scholarly journals Traditional Chinese Mind and Body Exercises for Neck Pain: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
Yu-Hua Xie ◽  
Man-Xia Liao ◽  
Mao-Yuan Wang ◽  
W. C. Hewith A. Fernando ◽  
Yue-Ming Gu ◽  
...  

Background. Neck pain is common and can have a significant impact on patients’ physical functionality, mobility, and quality of life (QOL). In clinical practice, traditional Chinese mind and body exercise (TCMBE) is a combination of different types of exercise based on traditional Chinese medicine, including qigong, tai chi, the 12-words-for-life-nurturing exercise, and so on, and many studies have found that it is safe and effective at helping patients with neck pain. Objective. The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of TCMBE on pain intensity, functional mobility, and QOL in individuals with neck pain. Methods. The PubMed, MEDLINE, PEDro, and Embase databases were systematically searched for relevant studies. Randomized controlled trials reporting the effects of TCMBE on pain intensity, functional mobility, and QOL in individuals with neck pain were included. Screening, data extraction, and literature quality assessments were performed independently by two reviewers. RevMan5.4 software was used for data analysis. Results. Six studies with 716 participants met the inclusion criteria. Compared with the control groups, TCMBE had no therapeutic advantage in improving pain intensity (visual analogue scale: mean difference (MD) = 1.8, 95% confidence interval (CI): −7.70 to 11.46, and P  = 0.70); functional mobility (neck disability index: MD = 0.15, 95% CI: −6.37 to 6.66, and P  = 0.96; neck pain and disability scale: MD = 1.31, 95% CI: −4.10 to 6.71, and P  = 0.64); or 36-item short-form health survey (SF-36) scores for physical function (MD = 5.58, 95% CI: −8.03 to 19.18, and P  = 0.42), general health (MD = 1.87, 95% CI: −4.99 to 8.72, and P  = 0.59), body pain (MD = 2.26, 95% CI: −3.80 to 8.32, and P  = 0.46), vitality (MD = 6.24, 95% CI: −1.49 to 13.98, and P  = 0.11), social function (MD = 8.06, 95% CI: −4.85 to 20.98, and P  = 0.22), role physical (MD = –1.46, 95% CI: −8.54 to 5.62, and P  = 0.69), or role emotional (MD = 6.5, 95% CI: −3.45 to 16.45, and P  = 0.2). However, TCMBE was less effective at improving mental health results based on the SF-36 survey (MD = 3.37, 95% CI: 0.5 to 6.24, and P  = 0.02). Conclusions. Based on the meta-analysis, there is insufficient evidence to support the clinical use of TCMBE in improving pain intensity and enhancing functional mobility and QOL in individuals with neck pain.

2020 ◽  
pp. 109980042098237
Author(s):  
Alsaeedi L. Albanaqi ◽  
Gholam Rasul Mohammad Rahimi ◽  
Neil A. Smart

Background: Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a chronic disease with a notable health burden; regular exercise may improve specific health outcome measures. Objective: The objective of this meta-analysis was to estimate the effectiveness of exercise training for PH patients. Data sources: PubMed, CINAHL, SportDiscuss and Google Scholar databases and reference lists of included studies were searched. Study selection: The selection criteria were randomized controlled trials (RCTs) employing an exercise training intervention. Data were extracted from the entered studies for analysis. The primary outcomes were peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak), anaerobic threshold (AT), 6-minute walk distance (6-MWD), and quality of life (QoL) measures (physical component score and mental component score). The analysis included 9 articles with a total of 302 participants: intervention (n = 154), and control (n = 148). Results: In the pooled analysis, improvements were seen in: VO2peak, mean difference (MD) 2.79 ml/kg/min (95% CI 2.00 to 3.59, p < 0.00001); AT, MD 107.83 ml/min (95% CI 39.64 to 176.00, p = 0.002); and 6-MWD, MD 46.67 meters (95% CI 32.39 to 60.96, p < 0.00001). Differences were found in the SF-36 physical component score MD 3.57 (95% CI 2.04 to 5.10, p < 0.00001) and the SF-36 mental component score MD 3.92 (95% CI 1.92 to 5.91, p = 0.001). Conclusion: This meta-analysis demonstrates exercise training has a beneficial effect on fitness, walking performance, and self-reported QoL in PH patients.


