Effect of Yoga on Blood Pressure in Prehypertension: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Introduction. Prehypertension is a precursor for developing hypertension and is a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. Yoga therapy may have a role in lowering the blood pressures in prehypertension and hypertension. This systematic review aims to synthesize the available literature for the same. Methodology. Databases such as PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched for randomised control trials only in the time duration of 2010–2021. The main outcome of interest was systolic and diastolic blood pressures. Articles were screened based on the inclusion criteria, and 8 articles were recruited for the review. Meta-analysis was done for suitable articles. RevMan 5.4 by Cochrane was used for meta-analysis and forest plot construction. Risk of bias was determined using the Downs and Black checklist by three independent authors. Results. The meta-analysis of the articles favoured yoga intervention over the control intervention. Yoga therapy had significantly reduced the systolic pressure (−0.62 standard mean difference, at IV fixed 95% CI: −0.83, −0.41) and diastolic pressure (−0.81 standard mean difference, at IV random 95% CI: −1.39, −0.22). Secondary outcome measures studied were heart rate, weight, BMI, waist circumference, and lipid profile. The main protocol of yoga therapy included postures, breathing exercises, and different meditation techniques. A significant reduction in secondary outcomes was observed, except for HDL values in lipid profile which showed a gradual increase in yoga group in comparison with alternative therapy. Conclusion. Yoga therapy has shown to be significant in the reduction of systolic and diastolic pressure in prehypertensive population. Supporting evidence lacks in providing a proper structured dosage of yoga asanas and breathing techniques. Considering the existing literature and evidence, Yoga therapy can be used and recommended in prehypertensive population and can be beneficial in reducing the chances of developing hypertension or cardiovascular diseases.

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Laboratory Tests and Outcome for Patients with Coronavirus Disease 2019: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

The Journal of Applied Laboratory Medicine ◽

10.1093/jalm/jfaa098 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 5 (5) ◽

pp. 1038-1049 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Anne Alnor ◽

Maria B Sandberg ◽

Charlotte Gils ◽

Pernille J Vinholt

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Disease Severity ◽

Laboratory Tests ◽

Evidence Synthesis ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Severe Disease ◽

Risk Of Bias ◽

Mean Difference ◽

Routine Laboratory ◽

Standard Mean Difference

Abstract Background Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and poses substantial challenges for healthcare systems. With a vastly expanding number of publications on COVID-19, clinicians need evidence synthesis to produce guidance for handling patients with COVID-19. In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we examine which routine laboratory tests are associated with severe COVID-19 disease. Content PubMed (Medline), Scopus, and Web of Science were searched until March 22, 2020, for studies on COVID-19. Eligible studies were original articles reporting on laboratory tests and outcome of patients with COVID-19. Data were synthesized, and we conducted random-effects meta-analysis, and determined mean difference (MD) and standard mean difference at the biomarker level for disease severity. Risk of bias and applicability concerns were evaluated using the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies-2. Summary 45 studies were included, of which 21 publications were used for the meta-analysis. Studies were heterogeneous but had low risk of bias and applicability concern in terms of patient selection and reference standard. Severe disease was associated with higher white blood cell count (MD, 1.28 ×109/L), neutrophil count (MD, 1.49 ×109/L), C-reactive protein (MD, 49.2 mg/L), lactate dehydrogenase (MD, 196 U/L), D-dimer (standardized MD, 0.58), and aspartate aminotransferase (MD, 8.5 U/L); all p < 0.001. Furthermore, low lymphocyte count (MD −0.32 × 109/L), platelet count (MD −22.4 × 109/L), and hemoglobin (MD, −4.1 g/L); all p < 0.001 were also associated with severe disease. In conclusion, several routine laboratory tests are associated with disease severity in COVID-19.

