology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, HKSAR
| | - D M H Lam
- Department of Anaesthesiology, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong, HKSAR
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dos Santos Maciel LY, dos Santos Leite PM, Neto MLP, Mendonça ACR, de Araujo CCA, da Hora Santos Souza J, DeSantana JM. Comparison of the placebo effect between different non-penetrating acupuncture devices and real acupuncture in healthy subjects: a randomized clinical trial. Altern Ther Health Med 2016; 16:518. [PMID: 27978834 PMCID: PMC5159982 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-016-1477-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2016] [Accepted: 11/07/2016] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Background Several studies have used placebo acupuncture methods in recent years as a way for blinding therapeutic effect of acupuncture, however placebo method selection has not followed enough methodological criteria to the point of stabilishing a consensus of what should be the best method to be used. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of three different placebo acupuncture methods for blinding applied in healthy subjects. Methods This study was approved by the Ethics Committee of the Federal University of Sergipe with the number 47193015.5.0000.5546 and all individuals participating in the study signed a free and informed consent. For this study, 321 healthy volunteers were randomly divided into seven groups using the abdominal point stomach (ST) 25 and seven groups using the lumbar point bladder (Bl) 52 for stimulation. For real acupuncture procedure, three different methods of placebo acupuncture plus a mix between real acupuncture and placebo applied in the same individual, totaling fourteen groups in this study. Outcome assessments were performed before and immediately after applying the technique. Investigator who assessed variables had no knowledgement about the method was applied. Identification, weight and height were measured before puncture by using. At the end, subjects were asked if they believed they were receiving real or placebo acupuncture. Results There was no significant difference between groups for the perception about the type o stimulation (wheter real or placebo puncture). Percentage of subjects who reported to have received real acupuncture in the abdominal point was 69.56% in real group, 86.95% in group Park Sham, 82.60% in needle + foam, 91.30% in insertion and removal, 78.26% in real + Park Sham, 86.36% in real + needle and foam, 86.95% in real + insertion and removal, and for the lumbar point was 86.36% in real group, 86.95% in group Park Sham, 69.56% in needle + foam, 72% in insertion and removal, 86.95% in real + Park Sham, 81.81% in real + needle and foam and 78.26% in real + insertion and removal. Conclusion All placebo acupuncture methods proposed in this study were equally effective for bliding the study participants using either abdominal or lumbar acupoints, and none of the placebo methods presented benefit compared to the other to be used in future clinical trials. Ethics Committee Federal University of Sergipe (UFS), number of approval: 47193015.5.0000.5546 Trial registration ensaiosclinicos.gov.br RBR-3w2p32 Registered in 28th January 2016.
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Lu W, Wayne PM, Davis RB, Buring JE, Li H, Macklin EA, Lorch JH, Burke E, Haddad TC, Goguen LA, Rosenthal DS, Tishler RB, Posner MR, Haddad RI. Acupuncture for Chemoradiation Therapy-Related Dysphagia in Head and Neck Cancer: A Pilot Randomized Sham-Controlled Trial. Oncologist 2016; 21:1522-1529. [PMID: 27511906 DOI: 10.1634/theoncologist.2015-0538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2015] [Accepted: 06/14/2016] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Dysphagia is common in head and neck cancer patients after concurrent chemoradiation therapy (CRT). This study evaluated the feasibility of conducting a randomized sham-controlled trial and collected preliminary data on safety and efficacy of acupuncture. PATIENTS AND METHODS Head and neck cancer (HNC) patients with stage III-IV squamous cell carcinoma were randomized to 12 sessions of either active acupuncture (AA) or sham acupuncture (SA) during and following CRT. Patients were blinded to treatment assignment. Swallowing-related quality of life (QOL) was assessed using the MD Anderson Dysphagia Inventory (MDADI) total and subscale scores. RESULTS Multiple aspects of trial feasibility were confirmed. Forty-two of 196 patients screened (21%) were enrolled and randomized to receive AA (n = 21) or SA (n = 21); 79% completed at least 10 of 12 planned acupuncture sessions; 81% completed the study follow-ups. The majority of patients reported uncertainty regarding their treatment assignment, with no difference between the AA and SA groups. Audits confirmed both AA and SA treatments were delivered with high fidelity. No serious acupuncture-related side effects were observed. MDADI total scores significantly improved from baseline to 12 months post-CRT in both groups (AA: +7.9; SA +13.9; p = .044, p < .001). Similar patterns were observed for the MDADI global subscale (AA: +25.0; SA +22.7; p = .001, p = .002). Intent-to-treat analyses suggested no difference between the treatment groups (p = .17, p = .76 for MDADI total and global scores, respectively). CONCLUSION A sham-controlled randomized trial evaluating acupuncture in dysphagia-related QOL in HNC found the procedure to be feasible and safe. Further investigation is required to evaluate efficacy. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE Dysphagia or swallowing difficulty is an important and common condition after concurrent chemoradiation therapy in head and neck cancer patients. In addition to current available supportive care, acupuncture may offer potential for treating dysphagia. This study demonstrated that both active acupuncture and sham acupuncture are safe and were associated with improved dysphagia-related quality of life from baseline to 12 months after concurrent chemoradiation therapy. This study was not designed to inform underlying specific versus nonspecific effects. Future larger-scale pragmatic clinical trials evaluating the effectiveness of acupuncture versus standard of care are warranted, and further mechanistic research is needed to understand how active versus purportedly sham acupuncture procedures affect dysphagia-related symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weidong Lu
