Complementary Therapies In Medicine[JOURNAL]
Sun
200 papers
Wearable device-telemonitored Baduanjin for chronic heart failure: A systematic review of effects on exercise tolerance and cardiac function.
Liu X, He X, Yang Y … +3 more , Chen J, Xiong J, Gao W
Complement Ther Med · 2026 Jun · PMID 42378743 · Publisher ↗
OBJECTIVE: This review evaluates the effects of wearable device-telemonitored Baduanjin on exercise tolerance and cardiac function in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF). METHODS: A comprehensive literature search...
OBJECTIVE: This review evaluates the effects of wearable device-telemonitored Baduanjin on exercise tolerance and cardiac function in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF). METHODS: A comprehensive literature search was performed in PubMed, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang Database, VIP Database and Chinese Biomedical Literature Database (CBM) from their inception to 1 January 2026. The search aimed to identify randomised controlled trials investigating Baduanjin for CHF that explicitly used wearable devices. Study screening, data extraction and Cochrane RoB 2.0 bias assessment were performed independently by two reviewers with discrepancies were resolved by a third. Given significant clinical heterogeneity across the included studies, a narrative synthesis of the findings was conducted, supported by tabulated presentation of outcome data. RESULTS: Three randomized controlled trials involving 248 participants were included. Individual studies reported that wearable device-telemonitored Baduanjin was associated with improvements in several clinical outcomes in patients with CHF. Reported benefits included increased 6-minute walking distance (568.58 m vs. 367.47 m, P < 0.05), higher peak oxygen uptake (19.00 vs. 17.00 ml/[kg·min], P < 0.001) and improved left ventricular ejection fraction (52.60% vs. 45.28% and 42.79%, P < 0.05). Improvements were also observed in quality of life, depression symptoms, cardiovascular readmission in the intervention group of individual studies. No exercise-related adverse events were reported. CONCLUSION: Current evidence suggests that wearable device-telemonitored Baduanjin may potentially improve key outcomes in patients with chronic heart failure, However, these findings are based on a narrative synthesis of individual studies and should therefore be interpreted cautiously. Further high-quality, standardised randomised controlled trials are urgently needed.
Effects of laughter therapy in patients with cancer: A systematic review of randomized clinical trials.
Villalba-Ugarte FP, Sandoval-Ato RH, Valencia JG … +5 more , Quispe-Villegas G, Castro CEM, Montes-Alvis J, Taype-Rondán Á, Goicochea-Lugo S
Complement Ther Med · 2026 Jun · PMID 42342085 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Cancer and its treatments affect patients' physical and psychological well-being. Laughter therapy is a non-pharmacological intervention with potential to relieve these effects. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the eff...
BACKGROUND: Cancer and its treatments affect patients' physical and psychological well-being. Laughter therapy is a non-pharmacological intervention with potential to relieve these effects. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of laughter therapy in patients with cancer. METHODS: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was conducted to evaluate laughter therapy in cancer patients. Searches were performed in MEDLINE, EMBASE, CENTRAL, and ClinicalTrials.gov through September 1 of 2025. In pairs, the authors independently performed study selection, data extraction, and risk of bias assessment. Meta-analyses used random-effects models, and evidence certainty was assessed using the GRADE approach. RESULTS: Sixteen RCTs including 1127 patients were analyzed. Laughter therapy probably results in an important reduction in anxiety (SMD: -0.54, 95% CI: -0.84 to -0.24). It probably results in little to no difference in quality of life (MD: -0.65, 95% CI: -7.15-5.86), and in nausea-vomiting severity (MD: -0.45, 95% CI: -0.80 to -0.09; moderate certainty). It may also lead to an important reduction in pain, and in stress, but may result in little to no difference in nausea frequency (low certainty). However, the evidence regarding depressive symptoms, fatigue, mood, and vomiting frequency is very uncertain (very low certainty). CONCLUSION: Laughter therapy probably reduces anxiety and may reduce pain and stress in patients with cancer. However, these findings should be interpreted considering limitations related to risk of bias, heterogeneity among interventions, and imprecision due to small sample sizes. Further high-quality RCTs are needed to confirm these findings and compare different modalities of laughter therapy.
Impact of physical exercise interventions on post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
Wang H, Chen S, Gou W … +2 more , Huang J, Han X
Complement Ther Med · 2026 Jun · PMID 42342084 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Physical exercise has received increasing attention as a complementary approach for managing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Nevertheless, evidence regarding its effectiveness across different exercise...
BACKGROUND: Physical exercise has received increasing attention as a complementary approach for managing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Nevertheless, evidence regarding its effectiveness across different exercise modalities and populations remains mixed. This systematic review and meta-analysis synthesizes findings to assess the impact of structured exercise programs on PTSD symptom severity and to explore potential moderators. METHODS: Searches of PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, the Cochrane Library, and EBSCOhost-SportDiscus were conducted from inception to 27 September 2025. We included randomized controlled trials in which participants receiving an exercise intervention were compared with those receiving usual care or a control condition without structured physical activity. Subgroup analyses were conducted based on exercise type, participant characteristics, and outcome measures. In addition, a random-effects meta-regression was used to examine whether the total supervised training duration influenced treatment efficacy. RESULTS: Sixteen randomized controlled trials involving 663 participants met the inclusion criteria. Pooled findings indicated that exercise interventions were associated with a significant reduction in PTSD symptoms (Hedges' g = -0.49, 95% CI -0.76 to -0.22). Subgroup analyses suggested that yoga-based interventions and studies involving military populations showed larger effect sizes; however, differences between subgroups were not statistically significant. Training duration did not significantly moderate the treatment outcome. CONCLUSIONS: This review provides evidence that physical exercise can effectively reduce PTSD symptoms. Beneficial effects were observed across different exercise modalities and populations, although no statistically significant subgroup differences were identified. These findings support structured exercise as a promising and scalable component of PTSD treatment strategies.