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Association of foods enriched in conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) and CLA supplements with lipid profile in human studies: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Public Health Nutrition ◽

10.1017/s1368980014002262 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 18 (11) ◽

pp. 2041-2054 ◽

Cited By ~ 19

Author(s):

Seyede-Masome Derakhshande-Rishehri ◽

Marjan Mansourian ◽

Roya Kelishadi ◽

Motahar Heidari-Beni

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Linoleic Acid ◽

Lipid Profile ◽

Total Cholesterol ◽

Conjugated Linoleic Acid ◽

Ldl Cholesterol ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Mean Difference ◽

Human Studies ◽

Cochrane Library

AbstractObjectiveThe present study aimed to review the association of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) consumption in two forms, foods enriched in CLA and CLA supplements, with serum lipid profile in human studies.DesignSystematic review and meta-analysis.SettingSearch process was conducted in PubMed, Cochrane Library, Google Scholar, Scopus and Science Direct. Clinical trials that investigated the association of CLA intakes either in the form of supplements or enriched foods with lipid profile in healthy adults were included. All outcomes were recorded as continuous variables, and the effect size was measured by analysis of the mean and standard deviation before and after the intervention for case and control groups.SubjectsHealthy adult population.ResultsCLA supplementation was associated with a significant decrease in LDL cholesterol (mean difference=−0·218; 95 % CI −0·358, −0·077;P=0·002), a non-significant decrease in HDL cholesterol (mean difference=−0·051; 95 % CI −0·188, 0·086;P=0·468), a non-significant increase in total cholesterol (mean difference=0·009; 95 % CI −0·128, 0·146;P=0·896) and a non-significant decrease in TAG (mean difference=−0·065; 95 % CI −0·20, 0·07;P=0·344). Foods enriched with CLA were associated with significantly decreased LDL cholesterol (mean difference=−0·231; 95 % CI −0·438, −0·024;P=0·028), non-significantly increased HDL-C (mean difference=0·075; 95 % CI −0·121, 0·270;P=0·455), non-significantly decreased total cholesterol (mean difference=−0·158; 95 % CI −0·349, 0·042;P=0·124) and non-significantly decreased TAG (mean difference=−0·078; 95 % CI −0·274, 0·117;P=0·433).ConclusionsAccording to our analysis, consumption of foods enriched with CLA or CLA supplements has favourable effects on LDL cholesterol levels.

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Effectiveness of Ginger on Pain and Function in Knee Osteoarthritis: A PRISMA Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

January 2018 - Pain Physician ◽

10.36076/ppj.2020/23/e151 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 2;23 (4;2) ◽

pp. E151-E163

Author(s):

Felipe Araya-Quintanilla

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Clinical Trials ◽

Pain Relief ◽

Knee Osteoarthritis ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Knee Function ◽

Mean Difference ◽

Eligibility Criteria ◽

Standard Mean Difference ◽

And Function

Background: Ginger has been proposed as a complementary treatment for musculoskeletal pain. However, efficacy, type, and safety remains unclear. Objectives: To determine the effectiveness of consumption or topical application of ginger for pain relief and knee function improvement in patients with knee osteoarthritis. Study Design: Systematic review with meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials. Methods: An electronic search was performed on Medline, Central, CINAHL, PEDro, SPORTDiscus, and LILACS databases. The eligibility criteria for selecting studies included clinical trials that compared consumption and/or topical ginger with placebo or other interventions for the pain relief and knee function in patients with medical diagnosis of knee osteoarthritis. Results: Seven clinical trials met the eligibility criteria, and for the quantitative synthesis, 4 studies were included. For the comparison capsules versus placebo, mean difference for pain was −7.88 mm; 95% confidence interval (CI), 11.92 to 3.85 (P = 0.00), and standard mean difference for knee function was −1.61 points; 95% CI, −4.30 to −1.09 (P = 0.24). For the comparison of topical ginger versus standard treatment, standard mean difference for pain was 0.79 mm; 95% CI, −1.97 to 0.39 (P = 0.19), and standard mean difference for knee function was −0.51 points; 95% CI, −1.15 to 0.13 (P = 0.12). Limitations: The current evidence is heterogeneous and has a poor methodologic quality. Conclusions: There is insufficient evidence to support the use of oral ginger compared with placebo in the pain relief and function improvement in patients with knee osteoarthritis. For other comparisons, no statistically significant differences were found. Key words: Osteoarthritis, knee osteoarthritis, ginger, pain, randomized clinical trial, systematic review

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A systematic review and meta-analysis on chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine as monotherapy or combined with azithromycin in COVID-19 treatment

Scientific Reports ◽

10.1038/s41598-020-77748-x ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 10 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Ramy Mohamed Ghazy ◽

