Effectiveness of 3D-printed orthoses for traumatic and chronic hand conditions: A scoping review

Background In the field of orthotics, the use of three-dimensional (3D) technology as an alternative to the conventional production process of orthoses is growing. Purpose This scoping review aimed to systematically map and summarize studies assessing the effectiveness of 3D-printed orthoses for traumatic and chronic hand conditions, and to identify knowledge gaps. Methods The Cochrane Library, PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, Web of Science, IEEE, and PEDro were searched for studies of any type of 3D-printed orthoses for traumatic and chronic hand conditions. Any outcome related to the effectiveness of 3D-printed orthoses was considered. Two reviewers selected eligible studies, charted data on study characteristics by impairment type, and critically appraised the studies, except for case reports/series. Results Seventeen studies were included: four randomized controlled trials, four uncontrolled trials, four case series and five case reports. Only three studies had a sample size >20. Impairments described were forearm fractures (n = 5), spasticity (n = 5), muscle weakness (n = 4), joint contractures (n = 2) and pain (n = 1). Four poor to fair quality studies on forearm fractures supported the effectiveness of 3D-printed orthoses on hand function, functionality, and satisfaction. One good quality study on spasticity demonstrated the effectiveness of 3D-printed orthoses on hand function. One poor quality pain study reported limited positive effects on satisfaction. Studies on muscle weakness and joint contractures showed no benefits. Conclusion Current literature addressing the effectiveness of 3D-printed orthoses for traumatic and chronic hand conditions consists primarily of small and poor methodological quality studies. There is a need for well-designed controlled trials including patient-related outcomes, production time and cost analyses.

Download Full-text

Exercise and Quality of Life in Women with Menopausal Symptoms: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph17197049 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 17 (19) ◽

pp. 7049

Author(s):

Thi Mai Nguyen ◽

Thi Thanh Toan Do ◽

Tho Nhi Tran ◽

Jin Hee Kim

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Randomized Controlled Trials ◽

Risk Of Bias ◽

Menopausal Symptoms ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Controlled Trials ◽

Study Objective ◽

Positive Effects ◽

Randomized Controlled

Menopausal symptoms are associated with deterioration in physical, mental, and sexual health, lowering women’s quality of life (QoL). Our study objective is to examine the effect of exercise on QoL in women with menopausal symptoms. After initially identifying 1306 studies published on PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Cochrane Library before June 2020, two researchers independently selected nine randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in which any type of exercise was compared with no active treatment. We assessed the risk of bias in the included studies using the Cochrane risk-of-bias 2.0 tool for RCTs and computed the converged standardized mean difference with a 95% confidence interval. We found evidences for the positive effects of exercise on physical and psychological QoL scores in women with menopausal symptoms. However, there was no evidence for the effects of exercise on general, social, and menopause-specific QoL scores. The most common interventions for women with menopausal and urinary symptoms were yoga and pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT), respectively. In our meta-analyses, while yoga significantly improved physical QoL, its effects on general, psychological, sexual, and vasomotor symptoms QoL scores as well as the effect of PFMT on general QoL were not significant. Our findings suggest that well-designed studies are needed to confirm the effect of exercise on QoL in women with menopausal symptoms.

Download Full-text

A scoping review of the evidence for efficacy of acupuncture in companion animals

Animal Health Research Reviews ◽

10.1017/s1466252317000068 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 18 (2) ◽

pp. 177-185 ◽

Cited By ~ 7

Author(s):

Wesley J. Rose ◽

Jan M. Sargeant ◽

W. J. Brad Hanna ◽

David Kelton ◽

Dianna M. Wolfe ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Scoping Review ◽

Case Reports ◽

Companion Animals ◽

Experimental Studies ◽

Case Series ◽

Complex Nature ◽

Controlled Trials ◽

Randomized Controlled ◽

Meta Analyses ◽

Experimental Trials

AbstractAcupuncture has become increasingly popular in veterinary medicine. Within the scientific literature there is debate regarding its efficacy. Due to the complex nature of acupuncture, a scoping review was undertaken to identify and categorize the evidence related to acupuncture in companion animals (dogs, cats, and horses). Our search identified 843 relevant citations. Narrative reviews represented the largest proportion of studies (43%). We identified 179 experimental studies and 175 case reports/case series that examined the efficacy of acupuncture. Dogs were the most common subjects in the experimental trials. The most common indication for use was musculoskeletal conditions, and the most commonly evaluated outcome categories among experimental trials were pain and cardiovascular parameters. The limited number of controlled trials and the breadth of indications for use, outcome categories, and types of acupuncture evaluated present challenges for future systematic reviews or meta-analyses. There is a need for high-quality randomized controlled trials addressing the most common clinical uses of acupuncture, and using consistent and clinically relevant outcomes, to inform conclusions regarding the efficacy of acupuncture in companion animals.