Effects of traditional Chinese exercises on sleep quality among post-stroke survivors: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
Cao Y, Qiu L, Hu X … +2 more , Su Q, Yao LQ
Complement Ther Med · 2026 Jun · PMID 42336253 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Sleep disturbances are highly prevalent among post-stroke survivors, significantly hindering functional recovery and long-term quality of life. Traditional Chinese Exercises (TCEs), such as Tai Chi and Baduan...
BACKGROUND: Sleep disturbances are highly prevalent among post-stroke survivors, significantly hindering functional recovery and long-term quality of life. Traditional Chinese Exercises (TCEs), such as Tai Chi and Baduanjin, have emerged as promising non-pharmacological interventions; however, their integrated efficacy and impact on psychological comorbidities remain to be fully synthesized. OBJECTIVE: To systematically evaluate the effects of TCEs on sleep quality, anxiety, and depression in post-stroke survivors. METHODS: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was conducted. We searched PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, OVID, CINAHL, and three Chinese databases (CNKI, WanFang, VIP) from inception to April 2026. RCTs evaluating the effects of TCEs (Tai Chi, Baduanjin, Liuzijue, etc.) on sleep-related outcomes in post-stroke survivors were included. Methodological quality was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool (RoB 2.0), and the certainty of evidence was appraised via the GRADE framework. Meta-analyses and narrative syntheses were performed. RESULTS: Nine RCTs involving 690 randomized participants were included. Meta-analysis revealed that TCE interventions led to significantly greater improvements in sleep quality compared to control groups (MD = -2.15, 95% CI -2.65 to -1.65; P < 0.00001), with low heterogeneity (I = 22%). Subgroup analysis revealed that TCEs significantly improved sleep quality against both active comparators and conventional care (active comparators: MD =-2.20, 95% CI: -2.81 to -1.58, P < 0.00001; conventional care: MD = -1.71, 95% CI: -3.03 to -0.40, P = 0.01). Furthermore, TCEs significantly reduced symptoms of anxiety (MD = -1.93; 95% CI: -2.82 to -1.05; P < 0.00001; I = 0%) and depression (MD = -2.1; 95% CI: -3.30 to -1.12; P < 0.00001; I = 30%). The overall certainty of evidence was rated as moderate for sleep quality, and low for both anxiety and depression. CONCLUSIONS: TCEs could be effective adjunct therapies for improving sleep quality and alleviating psychological distress in post-stroke rehabilitation. Nevertheless, future studies with rigorous methodological designs are needed to strengthen the evidence base.
Effect of head and facial massage combined with aromatherapy on sleep quality and delirium in patients with acute myocardial infarction: A randomized controlled trial.
Kharatha M, Rezaie S, Talebi SS … +1 more , Ebrahimi H
Complement Ther Med · 2026 Jun · PMID 42336252 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Delirium and sleep disturbances are common among patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) admitted to the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit (CCU), often leading to increased mortality and prolonged hospitali...
BACKGROUND: Delirium and sleep disturbances are common among patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) admitted to the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit (CCU), often leading to increased mortality and prolonged hospitalization. Non-pharmacological interventions such as massage and aromatherapy may offer supportive benefits in managing these complications. METHODS: This parallel randomized clinical trial included 198 CCU patients diagnosed with AMI. Participants were randomly allocated into three groups: Group A received head and facial massage with lavender essential oil; Group B received massage with unscented sweet almond oil; Group C served as the control group with no massage. The intervention was administered twice daily for 20 min over two consecutive days. Delirium severity was assessed using the Neelon and Champagne Confusion Scale (NEECHAM), and sleep quality was evaluated using the St. Mary's Hospital Sleep Questionnaire (SMHSQ). RESULTS: Both intervention groups demonstrated significant improvements in sleep quantity and quality compared to the control group. Additionally, delirium severity was lower in the massage groups. These effects were sustained over time, suggesting the potential of head and facial massage-with or without aromatherapy-as a beneficial complementary therapy in cardiac care. CONCLUSION: Head and facial massage, whether combined with lavender aromatherapy or not, appears to be a safe, cost-effective, and practical method for improving sleep and managing delirium in CCU patients. Incorporating such complementary approaches into routine nursing care may enhance patient outcomes, reduce reliance on medication, and shorten hospital stays.
Cognitive improvement by daily intake of coffee cherry pulp extract from Coffea canephora var. Robusta in a Japanese population: A randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, parallel-group comparison trial.
Ariki S, Mitsuzane R, Morimoto S … +9 more , Nakagawa M, Jitsui M, Urakawa N, Imanishi T, Ueda E, Iwai K, Narita Y, Suzuki N, Takara T
Complement Ther Med · 2026 Jun · PMID 42302880 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: In coffee-producing regions, coffee cherry pulp is usually discarded despite its potential bioactivity. This study examined the effects of coffee cherry pulp extract from Coffea canephora var. Robusta (CCPER)...