Abdallah Almaghraby ◽

Ramy Shaaban ◽

Ahmed Kamal ◽

Hatem Beshir ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Side Effects ◽

Hospital Stay ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Mean Difference ◽

In Vivo Studies ◽

Published Data ◽

Duration Of Hospital Stay ◽

Standard Mean Difference ◽

Clinical Worsening

AbstractMany recent studies have investigated the role of either Chloroquine (CQ) or Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) alone or in combination with azithromycin (AZM) in the management of the emerging coronavirus. This systematic review and meta-analysis of either published or preprint observational studies or randomized control trials (RCT) aimed to assess mortality rate, duration of hospital stay, need for mechanical ventilation (MV), virologic cure rate (VQR), time to a negative viral polymerase chain reaction (PCR), radiological progression, experiencing drug side effects, and clinical worsening. A search of the online database through June 2020 was performed and examined the reference lists of pertinent articles for in-vivo studies only. Pooled relative risks (RRs), standard mean differences of 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated with the random-effects model. Mortality was not different between the standard care (SC) and HCQ groups (RR = 0.99, 95% CI 0.61–1.59, I2 = 82%), meta-regression analysis proved that mortality was significantly different across the studies from different countries. However, mortality among the HCQ + AZM was significantly higher than among the SC (RR = 1.8, 95% CI 1.19–2.27, I2 = 70%). The duration of hospital stay in days was shorter in the SC in comparison with the HCQ group (standard mean difference = 0.57, 95% CI 0.20–0.94, I2 = 92%), or the HCQ + AZM (standard mean difference = 0.77, 95% CI 0.46–1.08, I2 = 81). Overall VQR, and that at days 4, 10, and 14 among patients exposed to HCQ did not differ significantly from the SC [(RR = 0.92, 95% CI 0.69–1.23, I2 = 67%), (RR = 1.11, 95% CI 0.26–4.69, I2 = 85%), (RR = 1.21, 95% CI 0.70–2.01, I2 = 95%), and (RR = 0.98, 95% CI 0.76–1.27, I2 = 85% )] respectively. Exposure to HCQ + AZM did not improve the VQR as well (RR = 3.23, 95% CI 0.70–14.97, I2 = 58%). The need for MV was not significantly different between the SC and HCQ (RR = 1.5, 95% CI 0.78–2.89, I2 = 81%), or HCQ + AZM (RR = 1.27, 95% CI 0.7–2.13, I2 = 88%). Side effects were more reported in the HCQ group than in the SC (RR = 3.14, 95% CI 1.58–6.24, I2 = 0). Radiological improvement and clinical worsening were not statistically different between HCQ and SC [(RR = 1.11, 95% CI 0.74–1.65, I2 = 45%) and (RR = 1.28, 95% CI 0.33–4.99), I2 = 54%] respectively. Despite the scarcity of published data of good quality, the effectiveness and safety of either HCQ alone or in combination with AZM in treating COVID-19 cannot be assured. Future high-quality RCTs need to be carried out.PROSPERO registration: CRD42020192084.

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Electroacupuncture for post-thoracotomy pain: A systematic review and meta-analysis

PLoS ONE ◽

10.1371/journal.pone.0254093 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 16 (7) ◽

pp. e0254093

Author(s):

Sohyeon Park ◽

Yee Ran Lyu ◽

So Jung Park ◽

Min Seok Oh ◽

In Chul Jung ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Randomized Controlled Trials ◽

Total Dose ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Opioid Analgesics ◽

