Acupuncture versus sham-acupuncture : a meta-analysis on evidence for non-immediate effects of acupuncture in musculoskeletal disorders

Objective: Acupuncture is a common modality in the therapy of musculoskeletal disorders. The evidence for acupuncture has been examined frequently, but a clear synthesis of previous research is currently lacking. This meta-analysis aimed to summarize the evidence for nonimmediate effects of acupuncture on pain, functionality, and quality of life in patients with musculoskeletal disorders, when compared with sham acupuncture. Methods: Search results from PubMed and Web of Science were brought together. All screening procedures were executed twice by 2 independent researchers. The pooled standardized mean difference (SMD) with its confidence interval (CI) was estimated at follow-up at <1 month, 1 to 3 months, 3 to 6 months, and >6 months. Results: For pain, the SMD equalled respectively −0.47 (CI −0.76 to −0.19), −0.27 (CI −0.44 to −0.11), −0.32 (CI −0.51 to −0.13) and −0.12 (CI −0.36 to 0.11) for <1 month, 1 to 3 months, 3 to 6 months, and >6 months follow-up. For functionality, the pooled SMD equalled −0.43 (CI −0.76 to −0.10), −0.41 (CI −0.76 to −0.05), 0.07 (CI −0.22 to 0.36), and −0.13 (−0.46 to 0.19). In the area of QOL, pooled SMD of respectively 0.20 (CI 0.04 to 0.35), 0.19 (CI −0.01 to 0.39), 0.02 (CI −0.09 to 0.14) and −0.04 (CI −0.25 to 0.16) were obtained. Discussion: A significant difference in therapy effect, favoring acupuncture, was found for pain at <1 month, 1 to 3 months, and 3 to 6 months, as well as on quality of life at <1 month, and on functionality at <1 month and 1 to 3 months.

Jaar van publicatie:2020

Toegankelijkheid:Closed