BACKGROUND: In coffee-producing regions, coffee cherry pulp is usually discarded despite its potential bioactivity. This study examined the effects of coffee cherry pulp extract from Coffea canephora var. Robusta (CCPER) on cognitive function in healthy adults and its neurite outgrowth effect on PC12 cells. METHODS: This randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, parallel-group trial included 66 individuals aged ≥ 40 years with suspected mild cognitive impairment. Participants were randomized in equal groups using a computer-generated list. They were assigned to either the high-dose CCPER, low-dose CCPER (20 or 5 mg/day of dimeric B-type procyanidins (PCs) consisting of two isomers with procyanidins B1 and B3 without procyanidin B2, respectively), or placebo group, with each group receiving five capsules daily for 12 weeks (UMIN000051275). In vitro, PC12 cells were treated with either CCPER (0.1 or 0.5 µg/mL) or PCs (0.0021 or 0.0105 µg/mL) for 3 or 6 days. Neurite outgrowth was evaluated using a microscope. RESULTS: Sixty participants completed the intervention. After the 12-week intervention, the primary outcome-a standardized composite memory score on Cognitrax-was significantly higher in the high-dose group than in the placebo group (difference: 12.1, 95% confidence interval: 0.7-23.5, P = 0.038). Contrarily, no significant difference was observed in the low-dose group. No adverse events occurred. In vitro, CCPER and PCs treatments significantly promoted neurite extension compared with the control (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Daily intake of CCPER (20 mg/day PCs) improved cognitive function, particularly visual memory, likely due to the neurite outgrowth-promoting effects of its PCs observed in PC12 cells.
Aromatherapy effects on pain and anxiety during transrectal ultrasound-guided prostate biopsy: A randomized controlled trial.
Saylam B, Nebioğlu A, Aydınlı B … +3 more , Efesoy O, Bozlu M, Akbay E
Complement Ther Med · 2026 Jun · PMID 42302879 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of lavender and frankincense aromatherapy on anxiety and pain during transrectal ultrasound-guided prostate biopsy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this randomiz...
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of lavender and frankincense aromatherapy on anxiety and pain during transrectal ultrasound-guided prostate biopsy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 120 male patients scheduled for prostate biopsy at a tertiary care center were enrolled. Participants were randomly assigned to receive placebo (n = 40), lavender aromatherapy (n = 41), or frankincense aromatherapy (n = 39) administered via nebulizer during the procedure. Primary outcomes included changes in anxiety levels, measured pre- and post-procedure using the State Anxiety Inventory (STAI-I), and pain intensity assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS). All participants received standard periprostatic local anesthesia. RESULTS: Both aromatherapy interventions significantly reduced anxiety with large effect sizes. The lavender group demonstrated a mean reduction of 7.39 ± 7.12 points (p < 0.001; Cohen's d = -1.090), while the frankincense group demonstrated a reduction of 8.54 ± 9.98 points (p < 0.001, Cohen's d = -1.102). In contrast, the control group showed no significant change (-0.82 ± 4.41 points, p = 0.099; Cohen's d = -0.107). Both intervention groups also showed significant analgesic effects, with actual pain scores lower than anticipated pain levels (p < 0.001 for both comparisons). No adverse events were reported. CONCLUSION: Lavender and frankincense aromatherapy significantly reduced anxiety and pain during prostate biopsy, with clinically meaningful improvements in STAI-I and VAS scores and no observed safety concerns. These findings support the use of aromatherapy as a practical adjunct to standard care in urological procedures, contributing to improved patient-centered outcomes.
Comparative effects of different types of mind-body exercise interventions for negative emotions in cancer patients: A systematic review and network meta-analysis.
Zhao X, Chen X, Ma J … +3 more , Tang J, Ai X, Zhao Z
Complement Ther Med · 2026 Jun · PMID 42297081 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: While the positive impact of mind-body exercises on alleviating negative emotions in cancer patients is well-established, the most effective type of exercise for this population remains unclear. This systemat...
BACKGROUND: While the positive impact of mind-body exercises on alleviating negative emotions in cancer patients is well-established, the most effective type of exercise for this population remains unclear. This systematic review and network meta-analysis (NMA) evaluated evidence from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to compare the effectiveness of various mind-body exercise modalities in improving emotional well-being among cancer patients. METHODS: Potentially eligible RCTs assessing anxiety and depression in cancer patients in relation to mind-body exercise interventions were retrieved from eight databases from inception to August 2025. Adverse events were set as secondary outcome measures. Review Manager v5.4 and Stata v17.0 were utilized for pairwise meta-analysis and NMA, respectively. The risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane tool version 2.0, and the Confidence in Network Meta-Analysis web-based tool was employed to evaluate the certainty of evidence. RESULTS: Sixty-four RCTs involving 4448 participants were included. Across the studies that reported on adverse events (13 of 64 RCTs), no serious adverse events were documented. Pairwise meta-analysis revealed that the mind-body exercise group outperformed the control group in alleviating anxiety (SMD = -1.14, 95% CI [-1.42, -0.87], p < 0.00001) and depression (SMD = -0.87, 95% CI [-1.10, -0.64], p < 0.00001). In the NMA, treatment rankings for anxiety were: Baduanjin > Qigong > Yoga > Tai Chi > control. For depression, the rankings were Wuqinxi > Baduanjin > Qigong > Tai Chi > Yoga > Pilates > control. However, the certainty for network estimates ranged from moderate to very low, primarily attributed to the risk of bias and imprecision. CONCLUSION: Among the interventions studied, Baduanjin may be associated with relatively greater anxiolytic effects, while Wuqinxi may be more effective in alleviating depressive symptoms among cancer patients. Given the very low to moderate certainty of evidence and the star-shaped network with only indirect comparisons, these preliminary findings should be interpreted with caution.