Download Full-text

Perspectives on the Use of Ninjin’yoeito in Modern Medicine: A Review of Randomized Controlled Trials

Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine ◽

10.1155/2019/9590260 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 2019 ◽

pp. 1-15 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Shin Takayama ◽

Ryutaro Arita ◽

Minoru Ohsawa ◽

Akiko Kikuchi ◽

Hiromichi Yasui ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Side Effects ◽

Randomized Controlled Trials ◽

Western Medicine ◽

Case Reports ◽

Experimental Studies ◽

Kampo Medicine ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Controlled Trials ◽

Randomized Controlled ◽

Medicinal Treatment

Background. Ninjin’yoeito (NYT), a traditional Japanese (Kampo) medicine that originates from China, has been used to treat qi and blood deficiency based on its original concept. Kampo medicine has been widely used to treat many conditions and disorders combined with western medicine or Kampo medicine alone in modern situation. Aims. We reviewed randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of NYT and discussed various standpoints regarding its use in modern situation. Methods. We searched PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Evidence Reports of Kampo Treatment (EKAT) for articles written in English, and Ichushi, J-Stage, and EKAT for those written in Japanese. Articles published before January 1, 2019, were retrieved using the keywords “ninjinyoeito” and “ninjin’yoeito,” and RCTs were selected from these extracted articles. Result. Of 734 articles, 13 were RCTs, 46 were non-RCTs or studies of other designs, 15 were case reports, and 36 were experimental studies using NYT. NYT was evaluated for its use as a treatment for cancer and related conditions, refractory blood diseases and conditions, and otorhinolaryngologic symptom in 13 RCTs. Based on the use of Kampo medicine in modern situation called as Yasui’s classification, 10 of 13 RCTs were categorized as “the side effects of Western medicinal treatment are mitigated when combined with Kampo treatment” and the remaining 3 were categorized as “treatment effect of Kampo medicine is increased in combination with standard Western medicinal treatment.” Conclusion. Several studies demonstrated the efficacy of NYT in refractory diseases and other conditions, and the accompanied side effects of treatment with western medicine.

Download Full-text

Characteristics of multicomponent, nonpharmacological interventions to reduce or avoid sleep disturbances in nursing home residents: a systematic review

International Psychogeriatrics ◽

10.1017/s1041610220000733 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 1-29 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Denise Wilfling ◽

Jonas Hylla ◽

Almuth Berg ◽

Gabriele Meyer ◽

Sascha Köpke ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Nursing Home ◽

Sleep Disturbances ◽

Light Exposure ◽

Complex Interventions ◽

Nursing Home Residents ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Controlled Trials ◽

Positive Effects ◽

Multicomponent Interventions

ABSTRACT Background: Dementia guidelines propose the use of nonpharmacological interventions for sleep disturbances for older people. Based on available reviews, it seems most likely that multicomponent interventions have the strongest potential to be effective in improving sleep. However, a detailed description of multicomponent interventions is missing. This systematic review aims to identify, describe, and summarize multicomponent, nonpharmacological interventions to reduce or avoid sleep disturbances in nursing home residents. Methods: This review followed established methodological frameworks for systematic evidence syntheses. A computerized search was conducted in December 2018, using the databases PubMed, CINAHL, Scopus, and Cochrane Library. Two independent reviewers assessed all search results to identify eligible studies and assessed studies’ methodological quality following the Cochrane Risk of Bias methodology for randomized controlled trials and the CASP Appraisal Checklist for controlled trials. Evaluation studies of any design investigating multicomponent interventions were included, except case studies. Components of included intervention programs were analyzed applying the TIDieR and CReDECI 2 criteria. Results: A total of 2056 studies were identified through the database search; ten publications about nine interventions met the inclusion criteria and were included in the review. The identified interventions can be summarized assigned to the categories “daytime activities,” “nighttime activities,” “staff training,” and “light exposure.” The approaches showed similarities and differences in procedures, materials, modes of delivery, intervention provider, and intervention period. None of the studies described any intended interactions between components or considered context characteristics in intervention modeling as well as internal and external facilitators or barriers influencing delivery of intervention. We identified positive or mixed positive effects for sleep-related outcomes for the mentioned categories. Conclusions: The analysis of included interventions demonstrates somehow promising results, although findings are difficult to interpret as interventions were not well described, and the challenges of developing and evaluating complex interventions were not sufficiently acknowledged.

