Complementary Therapies In Medicine[JOURNAL]
Sun
200 papers
Effects of traditional Chinese exercises on cardiopulmonary function in stroke patients: A meta-analysis.
Tong D, Li H, Zhao W … +3 more , Guo W, Chen B, Tang Q
Complement Ther Med · 2025 Oct · PMID 40714317 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Traditional Chinese exercises may be effective in improving cardiorespiratory fitness in post-stroke patients; however, no study has conducted a meta-analysis to assess their its efficacy in meta. OBJECTIVE:...
BACKGROUND: Traditional Chinese exercises may be effective in improving cardiorespiratory fitness in post-stroke patients; however, no study has conducted a meta-analysis to assess their its efficacy in meta. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this meta-analysis is to evaluate how traditional Chinese exercises affect post-stroke cardiorespiratory fitness. METHODS: We conducted a comprehensive search across eight Chinese and English databases, including Wan Fang, VIP, CBM, PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library, from the inception of these databases until May 2025. Our focus was on clinical randomized controlled trials related to stroke, cardiorespiratory function, and traditional Chinese exercises. After assessing the quality of the literature, we utilized Rev Man 5.4 software to analyze the data. Publication bias was assessed using funnel plots as well as Begg's and Egger's tests, employing Stata 17.0 software. RESULTS: A total of 23 studies were included in the analysis, and the results of the meta-analysis indicated that traditional Chinese exercises significantly improved cardiopulmonary function in post-stroke patients: pulmonary function indexes [FVC: SMD = 1.01, 95 %CI(0.66,1.35), I= 88 %,P < 0.00001; FEV1: SMD = 1.22, 95 % CI (0.77,1.66), I = 91 %, P < 0.00001; PEF: SMD = 0.87, 95 % CI (0.53,1.21), I= 83 %, P < 0.00001; MVV: MD = 9.65, 95 % CI (8.60,10.70), I= 0 %, P = 0.55]; respiratory muscle function indexes [MIP: SMD = 0.72, 95 % CI (0.43,1.01) I= 67 %, P = 0.001; MEP: SMD = 0.67, 95 %CI (0.49,0.86),I = 0 %, P = 0.55]; cardiac function index [LVEF: MD = 4.00, 95 % CI (2.28,5.72), I = 72 %, P = 0.01]; exercise endurance index [6MWT: MD = 4.49, 95 % CI (3.55,5.42), I = 0 %, P = 0.77]. No serious adverse events related to traditional Chinese exercises were reported. Only one study documented instances of patients experiencing panic attacks and shortness of breath, which resolved upon rest. Following a physician's examination, it was suggested that these symptoms may have been attributed to the patient's failure to consume breakfast, and no subsequent harm was reported. CONCLUSIONS: Traditional Chinese exercise positively influences cardiorespiratory function in stroke patients, demonstrating the most significant improvements in athletic endurance and cardiac function. However, due to methodological flaws in the literature quality included in the study, there is a need for a multi-center, large-sample, and more rigorously designed experiment to validate these findings and ensure the accuracy of the results.
Effects of exercise on aerobic capacity in people with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
Xu Z, Liang Y, Su H … +4 more , Chen Y, Lv Y, Feng L, Yu L
Complement Ther Med · 2025 Oct · PMID 40714316 · Publisher ↗
OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of exercise on aerobic capacity in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients through a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. METHODS: A co...
OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of exercise on aerobic capacity in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients through a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. METHODS: A comprehensive search was conducted in Web of Science, PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, and Scopus from inception to September 8, 2024. The Cochrane risk assessment tool was used to assess the methodological quality of the included literature. Data were pooled using random-effects models to calculate standardized mean difference (SMD) and 95 % confidence interval. RESULTS: Fourteen studies involving 803 participants (437 in exercise groups and 366 in control groups) were included. Exercise significantly improved aerobic capacity inT2DM patients (SMD, 0.62; p < 0.00001). Subgroup analyses revealed that multicomponent training (SMD, 0.74; p = 0.0007), session duration ≥ 60 min (SMD, 0.75; p < 0.00001), frequency > 3 times per week (SMD, 0.89; p = 0.0003), and weekly time ≥ 180 min (SMD, 0.86; p < 0.00001) were more effective. Younger patients (< 45 years) showed greater improvements (SMD, 0.87; p = 0.01) compared to older patients. CONCLUSION: Exercise improved aerobic capacity in T2DM patients, with multicomponent training emerging as the most effective intervention. Clinicians should recommend that T2DM patients engage in exercise at least 3 times per week, with sessions lasting 60 min or more, to achieve a cumulative weekly time of 180 min or more.