Manual therapy treatment mechanisms are complex: Challenges and a call to action.
Cook CE, Keter D, Napadow V … +5 more , Barbe MF, Perle SM, Bent J, Learman K, Reed WR
Complement Ther Med · 2026 Jun · PMID 42250858 · Publisher ↗
Treatment mechanisms reflect the underlying processes or pathways through which a treatment or intervention produces its effects on an outcome. For force-based manipulations (which include manual therapies), treatment me...
Treatment mechanisms reflect the underlying processes or pathways through which a treatment or intervention produces its effects on an outcome. For force-based manipulations (which include manual therapies), treatment mechanisms have been measured in multiple animal and preclinical studies. In this commentary, we argue that measuring treatment mechanisms of force-based manipulation is highly complex, most notably because these mechanisms: 1) frequently interact locally and regionally with unmeasured variables; 2) are influenced by time, clinician, environments, and a litany of other mediators; and 3) are likely variable because people respond differently to all interventions. For each challenge, we provide recommendations on how to improve study design methodology and clarity of inference. Lastly, we provide a "Call for Action" to improve manual therapy mechanistic research, because studying the mechanisms of force-based manipulations is critical for advancing both scientific knowledge and clinical practice.
Exercise and Mind-Body Interventions for Cancer-Related Fatigue: A Network Meta-Analysis With Exploratory Moderator Analyses.
Xie J, Liang Z, Li M … +1 more , Wang B
Complement Ther Med · 2026 Jun · PMID 42242401 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: To compare multiple exercise and mind-body interventions for cancer-related fatigue (CRF), identify moderators of treatment effects, and examine dose-response patterns to inform integrative symptom management...
BACKGROUND: To compare multiple exercise and mind-body interventions for cancer-related fatigue (CRF), identify moderators of treatment effects, and examine dose-response patterns to inform integrative symptom management. METHODS: Four databases were searched for randomized controlled trials evaluating structured exercise and mind-body interventions for CRF. We performed a multilevel network meta-analysis accounting for correlations in multi-arm trials. Risk of bias and certainty of evidence were assessed using RoB 2 and CINeMA. Exploratory meta-analytic random forest analyses with Shapley additive explanations were used to prioritize candidate moderators, and meta-regression assessed dose-response associations. RESULTS: We included 205 trials involving 12,629 participants. Low-to-moderate certainty evidence suggested that exercise and mind-body interventions were associated with greater reductions in CRF than control conditions. Several interventions showed favorable estimates, including aquatic exercise (g = -0.59; 95% CrI: -0.72 to -0.46), relaxation training (g = -0.49; 95% CrI: -0.59 to -0.39), dance (g = -0.47; 95% CrI: -0.65 to -0.29), Pilates (g = -0.46; 95% CrI: -0.58 to -0.34), cycling (g = -0.45; 95% CrI: -0.54 to -0.36), and Qigong (g = -0.45; 95% CrI: -0.50 to -0.39), with broadly overlapping credible intervals across modalities. Aquatic exercise and dance were supported by very few arms, and their estimates should not be interpreted as evidence of superiority over better-studied interventions. Dose-response analyses suggested potential benefits across a range of doses, but no clear optimal dose or threshold was identified. Exploratory MARF/SHAP analyses had limited predictive performance and identified reported behavior change techniques as the strongest, but weak, candidate moderator. CONCLUSION: Low- to moderate-certainty evidence suggests that multiple exercise and mind-body interventions may help reduce CRF, but current evidence does not support a single clearly superior modality. These interventions may be considered as part of patient-centered supportive care, with attention to patient preference, feasibility, behavioral support, safety, and clinical context.
Effects of electroacupuncture on brain functional connectivity in patients with subjective tinnitus: A randomized controlled clinical trial.
Zhang Y, Liu W, Ye Z … +3 more , Huang Z, Zha B, Yang J
Complement Ther Med · 2026 May · PMID 42191050 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Subjective tinnitus (ST) often causes significant psychological and sleep disturbances, and limited treatment options are available. Neuroimaging suggests that acupuncture modulates brain activity. This study...
BACKGROUND: Subjective tinnitus (ST) often causes significant psychological and sleep disturbances, and limited treatment options are available. Neuroimaging suggests that acupuncture modulates brain activity. This study aimed to evaluate electroacupuncture (EA) for ST treatment using resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) to explore its central mechanisms. METHODS: This single-center, randomized, double-blind trial enrolled 90 patients with ST (aged 18-65 years), who were randomized at a 2:1 ratio to EA (n = 60) or sham acupuncture (SA, n = 30). Participants received 20 sessions over 7 weeks. EA applied electrical stimulation at seven fixed acupoints, while SA used non-penetrating needles. Primary outcome was change in Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI) score. Secondary outcomes included Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and audiometry. rs-fMRI assessed brain functional changes. RESULTS: The EA group showed significantly greater reduction in THI scores compared to the SA group at the end of the second treatment course (mean change: -30.38 to -21.76, P < 0.001). This improvement was maintained during the 3-month follow-up period (mean change: -29.13 to -19.53, P < 0.001). Resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging analysis revealed that EA decreased the insula Regional Homogeneity (ReHo) value, and the change in insula ReHo values was positively correlated with improvements in HADS scores. Additionally, EA significantly improved sleep quality and emotional status compared to SA. CONCLUSION: EA effectively reduces ST severity, improving hearing, sleep, and mood and providing superior effects to SA. Its mechanism might involve modulating insular function and enhancing emotion-related brain regions.
