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Mou J, Wang Q, Wu J, Zhang L, Li YA, Luo Z, An J, Sun T, Zheng X, Wang Y, Hu K. The effect of Fu's subcutaneous needling in treating knee osteoarthritis patients: A randomized controlled trial. Explore (NY) 2024; 20:562-571. [PMID: 38176976 DOI: 10.1016/j.explore.2023.12.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2023] [Revised: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fu's subcutaneous needling (FSN) is an acupuncture technique for the treatment of soft tissue diseases. Knee osteoarthritis often involves lower limb muscles. This study aimed to observe and compare the clinical efficacy of Fu's subcutaneous acupuncture and electroacupuncture in the treatment of patients with knee osteoarthritis. METHODS 62 patients with early or medial stage of knee osteoarthritis were randomly divided into the FSN therapy group or the electroacupuncture(EA) therapy group (1:1). The Lysholm score, range of motion, and equilibrium function were observed over a 3-month follow-up period. A total of 60 participants completed the study. RESULTS Over the 3 months of follow-up, both treatment regimens showed equally favorable results on all prognostic measures compared with their respective baseline data (P<0.05). Compared with the EA group, the FSN group had a significantly greater improvement in claudication, joint stability, swelling, pain, and ROM after treatment (P<0.05). At 3 months after treatment, the FSN group revealed better scores of claudication, joint stability, swelling, walking up stairs, squatting, pain, ROM, and equilibrium function (forward and backward movement speed, left and right movement speed, movement ellipse area, movement length) compared to the EA group (all P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS This study showed that FSN can significantly improve the pain symptoms, joint stability, and joint function of patients with knee osteoarthritis, and the clinical efficacy can be maintained at least 3 months after treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianjiao Mou
- Rehabilitation medicine department, Suining Central Hospital, Suining, China.
| | - Qiong Wang
- Department of pain treatment, Suining Central Hospital, Suining, China
| | - Juan Wu
- Rehabilitation medicine department, Suining Central Hospital, Suining, China
| | - Leixiao Zhang
- Division of Internal Medicine, Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, China
| | - Yang-An Li
- Rehabilitation medicine department, Suining Central Hospital, Suining, China
| | - Zhichao Luo
- Rehabilitation medicine department, Suining Central Hospital, Suining, China
| | - Jiayi An
- Rehabilitation medicine department, Suining Central Hospital, Suining, China
| | - Tao Sun
- Rehabilitation medicine department, Suining Central Hospital, Suining, China
| | - Xinlei Zheng
- Rehabilitation medicine department, Suining Central Hospital, Suining, China
| | - Yan Wang
- Teaching and training department, Suining Central Hospital, Suining, China.
| | - Kehui Hu
- Rehabilitation medicine department, Suining Central Hospital, Suining, China.
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Yang X, Wang H, Sun J. Understanding tightened muscle in knee osteoarthritis and the impacts of Fu's subcutaneous needling: A pilot trial with shear-wave elastography and near-infrared spectroscopy. Medicine (Baltimore) 2024; 103:e38274. [PMID: 38787967 PMCID: PMC11124628 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000038274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Given the scarce reports on the interplay between Fu's subcutaneous needling (FSN), tightened muscle, and therapeutic effects, we developed a clinical research protocol to synchronously collect data on clinical efficacy and muscle characteristics in patients with knee osteoarthritis, exploring the mechanism of FSN action. The primary aim was to assess the feasibility and safety of this protocol, guiding future trials and their sample size calculations. METHODS In this prospective, single-blind, self-controlled study, 19 patients with early to mid-stage unilateral knee osteoarthritis underwent FSN therapy on both knees over 1 week (4 sessions, every other day). We measured local elastic modulus, muscle thickness, blood flow volume, and oxygen consumption rate of bilateral vastus lateralis muscles using shear-wave elastography and near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) before and after the first and fourth treatments. Additionally, real-time NIRS indicators (oxygenated hemoglobin [O2Hb], deoxyhemoglobin [HHb], total hemoglobin [THb], and tissue saturation index [TSI]) were recorded during these treatments. Pain intensity (visual analogue scale [VAS]), functional status (Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index [WOMAC]), and active range of motion were evaluated before these treatments. RESULTS All 19 participants completed the trial without serious adverse events. After 3 FSN treatments, significant changes were observed in VAS and WOMAC scores (VAS: P < .001; WOMAC: P < .001), and knee flexion (P < .001) and external rotation (P = .02), except for internal rotation. No meaningful significant differences were observed in muscle characteristics at baseline or between pre- and post-treatment periods. NIRS results during treatments indicated significant increases in local O2Hb and THb post-FSN therapy (First treatment: O2Hb: P = .005; THb: P = .006. Fourth treatment: O2Hb: P = .002; THb: P = .004); however, no significant increases were observed for HHb (First treatment: P = .06; Fourth treatment: P = .28). No linear correlation was found between therapeutic effects and changes in tightened muscle indices. CONCLUSION FSN reduces pain and improves joint function in knee osteoarthritis, while also enhancing blood flow and oxygenation in the vastus lateralis muscle of the affected side. Further revisions of this protocol are warranted based on our insights.