Download Full-text

AVALIAÇÃO DO USO DO CHÁ VERDE (CAMELLIA SINENSIS) COMO COADJUVANTE NO TRATAMENTO E CONTROLE DA DOENÇA PERIODONTAL: REVISÃO INTEGRATIVA

REVISTA FUNEC CIENTÍFICA - MULTIDISCIPLINAR - ISSN 2318-5287 ◽

10.24980/ucm.v10i12.4830 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 10 (12) ◽

pp. 1-21

Author(s):

Otávio Augusto Pacheco VITÓRIA ◽

Juliano Milanezi de ALMEIDA ◽

Vivian Cristina Noronha NOVAES

Keyword(s):

Periodontal Disease ◽

Green Tea ◽

Camellia Sinensis ◽

Case Reports ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Controlled Trials ◽

Scaling And Root Planing ◽

Randomized Controlled ◽

And Control

Terapias coadjuvantes ao tratamento convencional da periodontite têm sido sugeridas para otimizar os resultados terapêuticos, sendo que o chá verde tem sido proposto por apresentar propriedades benéficas ao tratamento periodontal. Nesse contexto, o objetivo desta revisão integrativa foi avaliar se o uso do chá verde é eficaz no tratamento e controle da periodontite. Para isso, foi realizado um levantamento bibliográfico nas bases de dados PubMed, Lilacs e Cochrane Library, com os descritores green tea, periodontal disease, Camellia sinensis e periodontitis. Foram selecionados artigos na língua inglesa publicados nos últimos 10 anos em que o chá verde deveria ser obrigatoriamente empregado como uma conduta terapêutica e incluídos estudos clínicos randomizados controlados e revisões sistemáticas. Foram excluídos ensaios pré-clínicos, relato de caso clínico, série de relatos clínicos, estudos epidemiológicos, editoriais, opiniões de especialistas, estudo piloto, revisões de literatura, pesquisas com resultados inconcludentes e estudos in-vitro. A busca resultou em 450 artigos dos quais, após aplicação dos critérios de inclusão e exclusão, selecionaram-se 10 artigos, sendo 8 ensaios randomizados controlados e 2 revisões sistemáticas com meta-análise. 6 artigos avaliaram a efetividade do chá verde como colutório oral demonstrando redução da inflamação e do acúmulo de placa bacteriana, 3 estudos associaram o chá verde a raspagem e alisamento radicular, demonstrando diminuição da profundidade, sangramento a sondagem e redução do quadro inflamatório e 1 estudo avaliou a ingestão sistêmica, demonstrando redução na profundidade de sondagem e sangramento. Dessa forma, podemos concluir que o chá verde é eficaz como terapia coadjuvante no tratamento e controle da periodontite. Quando associado à raspagem e ao alisamento radicular e como colutório oral, apresentam-se resultados mais satisfatórios que na forma de ingestão oral. ASSESSMENT OF GREEN TEA (CAMELLIA SINENSIS) USED AS AN ADJUNCT TO TREATMENT AND CONTROL OF PERIODONTAL DISEASE: INTEGRATIVE REVIEW Adjunct therapies to conventional treatment for periodontitis have been suggested to optimize therapeutic results; green tea has been suggested because it presents beneficial properties for periodontal treatment. In this context, this integrative review aims at assessing the effectiveness of green tea for periodontitis treatment and control. Thus, bibliographic research was carried out in PubMed, LILACS, and Cochrane Library databases, using the words green tea, periodontal disease, Camelliasinensis, and periodontitis as keywords. Articles in English language issued in the last 10 years were screened, in which green tea was imperatively used as a therapeutic approach and included randomized controlled trials and systematic reviews. Pre-clinical trials, clinical case reports, series of case reports, epidemiological studies, editorials, expert opinions, pilot study, literature review, researches with inconclusive results, and in-vitro studies were excluded. The search resulted in 450 articles in which, after applying inclusion and exclusion criteria, 10 articles were screened, being 10 articles, 8 randomized controlled trials, and 2 systemic reviews and meta-analysis. 6 articles assessed the effectiveness of green tea as mouthwash and presenting a reduction either in inflammation and the accumulation of bacterial plaque, 3 studies associated green tea to scaling and root planing, indicating a decrease in the depth, bleeding when drilling, and reduction in the inflammatory process, 1 study assessed the systemic intake, indicating a reduction in drilling depth and bleeding. Thus, we can conclude that green tea is efficient as adjuvant therapy to the treatment and control of periodontitis. When associated with scaling and root planing, and used as a mouthwash, the results were more satisfactory when it was used as a mouthwash than when it was ingested. Keywords: Tea. Camelliasinensis. Periodontal Diseases. Periodontology.