Efficacy of acupuncture-based treatment in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease - A systematic review and meta-analysis.
Li M, Zheng S, Lederer AK … +1 more , Huber R
Complement Ther Med · 2025 Oct · PMID 40712803 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: The COPD population will steadily increase due to continuous exposure to COPD risk factors and the aging demographics. Acupuncture, as a common modality in complementary medicine, has been widely applied in t...
BACKGROUND: The COPD population will steadily increase due to continuous exposure to COPD risk factors and the aging demographics. Acupuncture, as a common modality in complementary medicine, has been widely applied in the treatment of COPD in recent years. However, systematic reviews of the efficacy of acupuncture-based traditional Chinese external treatment in COPD are relatively scarce and when considering the quality of randomized controlled trials evidence remains insufficient. OBJECTIVE: To provide an updated systematic review and meta-analysis of the effectiveness of acupuncture-based treatment for COPD using the latest data and a rigorous evaluation system. METHODS: Randomized controlled trials evaluating any form of acupuncture in COPD in a stable phase or acute exacerbation phase (AECOPD) were selected from Medline, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Embase, CNKI, the Wanfang database, VIP, and SinoMed, encompassing a publication period from January 1st, 2000, to May 1st, 2025. The completeness of each study was evaluated according to the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT) and Standards for Reporting Interventions in Clinical Trials of Acupuncture guidelines (STRICTA). A meta-analysis was conducted using Cochrane RevMan. RESULTS: A total of 1294 articles were retrieved from the selected database and 25 articles meeting the criteria were included. According to CONSORT, 8 studies rated as high quality, 16 studies as moderate quality, and 1 study as low quality. Due to the heterogeneity of outcome parameters and the limited number of AECOPD studies, meta-analysis could only be performed for COPD in the stable phase. In the meta-analysis, acupuncture-based treatments were significantly superior to controls in COPD in the primary outcome 6-minute walk distance (6MWD: p < 0.01) and the secondary outcomes Borg Scale (p < 0.05), forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1: p < 0.01) and forced vital capacity (FVC: p < 0.05); no significant differences were found in the St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) and the COPD Assessment Test (CAT). CONCLUSIONS: Acupuncture-based treatments significantly enhance the 6MWD, Borg Scale, FEV1 and FVC in COPD patients. The predominance of moderate quality studies indicates the ongoing need for improvement to ensure the credibility of data.
Comment on: Self-stretching exercises with kinesio taping for management of chronic nonspecific neck pain in taxi drivers: A single-blind, randomized controlled trial.
He WC, Luo J
Complement Ther Med · 2025 Sep · PMID 40707105 · Publisher ↗
Abstract loading — click title to view on PubMed.
Acupuncture as an alternative treatment for polycystic ovary syndrome: Effects on ovulation rate, pregnancy rate and endometrial receptivity.
Ding M, Zhu X, Huang Y … +5 more , Tan Z, Zhu X, Han S, Shen J, Luo R
Complement Ther Med · 2025 Oct · PMID 40706713 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of acupuncture treatment as an alternative therapy on ovulation rate, pregnancy rate, and endometrial receptivity in infertile patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (...
BACKGROUND: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of acupuncture treatment as an alternative therapy on ovulation rate, pregnancy rate, and endometrial receptivity in infertile patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). METHODS: This was a randomized, single-blind, sham acupuncture-controlled clinical trial that included 134 patients who met the inclusion criteria for PCOS infertility. Both groups received letrozole as the base treatment, with the treatment group receiving additional acupuncture treatment twice a week and the control group receiving placebo acupuncture treatment throughout three menstrual cycles. The study collected data collection at baseline, at the end of treatment, looking at ovulation rate, pregnancy rate, sex hormone levels [follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), testosterone (T), estradiol (E2), prolactin (PRL)], endometrial receptivity (Salle Score), assessment of uterine using resistance index (RI), pulsatility index (PI) blood flow. RESULTS: The ovulation and pregnancy rate across treatment cycles of women in the treatment group were significantly higher than those in the control group (77.97 % and 49.74 % ovulation rate and 56.72 % and 29.85 % pregnancy rate across treatment cycles, respectively). Comparison of sex hormone levels showed a significant decrease in testosterone (T) levels in the treatment group (P = 0.005). In comparison of endometrial receptivity by Salle score, the total effective rate of the treatment group (86.4 %) was significantly higher than that of the control group (67.2 %), which was different between the two groups (P = 0.005). In comparison of PI and RI, the PI and RI of the treatment group were significantly lower than that of the control group (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Acupuncture treatment can effectively improve ovulation and pregnancy rate across treatment cycles, reduce androgens, and regulate endometrial receptivity in infertile patients with polycystic ovary syndrome, a finding that supports the use of acupuncture as an alternative therapy for treating infertile patients and provides a reference for individualized treatment strategies.