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaolin Yang
- The Second Clinical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Hanlin Wang
- Acupuncture Department, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Jian Sun
- Clinical Medical College of Acupuncture Moxibustion and Rehabilitation of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
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Baroncini A, Maffulli N, Schäfer L, Manocchio N, Bossa M, Foti C, Klimuch A, Migliorini F. Physiotherapeutic and non-conventional approaches in patients with chronic low-back pain: a level I Bayesian network meta-analysis. Sci Rep 2024; 14:11546. [PMID: 38773302 PMCID: PMC11109223 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-62276-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Chronic low back pain (cLBP) is a major cause of disability and healthcare expenditure worldwide. Its prevalence is increasing globally from somatic and psychosocial factors. While non-pharmacological management, and in particular physiotherapy, has been recommended as a first-line treatment for cLBP, it is not clear what type of physiotherapeutic approach is the most effective in terms of pain reduction and function improvement. This analysis is rendered more difficult by the vast number of available therapies and a lack of a widely accepted classification that can effectively highlight the differences in the outcomes of different management options. This study was conducted according to the PRISMA guidelines. In January 2024, the following databases were accessed: PubMed, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and Embase. All the randomised controlled trials (RCTs) which compared the efficacy of physiotherapy programs in patients with cLBP were accessed. Studies reporting on non-specific or mechanical cLPB were included. Data concerning the Visual Analogic Scale (VAS) or numeric rating scale (NRS), Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMQ) and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI). Data from 12,773 patients were collected. The mean symptom duration was 61.2 ± 51.0 months and the mean follow-up was 4.3 ± 5.9 months. The mean age was 44.5 ± 9.4 years. The mean BMI was 25.8 ± 2.9 kg/m2. The Adapted Physical Exercise group evidenced the lowest pain score, followed by Multidisciplinary and Adapted Training Exercise/Complementary Medicine. The Adapted Physical Exercise group evidenced the lowest RMQ score followed by Therapeutic Exercises and Multidisciplinary. The Multidisciplinary group evidenced the lowest ODI score, followed by Adapted Physical Exercise and Physical Agent modalities. Within the considered physiotherapeutic and non-conventional approaches to manage nonspecific and/or mechanic cLBP, adapted physical exercise, physical agent modalities, and a multidisciplinary approach might represent the most effective strategy to reduce pain and disability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice Baroncini
- GSpine4, IRCCS Ospedale Galeazzi - Sant'Ambrogio, Milano, Italy
| | - Nicola Maffulli
- Department of Orthopaedics, Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, University of Rome "La Sapienza", Rome, Italy
- School of Pharmacy and Bioengineering, Faculty of Medicine, Keele University, Stoke on Trent, ST4 7QB, UK
- Centre for Sports and Exercise Medicine, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Mile End Hospital, Queen Mary University of London, London, E1 4DG, UK
| | - Luise Schäfer
- Department of Orthopaedic, Trauma, and Reconstructive Surgery, RWTH University Medical Centre, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Nicola Manocchio
- Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine, Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine Department, Tor Vergata University, Rome, Italy
| | - Michela Bossa
- Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine, Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine Department, Tor Vergata University, Rome, Italy
| | - Calogero Foti
- Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine, Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine Department, Tor Vergata University, Rome, Italy
| | - Alexandra Klimuch
- Department of Orthopaedic, Trauma, and Reconstructive Surgery, RWTH University Medical Centre, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Filippo Migliorini
- Department of Orthopaedic, Trauma, and Reconstructive Surgery, RWTH University Medical Centre, 52074, Aachen, Germany.