Medicina ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 55 (5) ◽  
pp. 118 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yanjie Zhang ◽  
Paul D. Loprinzi ◽  
Lin Yang ◽  
Jing Liu ◽  
Shijie Liu ◽  
...  

Objective: The aim of this meta-analytic review was to quantitatively examine the effects of traditional Chinese exercises (TCE) on pain intensity and back disability in individuals with low back pain (LBP). Methods: Potential articles were retrieved using seven electronic databases (Medline, Embase, Cinahl, Web of Science, Cochrane library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, and Wanfang). The searched period was from inception to 1 March 2019. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing the effect of TCE on pain intensity and back disability in LBP patients were included. Pooled effect sizes were calculated using the random-effects models and 95% confidence interval (95% CI). Results: Data from eleven RCTs (886 individuals with LBP) meeting the inclusion criteria were extracted for meta-analysis. Compared with the control intervention, TCE induced significant improvements in the visual analogue scale (VAS) (Hedge’s g = −0.64, 95% CI −0.90 to −0.37, p < 0.001), Roland–Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ) (Hedge’s g = −0.41, 95% CI −0.79 to −0.03, p = 0.03), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) (Hedge’s g = −0.96, 95% CI −1.42 to −0.50, p < 0.001), and cognitive function (Hedge’s g = −0.62, 95% CI −0.85 to −0.39, p < 0.001). In a meta-regression analysis, age (β = 0.01, p = 0.02) and total exercise time (β = −0.0002, p = 0.01) were associated with changes in the VAS scores, respectively. Moderator analyses demonstrated that Tai Chi practice (Hedge’s g = −0.87, 95% CI −1.38 to −0.36, p < 0.001) and Qigong (Hedge’s g = −0.54, 95% CI −0.86 to −0.23, p < 0.001) reduced VAS scores. Interventions with a frequency of 1–2 times/week (Hedge’s g = −0.53, 95% CI −0.98 to −0.07, p = 0.02) and 3–4 times/week (Hedge’s g = −0.78, 95% CI −1.15 to −0.42, p < 0.001) were associated with reduced VAS scores, but this significant reduction on this outcome was not observed in the weekly training frequency of ≥5 times (Hedge’s g = −0.54, 95% CI −1.16 to 0.08, p = 0.09). Conclusions: TCE may have beneficial effects for reducing pain intensity for individuals with LBP, regardless of their pain status.


2019 ◽  
Vol 100 (2) ◽  
pp. 238-254
Author(s):  
Shanshan Lin ◽  
Bo Zhu ◽  
Guozhi Huang ◽  
Chuhuai Wang ◽  
Qing Zeng ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Low back pain (LBP) is a very common and disabling disorder in modern society. The intervention strategies for LBP include drug therapy, surgery, and physical interventions. Recently, kinesiotaping, as a simple and noninvasive treatment, has been used to treat chronic nonspecific LBP, but its effectiveness and true merit remains unclear. Purpose The purpose of this study was to summarize the results of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on the effectiveness of kinesiotaping (KT) for chronic nonspecific low back pain (CNLBP) and disability. Data Sources Medline, Cochrane Library, Google Scholar, Web of Science, and EmBase were searched from inception to September 1, 2018. Study Selection Studies were included in the review if they met the following criteria: RCTs published in English; patients (&gt;18 years old) diagnosed with CNLBP (pain duration of &gt; 12 weeks), with or without leg pain; KT as a single treatment or as a part of other forms of physical therapy; outcomes measured included pain intensity and disability. Data Extraction Three independent investigators completed data extraction. Methodological quality was appraised using the Cochrane tool for assessing the risk of bias. The GRADE (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation) guidelines were applied to assess the confidence of the effect estimates. Data Synthesis Eleven RCT studies involving 785 patients were retained for the meta-analysis. Standardized mean differences (SMDs) with 95% CIs were calculated using a random-effects model. Compared with the control group, the pooled SMD of pain intensity was significantly reduced (SMD = −0.73; 95% CI = −1.12 to −0.35; GRADE: low) and disability was improved (SMD = −0.51; 95% CI = −0.85 to −0.17; GRADE: low) in the KT group. Subgroup analyses showed that, compared with the control, the I strip of KT significantly reduced pain (SMD = −0.48; GRADE: low) but not disability (SMD = −0.26; GRADE: low). Compared with sham/placebo tape, KT provided significant pain reduction (SMD = −0.84; GRADE: low) and disability improvement (SMD = −0.56; GRADE: low). Moreover, compared with the no-tape group, the KT group also showed pain reduction (SMD = −0.74; GRADE: low) and disability improvement (SMD = −0.65; GRADE: low). Limitations Limitations of the review included a lack of homogeneity, different methodologies and treatment duration of KT application, and relatively small sample sizes. Conclusions There is low-quality evidence that KT has a beneficial role in pain reduction and disability improvement for patients with CNLBP. More high-quality studies are required to confirm the effects of KT on CNLBP.