Download Full-text

The Effects of Cow-Milk Protein Supplementation in Elderly Population: Systematic Review and Narrative Synthesis

Nutrients ◽

10.3390/nu12092548 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 12 (9) ◽

pp. 2548

Author(s):

Barbara Zanini ◽

Anna Simonetto ◽

Matilde Zubani ◽

Maurizio Castellano ◽

Gianni Gilioli

Keyword(s):

Muscle Mass ◽

Case Reports ◽

Milk Proteins ◽

The Elderly ◽

Protein Supplementation ◽

Cow Milk ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Beneficial Effects ◽

Positive Effects

Background. To review currently available evidence on the effect of cow-milk proteins supplementation (CPS) on health in the elderly. Methods. Five electronic databases (Pubmed, Web of Science, Embase, Cochrane Library, ClinicalTrials.gov) were searched for studies about CPS among older people. All types of publications were included, with the exception of systematic reviews, meta-analyses, opinion letters, editorials, case reports, conference abstracts and comments. An additional search in Google Scholar and a manual review of the reference lists were performed. Results. Overall, 103 studies were included. Several studies explored the role of CPS in the preservation or improvement of muscle mass among healthy subjects (40 studies) and pre-frail, frail or sarcopenic patients (14), with evidence of beneficial effects. Other studies assessed the effect of CPS on bones (12), cardiovascular disease (8), inflamm-aging (7), chronic pulmonary disease (4), neurocognitive function (4), and vaccines (2), with weak evidence of positive effects. Seven studies in the field of protein metabolism investigated the role of CPS as an important contributor to nutritional needs. Other investigational areas are considered in the last five studies. Conclusions. The beneficial effects of CPS in achieving aged-related nutritional goals, in preserving muscle mass and in recovering after hospitalization may be particularly relevant in the elderly.

Download Full-text

Clinical and material degradations of intraocular lenses: A review

European Journal of Ophthalmology ◽

10.1177/1120672119867818 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 30 (5) ◽

pp. 823-839 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Nick Stanojcic ◽

Christopher Hull ◽

David PS O’Brart

Keyword(s):

Intraocular Lens ◽

Case Reports ◽

Case Series ◽

Visual Disturbance ◽

Intraocular Lenses ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Controlled Trials ◽