- Department of Orthopedics and Trauma Surgery, Academic Hospital of Bolzano (SABES-ASDAA), Teaching Hospital of the Paracelsus Medical University, 39100, Bolzano, Italy.
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Zhai J, Liu AF, Yu W, Guo T. Baduanjin exercise for chronic non-specific low back pain: protocol for a series of N-of-1 trials. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e070703. [PMID: 37963698 PMCID: PMC10649392 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-070703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Chronic non-specific low back pain (CNLBP) is one of the most common health problems worldwide. According to the clinical guideline released by the American College of Physicians, exercise has been recommended for the treatment of chronic LBP. In recent years, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is becoming increasingly popular for the management of chronic LBP. Baduanjin exercise is one of the exercise therapies in TCM. N-of-1 trial is a randomised cross-over self-controlled trial suitable for patients with this chronic disease. A series of similar N-of-1 trials can be pooled to estimate the overall and individual therapeutic effects synchronously by hierarchical Bayesian analysis. And N-of-1 trials are considered as a good tool for evaluating the therapeutic effect of TCM. Therefore, this study aims to conduct a series of N-of-1 trials with hierarchical Bayesian analysis for assessing whether Baduanjin exercise is effective and safe for CNLBP. METHODS AND ANALYSIS This study conducts a series of N-of-1 trials on Baduanjin exercise for the management of CNLBP. Fifty participants will receive 1-3 treatment cycles. They will be randomised into a Baduanjin exercise or waiting list group for a week during the two periods of each treatment cycle. The primary outcome is the 10-point Visual Analogue Scale. The secondary outcomes include the Oswestry Disability Index, the Japanese Orthopaedic Association Back Pain Evaluation Questionnaire and the Short Form Health Survey 12. Statistical analysis will be conducted with WinBUGS V.1.4.3 software. Overall and individual therapeutic effects will be estimated synchronously by hierarchical Bayesian analysis. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION This study is approved by the Medical Ethics Committee of Tianjin University of TCM (reference number TJUTCM-EC20220005). Our findings will be published in a peer-reviewed journal or international conference. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER ChiCTR2200063307.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingbo Zhai
- School of Public Health, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Ai Feng Liu
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Weijie Yu
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Tianci Guo
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
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Gao Y, Sun J, Fu Z, Chiu PE, Chou LW. Treatment of postsurgical trigeminal neuralgia with Fu's subcutaneous needling therapy resulted in prompt complete relief: Two case reports. Medicine (Baltimore) 2023; 102:e33126. [PMID: 36862912 PMCID: PMC9981408 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000033126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/04/2023] Open
Abstract
RATIONALE Trigeminal neuralgia is a recurrent unilateral transient electroshock-like pain. Fu's subcutaneous needling (FSN), used to treat the musculoskeletal problems, has not been reported in this field. PATIENT CONCERNS The pain extent of case 1 had no reduction after the previous microvascular decompression, the pain of case 2 relapsed 4 years after the microvascular decompression. DIAGNOSES Postsurgical trigeminal neuralgia. INTERVENTIONS FSN therapy was applied on the muscles around the neck and face area, which the myofascial trigger points were palpated in these muscles. The FSN needle was inserted into the subcutaneous layer and the needle tip was pointed toward the myofascial trigger point. OUTCOMES The following outcome measurements were observed before and after treatment, including numerical rating scale, Barrow Neurology Institute Pain Scale scores, Constant Face Pain Questionnaire scores, Brief Pain Inventory-Facial scores, Patient Global Impression of Change scores, and medication dosage. The follow-up surveys were made after 2 and 4 months respectively. The pain of Case 1 was significantly reduced after 7 times FSN treatments and the pain of Case 2 was even disappeared after 6 times FSN treatments. LESSONS This case report suggested that FSN can relieve postsurgical trigeminal neuralgia safely and effectively. Clinical randomized controlled studies are needed to be further conducted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youling Gao
- School of Acupuncture, Moxibustion and Tuina, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
- Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Yangzhou TCM Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Yangzhou, China
| | - Jian Sun
- Second Clinical Medical College, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
- Clinical Medical College of Acupuncture & Moxibustion and Rehabilitation, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhonghua Fu