Effectiveness of music interventions for patients undergoing needle biopsy: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
Han W, Zhang M, Luo M … +2 more , Su Q, Guan Y
Complement Ther Med · 2025 Oct · PMID 40706712 · Publisher ↗
INTRODUCTION: Percutaneous biopsy is a routine diagnostic procedure often associated with anxiety and pain. Music intervention, a simple and low-cost non-pharmacological approach, has been widely used to reduce psycholog...
INTRODUCTION: Percutaneous biopsy is a routine diagnostic procedure often associated with anxiety and pain. Music intervention, a simple and low-cost non-pharmacological approach, has been widely used to reduce psychological distress in clinical settings. This study evaluates its effectiveness in patients undergoing biopsy. METHODS: A comprehensive systematic search was conducted across multiple databases, including PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, Web of Science, MEDLINE, ProQuest, CINAHL, and major Chinese databases (CBM, CNKI, VIP, and Wanfang), from the inception of each database to November 20, 2024. Eligible studies assessing the effects of music interventions on anxiety and pain during biopsy procedures were identified. Two independent reviewers screened titles, abstracts, and full texts, extracted relevant data, and resolved discrepancies through discussion or consultation with a third reviewer. Meta-analysis was conducted using RevMan 5.4.1 and Stata 16.0. RESULT: A total of 16 studies met the inclusion criteria. Pooled analysis revealed that music interventions significantly reduced both anxiety and pain in patients undergoing biopsy. The anxiolytic effect was particularly significant in prostate biopsy procedures and consistent across various age groups. Regarding pain management, music interventions demonstrated overall efficacy, with especially pronounced effects observed during bone marrow and prostate biopsies. Subgroup analyses indicated pain relief across different age groups. CONCLUSION: Music intervention is an effective, non-invasive, and drug-free approach to alleviate anxiety and pain associated with biopsy procedures, particularly those that are more invasive. While current findings are promising, further large-scale, high-quality randomized controlled trials are warranted to strengthen the evidence base and inform clinical guidelines.
Can strength training modulate inflammatory markers in postmenopausal women with overweight and obesity? Evidence from a 12-week quasi-experimental study.
Tan L, Humińska-Lisowska KA, Sawczyn MH … +2 more , Perzanowska E, Ossowski Z
Complement Ther Med · 2025 Oct · PMID 40701222 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Many postmenopausal women with overweight and obesity are in a state of low-level chronic inflammation for a long period. This inflammatory state makes them vulnerable to a variety of chronic diseases. Exerci...
BACKGROUND: Many postmenopausal women with overweight and obesity are in a state of low-level chronic inflammation for a long period. This inflammatory state makes them vulnerable to a variety of chronic diseases. Exercise is an important complementary modality for managing inflammation. However, the effect of strength training (ST) on inflammatory markers is controversial. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effects of strength training on inflammatory markers in postmenopausal women. METHODS: This quasi-experimental study assigned 48 postmenopausal women with overweight/obesity to either a Strength Training group (SG, n = 24) or a Daily Activity group (DG, n = 24). The SG underwent exercise intervention 3 times a week for 12 weeks, and the DG kept their daily life habits unchanged. Serum C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and adiponectin were measured before and after each intervention. RESULTS: After the 12-week ST intervention, a repeated ANOVA showed that CRP (F=16.85, P < 0.001, Partial η²=0.26), TNF-α (F=13.28, P < 0.001, Partial η²=0.22), and in terms of adiponectin (F=5.45, P = 0.02, Partial η²=0.106) There was a significant group × time interaction effect. CRP levels in the SG decreased by 21.30 % compared to the pre (1.69 ± 0.41 vs. 1.33 ± 0.29), which was statistically significant compared to the DG (P < 0.01); TNF-α levels in the SG showed a significant difference compared to the DG (P < 0.01), but within-group analysis showed that there was no significant difference in TNF-α from baseline ( P > 0.05); In the SG, the levels of IL-6 and adiponectin did not show statistically significant differences compared to the DG (P > 0.05). However, adiponectin was significantly decreased in DG (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: A 12-week ST intervention significantly decreases CRP levels in postmenopausal women with overweight and obesity; there may have been an inhibitory effect on the rise in TNF-α levels; the modulatory effects on IL-6 are not statistically significant; there may have been an inhibitory effect on the decrease in adiponectin levels. In future studies, dietary habits could be considered in combination with other lifestyle factors to explore the potential impact of these combined interventions on markers of inflammation in postmenopausal women with overweight and obesity.