2019 ◽  
Vol 30 (01) ◽  
pp. 26-32
Author(s):  
Cheng Zang ◽  
Yanyan Zhou ◽  
Yonghui Liu ◽  
Binbin Wu

Abstract Introduction Stabilization exercise may be an important approach to alleviate neck pain. However, its use has not been well established. We conduct a narrative review and meta-analysis to evaluate the efficacy of stabilization exercise to control neck pain. Methods PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials are searched. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing the influence of stabilization exercise on neck pain are included. Two investigators independently have searched articles, extracted data, and assessed the quality of included studies. Meta-analysis is performed using the random-effect model. Results Five RCTs involving 217 patients are included in the meta-analysis. Compared with control intervention for neck pain, stabilization exercises has no notable impact on pain intensity (Std. MD=−0.55; 95% CI=−1.24 to 0.14; P=0.12), neck disability index (Std. MD=−0.44; 95% CI=−1.01 to 0.13; P=0.13), SF-36 physical health (Std. MD=−0.18; 95% CI=−0.61 to 0.26; P=0.43), SF-36 mental health (Std. MD=−0.03; 95% CI=−0.47 to 0.41; P=0.89), but can remarkably decrease depression scale (Std. MD=−1.05; 95% CI=−1.59 to −0.50; P=0.0002). Conclusions Stabilization exercises shows similar impact on pain intensity, neck disability index, SF-36 physical health and SF-36 mental health, but significant reduced depression scale compared with control intervention in patients with neck pain.


2021 ◽  
pp. 026921552110576
Author(s):  
Renny Wulan Apriliyasari ◽  
Pham Van Truong ◽  
Pei-Shan Tsai

Objective To evaluate the effectiveness of proprioceptive training on balance performance, trunk control, and gait speed in people with stroke. Methods We searched PubMed, Science Direct, Cochrane, Embase, and Medline for randomized controlled trials that evaluated the effects of proprioceptive training for patients with stroke from the date of each database's inception to July 26, 2021. Two reviewers independently screened the titles and abstracts of potentially eligible articles that were identified on the basis of the search criteria. Methodological quality was determined using version 2 of the Cochrane risk of bias tool for randomized trials. Data were analyzed using Comprehensive Meta-Analysis software. The treatment effect was estimated by calculating Hedges’ g and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) using a random-effects model. Statistical heterogeneity was assessed according to the I2 value. The primary outcome was balance performance and secondary outcomes were trunk control, gait speed, and basic functional mobility. Results In total, 17 trials involving 447 people with stroke were included. Proprioceptive training had a significant effect on balance performance (Hedges’ g = 0.69, 95% CI = 0.36–1.01), gait speed (Hedges’ g = 0.57, 95% CI = 0.19–0.94), trunk control (Hedges’ g = 0.75, 95% CI = 0.33–1.17), and basic functional mobility (Hedges’ g = 0.63, 95% CI = 0.31–0.94) among people with stroke. Conclusion Proprioceptive training may be effective in improving balance performance, gait speed, trunk control, and basic functional mobility among people with stroke.