- Leonard P. Zakim Center for Integrative Therapies, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Peter M Wayne
- Osher Center for Integrative Medicine, Division of Preventive Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Roger B Davis
- Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Julie E Buring
- Osher Center for Integrative Medicine, Division of Preventive Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Hailun Li
- Dana-Farber/Harvard Cancer Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Eric A Macklin
- Biostatistics Center, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jochen H Lorch
- Head and Neck Oncology Program, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Elaine Burke
- Head and Neck Oncology Program, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Tyler C Haddad
- Head and Neck Oncology Program, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Laura A Goguen
- Head and Neck Oncology Program, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - David S Rosenthal
- Leonard P. Zakim Center for Integrative Therapies, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Roy B Tishler
- Head and Neck Oncology Program, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute/Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Marshall R Posner
- Head and Neck Oncology Program, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Head and Neck Oncology Center, Mount Sinai Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Robert I Haddad
- Head and Neck Oncology Program, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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Tassinari M, Roberti di Sarsina P. Evidence-based medicine and acupuncture: old bias for new perspectives in clinical context. J Eval Clin Pract 2015; 21:1035-7. [PMID: 26277999 DOI: 10.1111/jep.12435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Paolo Roberti di Sarsina
- Charity for Person Centred Medicine-Moral Entity, Bologna, Italy.,Observatory and Methods for Health, Department of Sociology and Social Research, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milano, Italy
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Zhang CS, Tan HY, Zhang GS, Zhang AL, Xue CC, Xie YM. Placebo Devices as Effective Control Methods in Acupuncture Clinical Trials: A Systematic Review. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0140825. [PMID: 26536619 PMCID: PMC4633221 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0140825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2015] [Accepted: 09/29/2015] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
While the use of acupuncture has been recognised by the World Health Organisation, its efficacy for many of the common clinical conditions is still undergoing validation through randomised controlled trials (RCTs). A credible placebo control for such RCTs to enable meaningful evaluation of its efficacy is to be established. While several non-penetrating acupuncture placebo devices, namely the Streitberger, the Park and the Takakura Devices, have been developed and used in RCTs, their suitability as inert placebo controls needs to be rigorously determined. This article systematically reviews these devices as placebo interventions. Electronic searches were conducted on four English and two Chinese databases from their inceptions to July 2014; hand searches of relevant references were also conducted. RCTs, in English or Chinese language, comparing acupuncture with one of the aforementioned devices as the control intervention on human participants with any clinical condition and evaluating clinically related outcomes were included. Thirty-six studies were included for qualitative analysis while 14 were in the meta-analysis. The meta-analysis does not support the notion of either the Streitberger or the Park Device being inert control interventions while none of the studies involving the Takakura Device was included in the meta-analysis. Sixteen studies reported the occurrence of adverse events, with no significant difference between verum and placebo acupuncture. Author-reported blinding credibility showed that participant blinding was successful in most cases; however, when blinding index was calculated, only one study, which utilised the Park Device, seemed to have an ideal blinding scenario. Although the blinding index could not be calculated for the Takakura Device, it was the only device reported to enable practitioner blinding. There are limitations with each of the placebo devices and more rigorous studies are needed to further evaluate their effects and blinding credibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire Shuiqing Zhang
- Traditional and Complementary Medicine Research Program, RMIT Health Innovations Research Institute, School of Health Sciences, RMIT University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia
| | - Hsiewe Ying Tan
- Traditional and Complementary Medicine Research Program, RMIT Health Innovations Research Institute, School of Health Sciences, RMIT University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia
| | - George Shengxi Zhang
- Traditional and Complementary Medicine Research Program, RMIT Health Innovations Research Institute, School of Health Sciences, RMIT University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia
| | - Anthony Lin Zhang
- Traditional and Complementary Medicine Research Program, RMIT Health Innovations Research Institute, School of Health Sciences, RMIT University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia
| | - Charlie Changli Xue
- Traditional and Complementary Medicine Research Program, RMIT Health Innovations Research Institute, School of Health Sciences, RMIT University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia
| | - Yi Min Xie
- Centre for Innovative Structures and Materials, School of Civil, Environmental and Chemical Engineering, RMIT University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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