Sham Acupuncture ◽

Mean Difference ◽

Controlled Trials ◽

Randomized Controlled ◽

Standard Mean Difference

Background Thoracotomy is an invasive surgical procedure that produces intense postoperative pain. Electroacupuncture has been used to induce analgesia in various situations, including after surgery. The aim of the following systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate the effect of electroacupuncture on post-thoracotomy pain. Methods The studies for the systematic review were searched using the following 9 databases: PubMed, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, MEDLINE Complete, Google Scholar, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Korean Medical Database (KMBASE), Koreanstudies Information Service System (KISS), and OASIS, without language restriction. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that met the inclusion criteria were selected. The quality assessment was performed using the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool, and RevMan 5.3 was used for meta-analysis. The review protocol is registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) as CRD42019142157. Results Eleven randomized controlled trials were included in the systematic review. The meta-analysis was performed for two outcome measures: pain score 24 hours after surgery and total dose of opioid analgesics. A subgroup analysis was performed according to the control group: sham acupuncture and conventional analgesia group. Pain score 24 hours after surgery of electroacupuncture group showed a standard mean difference of -0.98 (95% CI: -1.62 to -0.35) compared to sham acupuncture. The standard mean difference was -0.94 (95% CI: -1.33 to -0.55) compared to conventional analgesia. The total dose of opioid analgesics of electroacupuncture group showed a standard mean difference values of -0.95 (95% CI: -1.42 to -0.47) compared to sham acupuncture. The standard mean difference was -1.96 (95% CI: -2.82 to -1.10) compared to conventional analgesia. Conclusion Current evidence suggests that electroacupuncture might provide useful pain relieving effect on post-thoracotomy patients. However, due to low quality and high heterogeneity of existing data, further rigorously designed studies should be performed to confirm the safety and efficacy.

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Malondialdehyde concentrations in obsessive–compulsive disorder: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Annals of General Psychiatry ◽

10.1186/s12991-021-00354-2 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 20 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Amir Hossein Mohammadi ◽

Ebrahim Balandeh ◽

Alireza Milajerdi

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder ◽

Inflammatory Responses ◽

Current Knowledge ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Mean Difference ◽

Healthy Controls ◽

Obsessive Compulsive ◽

Compulsive Disorder ◽

Standard Mean Difference

Abstract Background This meta-analysis aimed to investigate serum and plasma malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in patients with obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD) in comparison to healthy controls. Methods Following the PRISMA protocol, we searched for the relevant studies through the databases of Scopus, PubMed, Google Scholar, and web of science until September 2019 with no time restriction. Overall, nine studies were included in the current meta-analysis. Data were pooled using a random-effects model; in addition, standard mean difference (SMD) and/or weight mean difference (WMD) was calculated. Cochran’s Q test and I-square (I2) statistics were used to evaluate between-study heterogeneity. The Newcastle–Ottawa scale (NOS) was used to evaluate the quality of the included studies. Statistical analyses were done using the STATA version 14. Results Our systematic review included nine case–control studies (including 367 cases and 337 controls). Pooling findings from these studies showed a significantly higher MDA level in OCD patient compared to control groups (SMD = 1.62; 95% CI [0.53, 2.72]; I2 = 96.9%; Pheterogeneity (Ph) < 0.001). This finding remained unchanged among studies which reported MDA in the same unit (WMD = 1.93; 95% CI [0.27, 3.59]; I2 = 99.2%; Ph < 0.001). Subgroup analysis by the study location and sample size revealed findings that were also significant. Conclusion We found that MDA levels are higher in OCD patients than healthy controls. This finding highlights the importance of inflammatory responses in OCD patients that should be considered for future investigations. Further studies are recommended to expand current knowledge on this issue.

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The Effect of Dietary Fibre on Gut Microbiota, Lipid Profile, and Inflammatory Markers in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomised Controlled Trials

Nutrients ◽

10.3390/nu13061805 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (6) ◽

pp. 1805

Author(s):

Omorogieva Ojo ◽

Osarhumwese Osaretin Ojo ◽

Nazanin Zand ◽

Xiaohua Wang

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Type 2 Diabetes ◽

Gut Microbiota ◽

Lipid Profile ◽

Dietary Fibre ◽

Inflammatory Markers ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Mean Difference ◽