Effect of emotional freedom techniques in mitigating pain catastrophizing following total knee arthroplasty.
Lin A, Liu Z, Zhang T … +3 more , Zhao Y, Yang C, Wan H
Complement Ther Med · 2025 Oct · PMID 40701221 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Up to 30 %-42 % of patients with end-stage knee osteoarthritis who undergo total knee arthroplasty may experience chronic pain and even pain catastrophizing following surgery. Pain catastrophizing is a negati...
BACKGROUND: Up to 30 %-42 % of patients with end-stage knee osteoarthritis who undergo total knee arthroplasty may experience chronic pain and even pain catastrophizing following surgery. Pain catastrophizing is a negative thought pattern and cognitive bias that involves rumination,exaggeration,and emotions of powerlessness over pain, resulting in delayed rehabilitation and a lower quality of life. OBJECTIVE: To examine the effect of a 4-week combined offline and online Emotional freedom techniques on pain catastrophizing, pain intensity, and pain sensitivity in patients following total knee arthroplasty, assessed at 1 week, 4 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months after surgery. METHODS: This study employed a quasi-experimental repeated-measures design, wherein participants were systematically allocated into a control group (n = 31) and an intervention group (n = 33) based on their chronological admission sequence. The control group received conventional postoperative care following total knee arthroplasty, while the intervention group was administered emotional freedom techniques in conjunction with standard postoperative care over a 4-week intervention period. The efficacy of the intervention was quantitatively evaluated through validated psychometric instruments, including the Pain Catastrophizing Scale, Numeric Pain Rating Scale, and Pain Sensitivity Questionnaire. Assessments were performed on the postoperative day 1, week 1, week 4, month 3, and month 6, to comprehensively evaluate the temporal dynamics of intervention effects. RESULTS: A statistically significant reduction was observed in both the total pain catastrophizing score and the rumination dimension from baseline to the 6-month post-intervention assessment (P < 0.001). However, no significant changes were detected in the magnification dimension between the 3-month and 6-month follow-up periods, nor in the helplessness dimension from the 4-week to 3-month follow-up. Pain severity demonstrated a significant decrease during the initial 3-month follow-up period, though no significant differences were observed at subsequent time points beyond 3 months.Additionally, pain sensitivity scores exhibited a significant reduction from pre-intervention to the 6-month post-intervention assessment (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The 4-week emotional freedom techniques demonstrated significant efficacy in reducing pain catastrophization, pain intensity, and pain sensitivity among patients following total knee arthroplasty.Our study incorporated a comprehensive analysis of temporal effects, intergroup variations, and interaction effects to ensure robust and reliable findings.
Acceptability of a yoga-based stress reduction intervention in family caregivers of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) recipients: A mixed-methods study.
Son EH, Lee LJ, Yang L … +2 more , Gerrard C, Wallen GR
Complement Ther Med · 2025 Oct · PMID 40701220 · Full text
OBJECTIVES: This study used a concurrent triangulation mixed-methods design to assess the acceptability of a yoga-based stress reduction intervention in family caregivers of hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) reci...
OBJECTIVES: This study used a concurrent triangulation mixed-methods design to assess the acceptability of a yoga-based stress reduction intervention in family caregivers of hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) recipients. DATA SOURCES: This study was a part of a randomized controlled trial. Of the 50 caregivers recruited, we analyzed data from 25 caregivers assigned to the intervention group. Participants were asked to practice the intervention 20 min per day for six weeks and record it in a practice diary. Surveys were administered at baseline and Week 6, and interviews were conducted at Week 2, Week 4, and Week 6. Non-parametric statistics on quantitative data and thematic analysis on qualitative data were compared in parallel. As part of triangulation, we examined the association between thematic analysis and total minutes of the intervention practice. CONCLUSION: Thematic analysis revealed the challenges and benefits participants experienced while practicing the intervention, with caregiver burden as a main barrier to practice. The number of participants perceiving that the intervention helps them relax and sleep increased over time. The quantitative analysis validated the benefits of practicing the intervention with the measures of sleep disturbance and health behaviors. Perceptions of caregiver burden and benefits of the intervention identified in thematic analysis were associated with total practice minutes. Researchers and clinicians may refer to the current findings when developing stress reduction intervention programs tailored for HSCT caregivers. Changes in caregiver burden along the HSCT trajectory should be considered when implementing such programs.
Letter to Editor on "Education, training, and perceptions of physician competency among medical cannabis patients in Israel".