Cheek acupuncture can improve the depressive and anxious symptoms of patients with moderate depression disorders.
Jia X, Shen P, Wang C … +4 more , Zhou G, Zhou H, Xu F, Jiang S
Complement Ther Med · 2026 Aug · PMID 42128035 · Publisher ↗
OBJECTIVE: Through a randomized controlled clinical trial, the clinical efficacy of cheek acupuncture therapy in treating patients with moderate depressive disorder and explored its neuroimaging mechanisms was evaluated....
OBJECTIVE: Through a randomized controlled clinical trial, the clinical efficacy of cheek acupuncture therapy in treating patients with moderate depressive disorder and explored its neuroimaging mechanisms was evaluated. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This clinical study recruited participants with moderate depressive disorder who met the inclusion criteria and did not meet the exclusion criteria, admitted to the outpatient clinics of Zhejiang Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine's Acupuncture and Mental Health Departments (September 2022 - May 2025). Participants were systematically randomized into three groups: cheek acupuncture (AC), sham-cheek acupuncture (SAC), and medication control. The AC group received acupuncture at five standardized points: Head Point (CA-1, 1 cun superior to the midpoint of the zygomatic arch), Neck Point (CA-5 at the zygomatic arch base), Upper Jiao Point (CA-2 posterior to the mandible coronoid process where it intersects the inferior border of the zygomatic arch), Middle Jiao Point (CA-3 midpoint of the line connecting Upper Jiao and Lower Jiao points), and Lower Jiao Point (CA-4 at anterior margin of the mandibular angle). The needle insertion depth was approximately 5-7.5 mm without tonification or dispersion techniques, totaling 10 needles. The SAC group selected points 10 mm lateral to the AC group points along the anterior midline of the body, using blunt-tipped needles without skin penetration. Needles were retained for 30 min. Treatment frequency: three sessions per week. Treatment duration: 12 weeks. Total treatment sessions: 36. The drug group received oral sertraline. Researchers collected HAMD-17 and HAMA scores from patients at baseline, and at 1, 2, 3, 4, 8, and 12-weeks post-treatment. and at the 2-month follow-up after completion of treatment. fMRI scans were performed on the AC group before and after treatment. Statistical analysis and efficacy assessment were conducted using SPSS (Version 25.0) and R (Version 4.3.3) statistical analysis software. RESULTS: HAMD-17 scores in the AC group, SAC group, and drug group all decreased significantly compared to pre-treatment levels (P < 0.001), indicating that all three interventions effectively improved HAMD-17 scores in patients with moderate depression. The treatment efficacy of the AC group was superior to that of the SAC group and the drug group. A comparison of the scores two months post-treatment with those immediately following treatment revealed that both the AC group and the drug group exhibited a decline in scores during the follow-up period. Notably, the degree of improvement in HAMD-17 scores in the AC group was significantly greater than that in the SAC group and the drug group, indicating that AC can alleviate depressive symptoms in patients with moderate depression. Regarding the time to onset of effect, significant changes were observed in the AC, SAC, and drug groups starting from the second week of treatment. In the AC group, scores continued to decline significantly from the third to the fourth week and from the fourth to the eighth week, entering a plateau phase after the eighth week, with the therapeutic effect maintained through the follow-up period; in the SAC and drug groups, improvements were primarily observed in the early stages of treatment and remained stable in the later stages.fMRI results showed that after cheek acupuncture treatment, ReHo values at the cluster level in the left middle frontal gyrus (L-MFG) showed significant reduction, while ReHo values at the cluster level in the left superior frontal gyrus (L-SFG) were significantly increased. The HAMA scores in the AC group, SAC group, and drug group all showed significant differences compared to pre-treatment levels (P < 0.001), indicating that all three interventions were effective in alleviating anxiety symptoms in patients with moderate depression. The AC group demonstrated superior treatment outcomes compared to the SAC group and the drug group. Regarding the time to onset of effect, both the AC group and the SAC group showed significant improvement by the second week, while the drug group began to show significant improvement by the third week. CONCLUSION: Cheek acupuncture, sham cheek acupuncture, and drug can all improve the severity of depression and anxiety symptoms in patients with moderate depression, with cheek acupuncture demonstrating the greatest efficacy. The onset of action for all three treatments is similar, but cheek acupuncture shows sustained improvement.fMRI findings revealed that cheek acupuncture modulates neural activity synchrony in distinct prefrontal subregions (middle frontal gyrus and superior frontal gyrus) through differential regulation, thereby reshaping the functional connectivity in cognitive and emotional control circuits. This neural mechanism may represent a key biological basis for its therapeutic efficacy in alleviating depressive symptoms.
Effect of chamomile aromatherapy on pain and anxiety management in hospital settings: A scoping review.
Cabral MAL, Dutra SVO, Leal KCDS … +7 more , Rojas YLG, Miranda ABSA, Santos CFD, Macedo HMV, Silva LCMA, Dantas DV, Dantas RAN
Complement Ther Med · 2026 Aug · PMID 42031027 · Publisher ↗
INTRODUCTION: Inadequate management of pain and anxiety can prolong hospitalization and increase healthcare costs. Integrative and Complementary Health Practices (ICHP) emerge as safe, accessible, and easily applied alte...