- Clinical Medical College of Acupuncture & Moxibustion and Rehabilitation, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
- Institute of Fu’s Subcutaneous Needling, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Po-En Chiu
- Department of Chinese Medicine, Chang Bing Show Chwan Memorial Hospital, Changhua, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Integrated Medicine, College of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Li-Wei Chou
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Physical Therapy and Graduate Institute of Rehabilitation Science, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Asia University Hospital, Asia University, Taichung, Taiwan
- * Correspondence: Li-Wei Chou, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, China Medical University Hospital, Address: No 2 Yuh-Der Road, Taichung 404332, Taiwan (e-mail address: )
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Zhang F, Zhang B, Wang X, Huang C, Hu B. Effects of Tai Chi on insomnia in elderly people with chronic non-specific low back pain: A study protocol for a randomized controlled trial. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1105359. [PMID: 36910817 PMCID: PMC9998706 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1105359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 03/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Chronic non-specific low back pain (CNLBP) is a complex condition characterized by pain, dysfunction, disturbed sleep, anxiety, and depression, all of which impair the quality of life. Previous studies showed that practicing Tai Chi had effects on chronic low back pain. However, there is a lack of evidence on its impact on sleep. The trial will evaluate the use of Tai Chi as a treatment for insomnia in elderly people with CNLBP. Methods The study design will be a randomized, controlled, open-label trial. Participants (n = 106) will be recruited from the Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Qing Yang District University for the Elderly, and Ci Tang Street Community. Participants will be randomly assigned to the Tai Chi group (n = 53) and the control group (n = 53). The Tai Chi group will undergo a Yang-style 24-form Tai Chi program for 8 weeks. The control group will have a waiting period of 8 weeks, followed by 8 weeks of Tai Chi practice. The primary outcomes of this study will be changes in sleep quality and pain intensity. Secondary outcomes of interest will include changes in the quality of pain, range of motion, physical performance, social support, and overall quality of life. Any adverse events and attendance rates will also be reported in this study. Clinical trial registration ChiCTR2200064977.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Zhang
- School of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Tuina, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Boran Zhang
- Department of Physical Education, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaotong Wang
- School of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Tuina, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Chang Huang
- School of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Tuina, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Boyi Hu
- School of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Tuina, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
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Efficacy of Fu's Subcutaneous Needling on Myofascial Trigger Points for Lateral Epicondylalgia: A Randomized Control Trial. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2022; 2022:5951327. [PMID: 35321501 PMCID: PMC8938053 DOI: 10.1155/2022/5951327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2021] [Revised: 12/30/2021] [Accepted: 02/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Lateral epicondylalgia (LE), a common overuse syndrome of the extensor muscle and tendons on the lateral epicondyle, causes persistent severe musculoskeletal pain on the outer part of the elbow. Fu's subcutaneous needling (FSN), a newly invented subtype of acupuncture and dry needling, is a new trend and potential treatment of LE by targeting the myofascial trigger points (MTrPs). However, no scientific evidence is available to support this method. This study aims to evaluate the distal FSN treatment on the LE by measuring pain-related scales, such as visual analog scale (VAS), pressure pain threshold (PPT), muscle tissue hardness (TH), pain-free grip (PFG), and the functional outcome by a patient-rated tennis elbow evaluation (PRTEE) questionnaire study. A total of 60 LE patients were randomly divided into FSN (n = 30) and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS, n = 30) as the control group. Every subject was treated with three regimens and followed up for 15 days. Results showed that FSN has an immediate effect on VAS, PPT, TH, and PFG. Moreover, sustained effects on pain relief were followed up to 15 days. Pain remission was consistent with long-term PRTEE results. Overall, FSN is a safe and efficient therapy option for LE, significantly improving pain relief and activity difficulty with immediate, short-term, and long-term effectiveness. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03605563.
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