Surahman, Kuswandi D, Hitipeuw I … +2 more , Saraswati P, Hijrianti UR
Complement Ther Med · 2025 Oct · PMID 40681024 · Publisher ↗
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Response to Letter Regarding "Education, training, and perceptions of physician competency among medical cannabis patients in Israel.
Zolotov Y, Edelstein OE, Temple LM … +4 more , Kogan M, Romem-Porat SL, Reznik A, Isralowitz R
Complement Ther Med · 2025 Oct · PMID 40681023 · Publisher ↗
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Introducing a novel sham acupuncture method for double-blind trials: A validation study.
Lim SM, Go E, Lee J … +2 more , Lee GE, Son C
Complement Ther Med · 2025 Sep · PMID 40619110 · Publisher ↗
INTRODUCTION: Various clinical studies have been conducted worldwide to evaluate the effectiveness of acupuncture; however, designing an adequate control group is challenging. Sham acupuncture tools, designed to mimic re...
INTRODUCTION: Various clinical studies have been conducted worldwide to evaluate the effectiveness of acupuncture; however, designing an adequate control group is challenging. Sham acupuncture tools, designed to mimic real acupuncture without skin penetration, aim to address this challenge, but their efficacy and blinding success are debated. METHODS: In this study, we conducted a randomized, double-blind, parallel-group clinical trial to validate a newly developed sham acupuncture method for future double-blind trials. Sixty-six healthy participants were randomly assigned to verum or sham acupuncture groups. Verum acupuncture targeted LI4 and ST36, common acupuncture points, while sham acupuncture aimed to mimic verum without skin penetration to ensure participant blinding. Blinding (Bang's Blinding Index), penetration, pain, and deqi sensations were evaluated using a standardized questionnaire and an 11-point Numeric Rating Scale. RESULTS: Participant blinding was successfully maintained at ST36, whereas "more correct guesses" were observed for verum acupuncture than expected by chance for sham acupuncture at LI4. Furthermore, the practitioners randomly guessed the verum and sham acupuncture that they had administered to both points. Penetration and pain were higher in the verum group for both points, while deqi sensations had mixed responses. There were no adverse events in the verum acupuncture and sham acupuncture groups. CONCLUSIONS: The newly developed sham acupuncture demonstrated potential in blinding participants and practitioners, particularly at ST36. However, challenges were observed, especially at LI4, indicating limitations in blinding efficacy. This study underscores the importance of additional validation studies with larger sample sizes, diverse acupuncture points, and specific patient populations. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinical Research Information Service of the Republic of Korea (registration number: KCT0008335, https://cris.nih.go.kr).
L-ornithine supplementation in periodontitis treatment yields greater benefits than L-arginine after one year: Part II of a randomized controlled pilot study.
Shynkevych VI, Kolomiiets SV, Udaltsova KO … +1 more , Kaidashev IP
Complement Ther Med · 2025 Sep · PMID 40614877 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: L-arginine and L-ornithine have previously shown limited short-term immunological benefits in the treatment of periodontitis. The aim of this study was to assess the extended efficacy and durability of the re...
BACKGROUND: L-arginine and L-ornithine have previously shown limited short-term immunological benefits in the treatment of periodontitis. The aim of this study was to assess the extended efficacy and durability of the response to L-arginine or L-ornithine as adjuncts to periodontal therapy in adults with periodontitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this study, 75 patients who previously received the course of L-arginine or L-ornithine as adjuncts to professional mechanical plaque removal (PMPR) during a preliminary randomized short-term part of a clinical trial (NCT05042024) were assessed clinically and immunologically (nested) after 12 months follow-up. The immunological assay included immunohistochemical identification of densities of CD68 + and CD163 + single-positive gingival macrophages. All patients did not receive new prescriptions or dietary changes and underwent personalized steps of periodontal treatment during observation. RESULTS: After one year, patients who received L-arginine or L-ornithine exhibited a significant reduction of sites with periodontal pocket depth of 4-5 mm compared to PMPR (p < 0.0001). L-ornithine was associated with BoP decreasing compared to PMPR and L-arginine (95 % CI of odds ratio [1.12-1.46], p = 0.0002; CI [0.72-0.94], p = 0.004), CD68 + and CD163 + macrophages density increasing compared to PMPR (p < 0.001) and L-arginine (p < 0.05). L-arginine resulted in increased density of CD68 + macrophages and elevated CD68 + /CD163 + ratio compared to the PMPR and L-ornithine; CI [0.41-0.63], p = 0.009, CI [1.45-2.72], p < 0.0001. CONCLUSION: After one year, L-ornithine supplementation demonstrated more pronounced clinical benefits than L-arginine, although both can modulate gingival CD68 + and CD163 + macrophages.