INTRODUCTION: Inadequate management of pain and anxiety can prolong hospitalization and increase healthcare costs. Integrative and Complementary Health Practices (ICHP) emerge as safe, accessible, and easily applied alternatives or complements to conventional treatments. Aromatherapy utilizing chamomile essential oil is highlighted for its sedative, anxiolytic, and analgesic properties. OBJECTIVE: To map the existing knowledge regarding the use of chamomile essential oil aromatherapy in the management of pain and anxiety in hospitalized patients within hospital settings. METHOD: A scoping review was conducted according to the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) guidelines and reported following the PRISMA-ScR checklist. RESULTS: Seventeen studies were included in this review. The literature is predominantly recent (2020-2025) and geographically concentrated in Iran (41.1%). The most frequently represented clinical settings were obstetrics and cardiology (29.4% each). The most evaluated outcomes were anxiety and pain; reductions in these symptoms were reported in 58.8% and 41.1% of the studies, respectively. Chamomile demonstrated efficacy in consistently reducing anxiety, as well as a mild yet significant analgesic effect. Furthermore, the intervention resulted in improved vital signs and hemodynamic stability, with a reduction in heart rate and blood pressure in cardiac patients. German Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) was the most cited species. No significant adverse events were reported in the studies, reinforcing the favorable safety profile of chamomile. CONCLUSION: Aromatherapy with chamomile essential oil presents promising results in the management of pain and anxiety in hospital environments, as well as in the improvement of vital signs.
Screen time and language/cognitive development in preschoolers aged 3-5 years.
Liu Y, Li L, Bai M … +3 more , Zhao J, Wan Z, Liu X
Complement Ther Med · 2026 Aug · PMID 42025852 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Digital media use in early childhood has increased rapidly in recent years. However, findings on its developmental correlates remain inconsistent, particularly across different domains of early learning. Guid...
BACKGROUND: Digital media use in early childhood has increased rapidly in recent years. However, findings on its developmental correlates remain inconsistent, particularly across different domains of early learning. Guided by ecological and cognitive stimulation frameworks, this study examined associations between weekday time spent on electronic devices and multiple indicators of language and cognitive development in preschool children aged 3-5 years. Because the National Survey of Children's Health captures time-based exposure only, the present analyses address overall device-use duration rather than content, context, or co-use. METHODS: Cross-sectional analyses used data from the 2016 National Survey of Children's Health. Of 15,402 preschool-aged children in the survey, 6905 with non-missing data on exposure, outcomes, and co-variates were included in the complete-case analytic sample. Caregivers reported children's weekday electronic-device use, excluding schoolwork, and early learning outcomes including beginning sounds, letter recognition, rhyming, verbal expression, name writing, counting, and shape recognition. For consistency with the reported odds ratios, outcomes were analyzed as dichotomized indicators in multi-variable logistic regression models adjusted for child age, sex, race/ethnicity, household poverty ratio, parental education level, household size, sleep duration, prematurity, and working-poor household status. RESULTS: Weekday electronic-device use was not significantly associated with most language outcomes. Greater amount of device use was associated with lower odds of name writing and higher odds of counting. Sociodemographic and household characteristics were also associated with several outcomes. Sleep-duration estimates were large and imprecise in several models and are therefore interpreted cautiously. CONCLUSIONS: In this cross-sectional sample, associations between weekday electronic-device use and development were domain-specific rather than uniform across outcomes. These findings support cautious interpretation of time-based screen measures and highlight the importance of considering family context, sleep, and the qualitative features of media use that were not measured in the present dataset.
A traditional Chinese Yijinjing mind-body training program improves balance and gait in stroke survivors: A randomized controlled trial.
Luo KL, Cheng XP, Xie LL … +6 more , Jin XM, Liu XH, Wang WZ, Chen XY, Ma SJ, Hu J
Complement Ther Med · 2026 Aug · PMID 42002162 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Balance and gait impairments are prevalent after stroke, leading to increased fall risk and reduced independence. While conventional rehabilitation offers benefits, there is a need for effective adjunctive th...
BACKGROUND: Balance and gait impairments are prevalent after stroke, leading to increased fall risk and reduced independence. While conventional rehabilitation offers benefits, there is a need for effective adjunctive therapies. Yijinjing, a traditional mind-body exercise, may address these impairments by improving postural control and movement symmetry, but robust evidence from randomized trials is lacking. METHODS: We conducted a randomized, controlled trial to determine whether a Yijinjing program could improve balance and walking function in patients with stroke. Seventy stroke patients were randomly assigned to either Yijinjing group receiving Yijinjing training (30 min/session, 5 sessions/week for 5 weeks) or control group receiving stretching training of the same duration. All patients underwent hospital-based conventional rehabilitation therapy throughout the study period. The primary outcome was the change after the 5-week intervention (estimated by a GEE model) in the Berg Balance Scale (BBS). Secondary outcomes included spatiotemporal gait parameters, Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA) and the Modified Barthel Index (MBI). Analyses were performed on an intention-to-treat basis. RESULTS: The two groups were comparable in demographic characteristic and motor impairment. After 5 weeks of intervention, the Yijinjing group [11.94 (10.05-13.83)] demonstrated significantly greater improvement in BBS scores than the control group [6.51 (5.38-7.64)], with a between-group mean difference [95% Confidence Intervals (CI)]: 5.51 (3.92-7.10), P < 0.001. Relative to the control group, the Yijinjing group also achieved superior gains in step length, gait speed, and gait asymmetry index (GAI) (P < 0.05), as well as in FMA and MBI scores (P < 0.01). Both groups demonstrated significant within-group improvements across all primary and secondary outcomes from baseline to post-treatment (P < 0.05). No serious adverse events were reported. CONCLUSIONS: This randomized controlled trial demonstrated that a 5-week Yijinjing training program, when added to conventional rehabilitation as a standalone behavioral intervention, appeared to be safe and effective in accelerating improvements in balance, gait, motor function, and activities of daily living in stroke survivors, with short-term benefits exceeding those of stretching training. These findings support integrating traditional Chinese mind-body training into contemporary neurorehabilitation practice. REGISTRATION: The trial was registered with the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR2100042302), Registered on 17 January 2021.