Correct Identification ◽

Ovid Medline ◽

Calcific Deposits

Purpose: To review the published scientific literature concerning clinical and material degradations of intraocular lenses after implantation in cataract surgery. Methods: A search was undertaken using the following databases: CENTRAL (including Cochrane Eyes and Vision Trials Register; The Cochrane Library: Issue 2 of 12 February 2019), Ovid MEDLINE (R) without Revisions (1996 to February week 2, 2019), Ovid MEDLINE (R) (1946 to February week 2, 2019), Ovid MEDLINE (R) Daily Update 19 February 2019, MEDLINE and MEDLINE non-indexed items, Embase (1980–2019, week 7), Embase (1974–2019, 19 February), Ovid MEDLINE (R) and Epub Ahead of Print, in-Process & Other Non-Indexed Citations and Daily (1946 to 19 February 2019), Web of Science (all years), the metaRegister of Controlled Trials ( mRCT) ( www.controlled-trials.com ), ClinicalTrials.gov ( www.clinicaltrial.gov ) and the WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform ( www.who.int/ictrp/search/en ). Only published articles in English were selected. Search terms/keywords included ‘IOL’ or ‘intraocular lens’, combined with ‘opacification’, degradation, glistenings, nanoglistenings, whitening, transmittance, light scatter, discolouration/discoloration, performance, quality, material, biocompatibility, calcification, explantation and ultraviolet/UV radiation. Relevant in-article references not returned in our searches were also considered. Results: After review of the available articles, the authors included 122 publications in this review, based on the quality of their methodology and their originality. The studies included in this review were randomized controlled trials, cohort studies, case-controlled studies, case series, case reports, laboratory studies and review papers. Differing material degradations of intraocular lenses have been described and their associated pathophysiology studied. Reported anomalies include photochemical alterations, water vacuoles, internal and surface calcific deposits, surface coatings and discolouration. The nature of such changes has been shown to depend on the type of intraocular lenses material used and/or manufacturing processes and storage conditions employed. Changes in the intraocular lens can also be influenced by surgical technique, coexisting ocular pathologies and topical and systemic medications. The clinical significance of these degradations is variable, with some resulting in significant visual disturbance and the need for intraocular lens explantation and others producing only minimal visual impairments. Failure to recognize the precise nature of the problem may lead to unnecessary laser capsulotomy procedures. Conclusion: Clinical degradations of intraocular lenses are uncommon but have been reported following the implantation of intraocular lenses made of differing biomaterials. Their correct identification and thorough investigation to determine the underlying cause is necessary for optimal patient management and the prevention of such problems. Choosing a lens made of a particular material may be important in patients with certain ocular conditions.

Download Full-text

A Scoping Review of the Evidence for the Medicinal Use of Natural Honey in Animals

Frontiers in Veterinary Science ◽

10.3389/fvets.2020.618301 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 7 ◽

Author(s):

Nadine A. Vogt ◽

Ellen Vriezen ◽

Andrea Nwosu ◽

Jan M. Sargeant

Keyword(s):

Biomedical Research ◽

Scoping Review ◽

Animal Species ◽

Web Of Science ◽

Case Reports ◽

Research Articles ◽

Controlled Trials ◽

Veterinary Research ◽

Medicinal Use ◽

Natural Honey

Honey has a history of medicinal use that predates written records. In recent decades, there has been renewed interest in the use of honey in human medicine, particularly for the treatment of burns and other wounds. Several recent systematic reviews in the human literature have demonstrated the efficacy of honey in the treatment of a number of conditions, including burns, wounds and oral mucositis. The goal of this scoping review was to describe the nature and extent of the current body of evidence addressing the medicinal use of natural honey and/or its derivatives in animals. Although the focus of this review was the veterinary literature, all animal species except insects and humans were eligible, including animals used for biomedical research. Electronic databases searched were MEDLINE, CAB Abstracts, AGRICOLA, Web of Science Core Collection, and Web of Science SciELO Citation Index. A total of 397 articles reporting 436 primary research studies were included in this review. The majority of the articles were biomedical research articles (n = 350); fewer veterinary research articles were identified (n = 47). Apart from one systematic review, all biomedical studies were challenge trials. Most veterinary studies were case reports/series (n = 23), followed by challenge trials (n = 18) and controlled trials (n = 8). The animal species examined within veterinary articles consisted primarily of dogs, horses, cats and cattle, whereas the majority of biomedical research articles examined rats and mice. Wound healing was the most common indication examined; other indications examined included the prevention or treatment of gastric ulcers, bacterial and parasitic infections, toxic exposures, metabolic conditions (e.g., diabetes) and neoplasia. The majority of interventions consisted of non-medical grade honey (n = 412/436), followed by medical-grade honey (n = 29/436) and derivatives of natural honey (n = 9/436). With much of the current veterinary literature consisting of case reports and case series, high-quality primary veterinary research in the form of controlled trials or challenge trials is needed to advance this field, as well as to provide sound data for evidence-based assessments of the efficacy of honey in clinical veterinary practise.