Therapeutic effect of focused-extracorporeal shockwave therapy on muscular and adjacent tissue stiffness and pain changes in myofascial pain syndrome: A randomized controlled trial study.
Vasvit P, Klarod K, Sukkho O … +7 more , Kiatkulanusorn S, Werasirirat P, Wang XQ, Zhang YH, Namsawang J, Muanjai P, Luangpon N
Complement Ther Med · 2025 Sep · PMID 40609961 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Focused-extracorporeal shockwave therapy (fESWT) has recently been applied in the management of chronic pain. However, its effectiveness in reducing muscular stiffness and pain among office workers has not be...
BACKGROUND: Focused-extracorporeal shockwave therapy (fESWT) has recently been applied in the management of chronic pain. However, its effectiveness in reducing muscular stiffness and pain among office workers has not been extensively studied. This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of fESWT and sham-fESWT in alleviating muscular stiffness, pain, and functional disability. METHODS: Sixty-four office workers (mean age 31.4 ± 9.5 years) with myofascial pain syndrome of the upper trapezius were randomly and equally assigned to receive either the fESWT or sham-fESWT. The interventions were administered once a week for 4 weeks, with 4 Hz frequency and a total energy of 0.10.232 mJ/mm². Measurements were recorded at baseline, immediately after treatment, at two weeks, and at four weeks, assessing shear modulus (tissue stiffness), visual analogue scale (VAS), and the neck disability index (NDI). RESULTS: The result demonstrated a significant acute decrease in shear modulus at the trigger point (6.1 kPa, p = 0.009) and a delayed reduction in muscle stiffness of the lower aponeurosis (5.3 kPa, p = 0.004) following 4 weeks. Additionally, VAS scores decreased at all time points following fESWT (p < 0.05), while the sham-fESWT group also demonstrated reductions during the final two weeks. NDI showed a decrease in both groups after four sessions (p < 0.05), with no group effect. CONCLUSION: fESWT was effective in reducing muscular pain, stiffness, and functional disability in patients. However, the potential psychological effects of sham-fESWT on VAS and function should be considered. Further research is necessary to determine the optimal treatment sessions and intensity of fESWT to better establish its efficacy.
Improving the reporting of reflexology intervention studies.
James J, Costello JT, Drahota AK
Complement Ther Med · 2025 Sep · PMID 40609960 · Publisher ↗
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Tai Chi as a mind-body exercise modulates endothelial function in coronary artery disease: A randomized clinical trial.
Li Y, Li C, Wen J … +9 more , Cui M, Wei Q, Liu M, Chen Z, Fang H, Liu L, Fu J, Zhang J, Lyu S
Complement Ther Med · 2025 Sep · PMID 40553955 · Publisher ↗
OBJECTIVES: Tai Chi (TC), a mind-body aerobic exercise, has emerged as a potential alternative therapeutic modality for patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). Endothelial function is an important prognostic indicat...
OBJECTIVES: Tai Chi (TC), a mind-body aerobic exercise, has emerged as a potential alternative therapeutic modality for patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). Endothelial function is an important prognostic indicator in CAD. However, the effects of TC on endothelial function in CAD patients compared to aerobic exercise (AE) remain understudied. DESIGN: A parallel-group, assessor-blinded, randomized clinical trial (RCT). SETTING: Wanjie Rehabilitation Hospital and Anzhen Community Health Service Centre. PARTICIPANTS: The present study enrolled 48 patients diagnosed with coronary artery disease (CAD), of whom 37 completed the 12-week intervention, 17 in the Tai Chi (TC) group and 20 in the aerobic exercise (AE) group. INTERVENTIONS: Both groups received supervised training three times a week at 40-60 % heart rate reserve (HRR), an intensity corresponding to the ventilatory anaerobic threshold (VO₂AT). Each 60-75-minute session consisted of four phases: 10-15 min of warm-up, 20-30 min of moderate-intensity Tai Chi's Bafa Wubu (Eight Methods and Five Steps) or structured aerobic exercise (AE), 10-15 min of moderate-intensity Tai Chi elastic band exercises or resistance training, and 10-15 min of cool-down. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary outcome was endothelial function, assessed by biomarkers including nitric oxide (NO), endothelin (ET), vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1), and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1). Secondary outcomes included lipid profiles measured by high-density lipoprotein (HDL), total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL). RESULTS: Baseline characteristics were not significantly different between groups (P > 0.05). After 12 weeks, both TC and AE groups showed significant improvements in endothelial function: NO levels increased, while ET, VCAM-1, and ICAM-1 decreased (P < 0.05). HDL levels increased only in the AE group (P < 0.05). TC, TG, and LDL remained unchanged in both groups (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Tai Chi, as a mind-body exercise, may improve endothelial function in patients with CAD, even when serum lipid levels remain unchanged, providing benefits comparable to those of aerobic exercise (AE) despite different effects on high-density lipoprotein (HDL). This trial has been registered on ClinicalTrials.gov (registration number: NCT03936504).