Tuina for chronic non-specific low back pain: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
Huang B, Xie H, Duan M … +4 more , Chen Y, Mu P, Li W, Peng L
Complement Ther Med · 2026 Aug · PMID 42002161 · Publisher ↗
Chronic non-specific low back pain (cNLBP) is a pervasive and debilitating condition with significant personal, societal, and economic burdens. Despite its prevalence, effective and sustainable non-pharmacological treatm...
Chronic non-specific low back pain (cNLBP) is a pervasive and debilitating condition with significant personal, societal, and economic burdens. Despite its prevalence, effective and sustainable non-pharmacological treatment options remain limited. Here, we compared the efficacy of Tuina versus non-Tuina interventions in adults with cNLBP. PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, CNKI, CBM, WanFang, and VIP were searched from inception to April 2025. The Cochrane Risk of Bias tool and the GRADE approach were applied to assess risk of bias and certainty of evidence. Twenty-one trials (1612 participants) were included. Compared with control interventions, Tuina showed greater pain reduction (SMD = -1.06, 95% CI: [-1.37, -0.76], p < 0.00001, GRADE: low), better functional improvement (SMD = -1.17, 95% CI: [-1.62, -0.72], p < 0.00001, GRADE: low), and superior clinical effectiveness (OR = 3.84, 95% CI: [2.42, 6.11], p < 0.00001, GRADE: low). No significant differences were found in muscle fitness (SMD = 1.42, 95% CI: [-0.00, 2.83], p = 0.05, GRADE: very low) or incidence of serious adverse events. Tuina effectively treats cNLBP, offering substantial pain relief and functional improvements, though it has no significant impact on muscle fitness. Future work should consider standardized protocols and more rigorously designed trials to support clinical recommendations. This study has been registered with the PROSPERO platform (registration no. CRD420251051014).
Effect of sudarshan-kriya yoga on determinants of cardiometabolic health: A systematic review.
Sethi D, Vasudev MM, Bhardwaj P … +1 more , Pathania M
Complement Ther Med · 2026 Aug · PMID 42000083 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Sudarshan Kriya Yoga (SKY), a breath-based mind-body practice, is globally recognized for its physical and psychological benefits. Cardiovascular and metabolic disorders pose significant global health challen...
BACKGROUND: Sudarshan Kriya Yoga (SKY), a breath-based mind-body practice, is globally recognized for its physical and psychological benefits. Cardiovascular and metabolic disorders pose significant global health challenges. While SKY studies suggest benefits for cardiometabolic health, varied findings necessitate rigorous synthesis to confirm its efficacy. METHODS: SKY and cardiometabolic risk variables (blood pressure (BP), blood glucose, lipid profile, and anthropometric indicators of obesity) were searched in PubMed, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library until May '23. English papers with SKY interventions that monitored at least one cardiometabolic risk factor were eligible. The Effective Public Health Practice Project (EPHPP) Quality Assessment Tool for Quantitative Studies assessed the quality and the certainty of evidence was evaluated using the GRADE framework. Due to heterogeneity across studies, findings were synthesized narratively. RESULTS: Twenty-one studies met the inclusion criteria: Nine RCTs, three CCTs, one double-arm pre-post study, one case-control study, and seven single-arm studies with 1716 participants aged 18-78. Intervention durations ranged from less than one to twenty-four weeks. Lipid improvements were reported in thirteen of fifteen, while reductions in BP were observed in several studies, particularly among hypertensive populations. Evidence for glycaemic and anthropometric outcomes was inconsistent. Seven studies were moderate quality and fourteen were weak. The certainty of evidence was graded as low for lipid and BP outcomes and very low for glycaemic and anthropometric outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: SKY may improve certain cardiometabolic risk factors, particularly lipid profile and BP, but the predominance of weak studies warrants caution. High-quality, sufficiently powered long-term RCTs are needed to validate these findings.
Effects of Cha-Cha dance training on fall-related physical performance and cognitive function in patients with Parkinson's disease: A feasibility study.
Ma G, Yang Y, Wang Y … +1 more , Wang Z
Complement Ther Med · 2026 Aug · PMID 41990889 · Publisher ↗
OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to examine the feasibility and preliminary outcome trends of a 12-week structured Cha-Cha dance training program on balance-related performance, fall-related functional indicators, and cognit...
OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to examine the feasibility and preliminary outcome trends of a 12-week structured Cha-Cha dance training program on balance-related performance, fall-related functional indicators, and cognitive function in patients with mild-to-moderate Parkinson's disease. METHODS: Fourteen participants with PD (Hoehn and Yahr stages 1-3, aged 55-75 years) were recruited. While maintaining their routine pharmacological treatment, participants engaged in a 12-week intervention consisting of two 1.5-hour sessions per week focused on basic Cha-Cha dance steps. Balance function was assessed using the Berg Balance Scale (BBS), the Single-Legged Closed-eyed Standing Test (SCST), and the Timed Up and Go Test (TUGT). Cognitive function was evaluated with the Montreal Cognitive Assessment Scale (MoCA), the Stroop Color-Word Task, and the Flanker Task. This pilot feasibility study used a single-group pre-post design. Pre- and post-intervention data were compared using paired-sample t-tests or Wilcoxon signed-rank tests. RESULTS: After the 12-week intervention, participants showed statistically significant improvements in several balance-related and cognitive outcomes. BBS scores increased significantly (before: 37.57 ± 4.48, after: 40.00 ± 4.47 and p = 0.001); SCST duration on both legs increased significantly (p < 0.05); and TUGT completion time decreased significantly (before: 12.98 ± 1.39 s, after: 10.16 ± 1.05 s and p < 0.001). Total MoCA scores also increased (before: 23.86 ± 2.74, after: 26.07 ± 1.98, p < 0.001), with particularly marked improvements in attention and delayed recall (p < 0.05). In the Stroop task, accuracy improved by 15% and response time decreased by 15%; in the Flanker task, accuracy improved by 27% and response time decreased by 9%. Both accuracy improvements and response time reductions were statistically significant (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: In this single-group pilot feasibility study, a 12-week structured Cha-Cha dance training program appeared to be a safe and feasible non-pharmacological intervention for individuals with mild-to-moderate PD. The observed changes may indicate preliminary improvements in balance-related performance, fall-related functional indicators, and selected cognitive outcomes; however, in the absence of a control group, these findings should be interpreted as indicative rather than confirmatory evidence. Larger controlled studies are needed to determine efficacy.
Effect of Tai Chi and transcranial direct current stimulation on spontaneous neural activity in patients with mild cognitive impairment: An exploratory resting-state fMRI study.
Liu H, Li H, Ren J … +5 more , Liufu L, Yang Y, Wu M, Xu Y, Tao J
Complement Ther Med · 2026 Aug · PMID 41980631 · Publisher ↗
INTRODUCTION: Tai Chi (TC) combined with transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) improves memory function in patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), but underlying neurophysiological mechanisms remain uncle...
INTRODUCTION: Tai Chi (TC) combined with transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) improves memory function in patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), but underlying neurophysiological mechanisms remain unclear. This study aims to explore whether TC and tDCS can independently or interactively regulate spontaneous neural activity in different brain regions and enhance memory function. METHODS: In a randomized 2 × 2 factorial trial, 128 MCI patients were assigned to TC, tDCS, TC combined with tDCS, or health education for 12 weeks. Memory performance was assessed using the Chinese Wechsler Memory Scale-Revised (WMS-RC), Auditory Verbal Learning Test (AVLT), and Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure Test (ROCF). Resting-state functional MRI was performed at baseline and post-intervention. RESULTS: TC significantly improved WMS-RC memory quotient (P < 0.001), AVLT-cued recall (P = 0.042), recognition (P = 0.005), and increased activity in the middle/inferior temporal gyrus (P < 0.05). tDCS significantly enhanced memory quotient (P < 0.001), ROCF-recall (P = 0.030), AVLT-recognition (P = 0.013), and modulated activity in the left postcentral gyrus, lingual gyrus, calcarine fissure, and bilateral frontal regions (P < 0.05). TC combined with tDCS significantly interacted with immediate recall (P = 0.016) and altered activity across multiple cortical regions (P < 0.05), and changes in immediate recall were negatively correlated with the ALFF value of the right orbital part of the middle frontal gyrus (r = -0.263, P = 0.011). CONCLUSIONS: TC and tDCS have distinct yet complementary neural and cognitive effects in MCI, supporting their integration as a promising multimodal strategy to delay cognitive decline. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR2200059316.
LatinVisco: A latin american expert consensus on viscosupplementation for knee osteoarthritis.
Hamdan PC, Menegassi ZJB, da Silva MB … +18 more , Hernandez PJL, Sanchez RFS, Scali JJ, Cornejo GZ, Chew A, Noriega GAG, Nasswetter G, Ortega A, Medina JIC, Riveros OA, Ferrin JM, Lara RS, Gomez L, Hermano DFT, Sanchez LDC, Pinheiro CBR, Correa CAP, Costa FR
Complement Ther Med · 2026 Aug · PMID 41980630 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Osteoarthritis (OA) continues to rise worldwide, mainly driven by population aging, and represents one of the leading causes of pain and disability in older adults. Knee OA is the most prevalent form and cons...
BACKGROUND: Osteoarthritis (OA) continues to rise worldwide, mainly driven by population aging, and represents one of the leading causes of pain and disability in older adults. Knee OA is the most prevalent form and constitutes a significant clinical and economic challenge. In response to this need, the LATINVISCO group brought together specialists from various Latin American countries to develop evidence-based recommendations on viscosupplementation (VS) and other intra-articular (IA) therapies. METHODS: Twenty-five experts in traumatology, orthopedics, rheumatology, and sports medicine participated. Fifteen questions were formulated using the PICO method, and a systematic search was performed in PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane, Scielo, and Elsevier, covering the last decade. Of the 396 studies identified, 57 highly relevant ones were selected. The GRADE scale was applied, and a modified Delphi method was used to reach consensus. RESULTS: Recent evidence confirms that intra-articular hyaluronic acid (HA) reduces pain, improves function, and has a favorable safety profile. VS is recommended in OA grades I-III and may be considered in grade IV. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) showed superiority over VS in some parameters, while VS demonstrated additional usefulness in patellofemoral chondropathy and periarticular conditions. Likewise, VS showed good cost-effectiveness and safety in patients on anticoagulant or antiplatelet therapy. CONCLUSION: The LATINVISCO consensus provides updated recommendations adapted to the Latin American context, supporting VS as an effective, safe, and cost-effective intervention for knee OA. These guidelines facilitate therapeutic standardization and optimize clinical outcomes.
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