2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Weihua Wang ◽  
Lishan Wang ◽  
Yan Gao

Background and Purpose: Transverse abdominis plane (TAP) block has been suggested to reduce post-operative pain after laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC). However, the literature is divided on whether ultrasound (USG)-guided TAP block is effective for pain control after LC. The present meta-analysis therefore evaluated the efficacy of USG-guided TAP block vs. controls and port site infiltration for pain control after LC.Methods: A comprehensive literature search of online academic databases was performed for published randomized controlled trials (RCTs) for studies published to January 31, 2021. The primary outcome analyzed was post-operative pain score at 0, 6, 12, and 24 h post-surgery, both during rest and while coughing. Secondary outcomes included morphine consumption and post-operative nausea and vomiting (PONV) incidence.Results: A total of 23 studies with data on 1,450 LC patients were included in our meta-analysis. A reduction in pain intensity at certain post-operative timepoints was observed for USG-guided TAP block patients compared to control group patients. No reduction in pain intensity was observed for patients receiving USG-guided TAP block patients vs. conventional Port site infiltration.Conclusion: This meta-analysis concludes that TAP block is more effective than a conventional pain control, but not significatively different from another local incisional pain control that is port site infiltration. Additional prospective randomized controlled trials are required to further validate our findings.


2016 ◽  
Vol 2016 ◽  
pp. 1-17 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bo Pang ◽  
Tao Jiang ◽  
Yuan-Hao Du ◽  
Jing Li ◽  
Bo Li ◽  
...  

Background. Although the effectiveness of acupuncture therapy on functional dyspepsia (FD) has been systematically reviewed, the available reports are still contradictive and no robust evidence has been provided to date. Objective. To assess the current evidence of high quality on the effects of acupuncture for patients with FD. Methods. A comprehensive literature database search was conducted to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing acupuncture therapies (including manual acupuncture and electroacupuncture) to sham acupuncture and medication use. A meta-analysis was performed following a strict methodology. Results. 16 RCTs involving 1436 participants were included. The majority of the trials were determined to be of low quality. Positive results were found for acupuncture in improving the Nepean Dyspepsia Index (NDI) and scores of the MOS 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36), as well as in alleviating relevant symptoms (especially postprandial fullness and early satiation) of FD patients. Conclusion. Based on current available evidence, acupuncture therapy achieves statistically significant effect for FD in comparison with sham acupuncture and is superior to medication (prokinetic agents) in improving the symptoms and quality of life of FD patients. Nonetheless, despite stringent methodological analyses, the conclusion of our review still needs to be strengthened by additional RCTs of higher quality.


BMC Surgery ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Zheng Wang

Abstract Background This study aims to compare colonic J-pouch and side-to-end anastomosis for rectal cancer in terms of surgical and bowel functional outcomes and quality of life (QoL). Methods A systematic literature search was performed in PubMed, Embase and Cochrane. The last search was performed on March 28, 2021. All randomized controlled trials comparing colonic J-pouch with side-to-end anastomosis for rectal cancer were enrolled. The main outcomes were bowel functional outcomes and QoL. The secondary outcomes were surgical outcomes including operative time, postoperative hospital stay, complications, and mortality. Results Nine articles incorporating 7 trials with a total of 696 patients (330 by J-pouch and 366 by side-to-end) were enrolled in this meta-analysis. The bowel functional outcomes were comparable between J-pouch and side-to-end groups in terms of stool frequency, urgency, and incomplete defecation at the short term (< 8 months), medium term (8–18 months), and long term (> 18 months) follow up evaluations. No difference was observed between groups with regards to QoL (SF-36: physical function, social function, and general health perception). Besides, surgical outcomes were also similar in two groups. Conclusion The currently limited evidence suggests that colonic J-pouch and side-to-end anastomosis are comparable in terms of bowel functional outcomes, QoL, and surgical outcomes. Surgeons may choose either of the two techniques for anastomosis. A large sample randomized controlled study comparing colonic J-pouch and side-to-end anastomosis for rectal cancer is warranted.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document