The Difference

Background: A disequilibrium of the gut microbial community has been closely associated with systemic inflammation and metabolic syndromes including type 2 diabetes. While low fibre and high fat diets may lead to dysbiosis of the gut microbiome as a result of the loss of useful microbes, it has been reported that a high fibre diet may prevent the fermentation of protein and may promote eubiosis of gut microbiota. Aim: This review aims to evaluate the effect of dietary fibre (DF) on gut microbiota, lipid profile, and inflammatory markers in patients with type 2 diabetes. Methods: The PRISMA framework was relied on to conduct this systematic review and meta-analysis. Searches were carried out using electronic databases and reference list of articles. Results: Eleven studies were included in the systematic review, while ten studies were included in the meta-analysis. The findings revealed five distinct areas including the effects of DF on (a) gut microbiota (122 participants); (b) lipopolysaccharides (LPS, 79 participants) and lipopolysaccharides binding protein (LBP, 81 participants); (c) lipid profile; (d) inflammatory markers; and (e) body mass index (BMI, 319 participants). The relative abundance of Bifidobacterium increased by 0.73 (95% CI: 0.57, 0.89) in the DF group in contrast to the control (p < 0.05). With respect to LPS, the level was lower in the DF group than the control and the difference was significant (p < 0.05). The standardised mean difference for LPS was −0.45 (95% CI: −0.90, −0.01) although the difference between the two groups in relation to LBP was not significant (p = 0.08) and the mean difference was 0.92 (95% CI: −0.12, 1.95). While there was a decrease of −1.05 (95% CI: −2.07, −0.02) with respect to total cholesterol (356 participants) in the DF group as compared with the control (p < 0.05), both groups were not significantly different (p > 0.05) in the other lipid parameters. The difference between the groups was significant (p < 0.05) in relation to C-reactive protein, and the mean difference was 0.43 (95% CI: 0.02, 0.84). This could be due to the short duration of the included studies and differences in participants’ diets including the amount of dietary fibre supplements. However, the groups were not significantly different (p > 0.05) with respect to the other inflammatory markers. The meta-analysis of the BMI showed that the DF group decreased by −0.57 (95% CI: −1.02, −0.12) as compared with the control and this was significant (p < 0.01). Conclusion: DF significantly (p < 0.05) increased the relative abundance of Bifidobacterium and significantly decreased (p < 0.05) LPS, total cholesterol, and BMI as compared with the control. However, DF did not seem to have an effect that was significant on LBP, triglyceride, HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, IL-6, TNF-α, adiponectin, and leptin. These findings have implications for public health in relation to the use of dietary fibre in nutritional interventions and as strategies for managing type 2 diabetes.

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The Effect of Physical Exercise After a Concussion: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

The American Journal of Sports Medicine ◽

10.1177/0363546517706137 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 46 (3) ◽

pp. 743-752 ◽

Cited By ~ 18

Author(s):

Avtar Lal ◽

Stephanie A. Kolakowsky-Hayner ◽

Jamshid Ghajar ◽

Maya Balamane

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Physical Exercise ◽

Cohort Studies ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Mean Difference ◽

Cognitive Testing ◽

Symptom Scale ◽

Standard Mean Difference ◽

Before And After

Background: Data evaluating the role of exercise in patients with a concussion are contradictory. Studies have reported improvement in the Post-Concussion Symptom Scale (PCSS) score, whereas others showed no effect on the PCSS score. Purpose: To conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis on the role of physical exercise on different outcomes in patients with a concussion. Study Design: Systematic review and meta-analysis. Methods: A search of 5 databases from the earliest available date to September 30, 2016, and a hand search of a few articles were performed. Trial registries were reviewed, and authors of multiple studies were contacted to find additional published or unpublished studies. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs), cohort studies, and before and after (pre-post) studies evaluating the effect of physical exercise, compared with control, in patients with a concussion or mild traumatic brain injury were included. Results: The search generated 1096 studies. Of these, 14 studies (5 RCTs, 1 propensity score matching study, 3 cohort studies, and 5 before and after studies) met our inclusion criteria. Exercise significantly decreased the PCSS score (mean difference, −13.06; 95% CI, −16.57 to −9.55; P < .00001; I2 = 44%), percentage of patients with symptoms of a concussion (risk ratio, 0.74; 95% CI, 0.63 to 0.86; P = .0001; I2 = 0%), and days off work (17.7 days vs 32.2 days, respectively; P < .05) compared with control. Exercise improved the reaction time (standard mean difference, –0.43; 95% CI, −0.80 to −0.06; P = .02) component of the Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing (ImPACT) score without affecting the Balance Error Scoring System (BESS) score and neuropsychological parameters. The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) scores were moderate for the PCSS, symptoms, ImPACT, BESS, and neuropsychological tests. Conclusion: Physical exercise appears to improve the PCSS score and symptoms in patients with a concussion. A high-quality RCT evaluating different intensities of exercise at different time points, for different durations after a concussion, for different races/ethnicities, and for sex needs to be conducted to evaluate a clear effect of exercise in patients with a concussion.