Therapeutic effect of acupuncture on post-stroke dysphagia: A multicenter, randomized controlled trial.
Zhang S, Liang B, Tang Q … +5 more , Gao W, Li H, Wu M, Wang X, Zhu L
Complement Ther Med · 2025 Sep · PMID 40545007 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Dysphagia is a common complication of stroke, significantly affecting patient prognosis and quality of life. Acupuncture is commonly used for treating post-stroke dysphagia in China, often combined with tradi...
BACKGROUND: Dysphagia is a common complication of stroke, significantly affecting patient prognosis and quality of life. Acupuncture is commonly used for treating post-stroke dysphagia in China, often combined with traditional swallowing rehabilitation training. However, the therapeutic effect of acupuncture alone on post-stroke dysphagia remains unclear. OBJECTIVE: To compare the clinical efficacy of acupuncture and traditional swallowing rehabilitation training in patients with post-stroke dysphagia. METHOD: A multicenter, evaluator-blind, randomized controlled trial was conducted to recruit participants with post-stroke dysphagia. The experimental group received acupuncture treatment, whereas the control group received traditional swallowing rehabilitation training for 2 weeks. The Standardized Swallowing Assessment score and modified Barthel Index were compared between groups 1 and 2 weeks after the intervention. Surface electromyography (sEMG) was used to quantitatively evaluate the electromyographic activity in the suprahyoid and infrahyoid hyoid muscle groups. RESULT: Overall, 254 participants were included. After 1 week of intervention, there was no significant between-group difference in efficacy (p > 0.05). After 2 weeks of intervention, the Standardized Swallowing Assessment score of the experimental group showed a greater decrease (-1.56, 95 %CI [-2.83, -0.29], p < 0.05). There was no significant between-group difference in the modified Barthel Index (2.00, 95 %CI [-2.00, 6.00], p > 0.05). sEMG analysis showed that after 2 weeks of intervention, participants in the experimental group experienced greater increase in the root mean square value of the suprahyoid muscle group during fluid swallowing (1.02, 95 %CI [0.11, 2.27], p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Acupuncture may improve the swallowing function in patients with post-stroke dysphagia, offering therapeutic advantages for patients with pharyngeal phase dysphagia. REGISTRATION: This study registered with the ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: ChiCTR2000030994.
Comparing the effects of Western music and five-element music therapy on patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis: A randomized controlled trial.
Zhang J, Zhang L, Qiu Y … +5 more , Wu W, Zhou S, Ye X, Zeng H, Gao Y
Complement Ther Med · 2025 Sep · PMID 40523535 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Due to the intricate interplay between music and culture, the comparative effectiveness of Western music therapy and five-element music therapy for Chinese patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis warrant...
BACKGROUND: Due to the intricate interplay between music and culture, the comparative effectiveness of Western music therapy and five-element music therapy for Chinese patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis warrants further investigation. METHODS: In this randomized controlled trial, 87 patients receiving maintenance hemodialysis were recruited and randomly assigned to the five-element music group (n = 29), Western music group (n = 29), and control group (n = 29) in a 1:1:1 ratio. Participants in the five-element music group and Western music group received eight weeks of five-element music therapy and Western music therapy, respectively, for 60 min per session, three times per week. The primary outcome indicator was the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale score. The secondary outcome indicators were the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, Dialysis Symptom Index, and Positive and Negative Emotions Scale scores. All outcome indicators were measured at baseline, on the day of the end of week 4 of the intervention, on the day of the end of week 8 of the intervention, and at the one-month follow-up after the end of the intervention. RESULTS: The results of the generalized estimating equations indicated that both five-element music therapy and Western music therapy were effective in alleviating anxiety, depression, sleep disturbances, and both positive and negative emotions among patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis. However, patients in the five-element music group showed significantly greater relief from anxiety (mean difference = -1.76 ± 0.672, 95 % CI: 3.37, -0.15, p = 0.027), depression (mean difference = -1.79 ± 0.647, 95 % CI: -3.34, -0.24, p = 0.017), and both positive (mean difference = -3.00 ± 1.062, 95 % CI: 0.46, 5.54, p = 0.014) and negative emotions (mean difference = -3.38 ± 1.084, 95 % CI: -5.97, -0.78, p = 0.005) compared to those in the Western music group. Conversely, no significant differences were observed in sleep quality (mean difference = -1.07 ± 0.776, 95 % CI: -2.93, 0.79, p = 0.505) or symptom-related distress (mean difference = 3.62 ± 3.124, 95 % CI: -3.86, 11.10, p = 0.739) between the five-element music and Western music groups. CONCLUSION: The significant benefits of five-element music therapy in improving emotions in Chinese patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis highlight the importance of culturally tailored interventions.