Download Full-text

Utility of 3D printed cardiac models in congenital heart disease: a scoping review

Heart ◽

10.1136/heartjnl-2020-316943 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 106 (21) ◽

pp. 1631-1637 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Caroline F Illmann ◽

Rouzbeh Ghadiry-Tavi ◽

Martin Hosking ◽

Kevin C Harris

Keyword(s):

Congenital Heart Disease ◽

Heart Disease ◽

Scoping Review ◽

Congenital Heart ◽

Human Subjects ◽

Case Reports ◽

Future Research ◽

Control Group ◽

Qualitative Synthesis ◽

3D Printed

ObjectiveThree-dimensional printing (3DP) is a novel technology with applications in healthcare, particularly for congenital heart disease (CHD). We sought to explore the spectrum of use of 3D printed CHD models (3D-CM) and identify knowledge gaps within the published body of literature to guide future research.MethodsWe conducted a scoping review targeting published literature on the use of 3D-CMs. The databases of MEDLINE, EMBASE and Web of Science were searched from their inception until 19 July 2019. Inclusion criteria were primary research; studies reporting use of 3D-CMs; and human subjects. Exclusion criteria were studies where 3D-CMs were generated for proof of concept but not used; and studies focused on bioprinting or computational 3D-CMs. Studies were assessed for inclusion and data were extracted from eligible articles in duplicate.ResultsThe search returned 648 results. Following assessment, 79 articles were included in the final qualitative synthesis. The majority (66%) of studies are case reports or series. 15% reported use of a control group. Three main areas of utilisation are for (1) surgical and interventional cardiology procedural planning (n=62), (2) simulation (n=25), and (3) education for medical personnel or patients and their families (n=17). Multiple studies used 3D-CMs for more than one of these areas.Conclusions3DP for CHD is a new technology with an evolving literature base. Most of the published literature are experiential reports as opposed to manuscripts on scientifically robust studies. Our study has identified gaps in the literature and addressed priority areas for future research.

Download Full-text

Eye acupuncture for pain conditions: a scoping review of clinical studies

BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies ◽

10.1186/s12906-021-03272-8 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Yuan Chi ◽

Jürgen Barth ◽

Mei Wang ◽

Nicola Robinson ◽

Zan-Hua Li ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Adverse Events ◽

Scoping Review ◽

Clinical Studies ◽

Lumbar Disc ◽

Case Series ◽

Lumbar Pain ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Controlled Trials ◽

Beneficial Effects ◽

Eye Acupuncture

Abstract Background Chinese eye acupuncture, focuses on treating different diseases by applying needle stimulation around the orbit of the eye. Since 1970, it has been used in China for the management of pain-related disorders. This scoping review systematically collected clinical studies on the use of eye acupuncture to treat pain conditions and identify any adverse events. Methods Six databases including PubMed, the Cochrane Library, CNKI, VIP, Wan Fang Data and SinoMed were searched from 1970 to March 2019. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs), clinical controlled trials (CCTs) and case series on eye-acupuncture for pain conditions meeting the inclusion criteria were identified. Data were extracted on patients, interventions, details of eye acupuncture, control treatments and outcomes. Results Searches identified 81 clinical studies and a trend demonstrating an increasing number of published studies. All studies were conducted in China and published in Chinese. These included, 45 (55.6%) RCTs, 5 (6.2%) CCTs, and 31 (38.3%) case series, treating 7113 patients with 44 different pain-related diseases or symptoms. The most frequently reported conditions were headache (18, 16.2%), acute lumbar pain (7, 6.3%) and lumbar disc herniation (7, 6.3%). Treatment using small needles (φ0.25 × 13 mm), retained ≤30 min, needling the horizontal outer orbital edge and the avoidance of manipulation during treatment were the most frequent descriptions of the interventions used. Eye acupuncture was used alone in about half of the studies and of the remaining studies it was combined with other treatment. All studies suggested some beneficial effects including: pain relief, improved quality of life and mental health, and 18 (22.2%) adverse events. Conclusion Eye acupuncture, predominantly studied in China, may be a promising intervention for managing diverse pain conditions. However, given the variety of study designs and reported treatment outcomes, conclusions about the evidence for eye acupuncture for specific conditions are not possible at this stage.

Download Full-text