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Effects of Flavonoid Supplementation on Common Eye Disorders: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Clinical Trials

Frontiers in Nutrition ◽

10.3389/fnut.2021.651441 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 8 ◽

Author(s):

Sergio Davinelli ◽

Sawan Ali ◽

Giovanni Scapagnini ◽

Ciro Costagliola

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Clinical Trials ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Clinical Manifestations ◽

Mean Difference ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Standard Mean Difference ◽

Eye Disorders ◽

Ocular Disorders ◽

Intervention Trials

Background: Emerging studies show that certain plant compounds may reduce the severity of most prevalent ocular abnormalities. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to assess the effect of dietary flavonoids on major eye disorders.Methods: Eligible studies were identified by searching PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Cochrane Library databases for all articles published up to April 2021. The literature search yielded 1,134 articles, and a total of 16 studies were included in the systematic review. A meta-analysis of 11 intervention trials involving a total of 724 participants was performed.Results: Using a random-effects model, the pooled results revealed an overall significant effect of flavonoids on common ophthalmic disorders (standard mean difference = −0.39; 95% CI: −0.56, −0.21, p < 0.01). Of the subclasses of flavonoids, flavan-3-ols (standard mean difference = −0.62; 95% CI: −1.03, −0.22, p < 0.01), and anthocyanins (standard mean difference = −0.42; 95% CI: −0.63, −0.21, p < 0.01) were the only effective intervention for improving the outcomes of ocular conditions. For several of the other flavonoid subclasses, evidence on efficacy was insufficient.Conclusion: Our findings indicate that flavonoids may improve the clinical manifestations associated with ocular disorders. However, further well-constructed clinical trials are required to confirm these results and examine the effect of flavonoids on eye disorders other than those identified in this review.Systematic Review Registration: PROSPERO, identifier CRD42021247332.

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The Effectiveness of Manual Therapy for Relieving Pain, Stiffness, and Dysfunction in Knee Osteoarthritis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

January 2018 - Pain Physician ◽

10.36076/ppj.2017.243 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 4 (20;4) ◽

pp. 229-243

Author(s):

Yuelong Cao

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Knee Osteoarthritis ◽

Physical Function ◽

Manual Therapy ◽

Methodological Quality ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Mean Difference ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Standard Mean Difference

Background: Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is the most common form of arthritis, leading to pain disability in seniors and increased health care utilization. Manual therapy is one widely used physical treatment for KOA. Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness and adverse events (AEs) of manual therapy compared to other treatments for relieving pain, stiffness, and physical dysfunction in patients with KOA. Study Design: A systematic review and meta-analysis of manual therapy for KOA. Methods: We searched PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, and Chinese databases for relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of manual therapy for patients with KOA from the inception to October 2015 without language restrictions. RCTs compared manual therapy to the placebo or other interventional control with an appropriate description of randomization. Two reviewers independently conducted the search results identification, data extraction, and methodological quality assessment. The methodological quality was assessed by PEDro scale. Pooled data was expressed as standard mean difference (SMD), with 95% confident intervals (CIs) in a random effects model. The meta-analysis of manual therapy for KOA on pain, stiffness, and physical function were conducted. Results: Fourteen studies involving 841 KOA participants compared to other treatments were included. The methodological quality of most included RCTs was poor. The mean PEDro scale score was 6.6. The meta-analyses results showed that manual therapy had statistically significant effects on relieving pain (standardized mean difference, SMD = -0.61, 95% CI -0.95 to -0.28, P = 76%), stiffness (SMD = -0.58, 95% CI -0.95 to -0.21, P = 81%), improving physical function (SMD = -0.49, 95% CI -0.76 to -0.22, P = 65%), and total score (SMD = -0.56, 95% CI -0.78 to -0.35, P = 50%). But in the subgroups, manual therapy did not show significant improvements on stiffness and physical function when treatment duration was less than 4 weeks. And the long-term information for manual therapy was insufficient. Limitations: The limitations of this systematic review include the paucity of literature and inevitable heterogeneity between included studies. Conclusion: The preliminary evidence from our study suggests that manual therapy might be effective and safe for improving pain, stiffness, and physical function in KOA patients and could be treated as complementary and alternative options. However, the evidence may be limited by potential bias and poor methodological quality of included studies. High-quality RCTs with longterm follow-up are warranted to confirm our findings. Key words: Knee osteoarthritis, manual therapy, systematic review

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