Honey for managing oral mucositis induced by cancer therapies: An overview of systematic reviews.
Anshasi H, Abufarsakh B, Alkhawaldeh JM … +1 more , Halalmeh SA
Complement Ther Med · 2025 Sep · PMID 40456333 · Publisher ↗
PURPOSE: To synthesize and evaluate the quality of systematic reviews focusing on the use of honey for both the prevention and treatment of oral mucositis induced by cancer therapies. METHODS: An overview of systematic r...
PURPOSE: To synthesize and evaluate the quality of systematic reviews focusing on the use of honey for both the prevention and treatment of oral mucositis induced by cancer therapies. METHODS: An overview of systematic reviews was conducted by searching five electronic databases from inception to January 2024 to identify relevant studies evaluating the effectiveness of honey in the prevention and treatment of cancer therapy-induced oral mucositis. RESULTS: Twelve reviews were included, with seven (58.3 %) published after 2018. Five systematic reviews, four of which were rated as high quality, consistently found that honey significantly reduces the occurrence of severe radiation-induced oral mucositis (grades III and IV). Honey may also help alleviate severe pain requiring analgesics and reduce treatment interruptions, particularly among adult patients undergoing radiotherapy. However, findings regarding honey's effectiveness in reducing the overall incidence of radiation-induced oral mucositis, regardless of severity, were inconsistent. These discrepancies are likely due to variations in patient populations, honey formulations, and timing or duration of administration. Evidence regarding honey's efficacy in chemotherapy- and chemoradiotherapy-induced mucositis remains inconclusive due to methodological limitations, clinical heterogeneity, and a limited number of high-quality studies. CONCLUSION: Honey may be beneficial in reducing the incidence of severe oral mucositis (grades III and IV), relieving pain, and minimizing treatment disruptions in adult patients undergoing radiotherapy. However, its effectiveness across all grades and treatment modalities remains uncertain due to inconsistent findings, clinical heterogeneity, and methodological limitations. Further high-quality studies are needed to standardize honey types and dosing regimens and to stratify outcomes by mucositis grade, patient age, and cancer therapy type. STUDY REGISTRATION: PROSPERO Protocol registration ID: CRD42024532801.
Effect of long-term exercise-based interventions on thyroid function in hypothyroidism: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
Sundus H, Khan SA, Zaidi S … +3 more , Chhabra C, Ahmad I, Khan H
Complement Ther Med · 2025 Sep · PMID 40446861 · Publisher ↗
OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess the effects of exercise interventions of more than 8 weeks on thyroid function in adults with hypothyroidism through a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled tr...
OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess the effects of exercise interventions of more than 8 weeks on thyroid function in adults with hypothyroidism through a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The PEDro, WOS, PubMed, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Scopus databases were searched for relevant articles, which then underwent standardised screening, data extraction, and bias risk assessment. A total of seven randomised controlled trials (n = 7) were included, predominantly examining 12 weeks of exercise therapy. A meta-analysis was conducted using data extracted from the included studies. Standardised mean differences were calculated for thyroid-stimulating hormone levels, and heterogeneity was assessed using the I statistic. The certainty of evidence was evaluated using the GRADE approach. RESULTS: Statistically significant reductions in thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) levels (SMD: -3.254; 95 % CI: -3.937 to -2.572; p < 0.001) and increases in thyroxine (T4) level (SMD: 1.315; 95 % CI: 0.263-2.367; p = 0.015) were noted in exercise intervention groups as compared to control groups. Heterogeneity was moderate (I² = 65.93 %, p = 0.019) and no publication bias was detected. In addition, based on GRADE assessment, the certainty of evidence was rated as moderate for the TSH outcome and very low for the T4 outcome. CONCLUSION: Findings from seven randomised controlled trials support the integration of long-term exercise as a non-pharmacological adjunct in the management of hypothyroidism. Exercise interventions, alongside conventional treatment, appear to improve thyroid function by reducing TSH and increasing T4 levels.
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