• Journal of Korean Medicine Rehabilitation
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• v.31 no.4
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• pp.35-47
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• 2021

Objectives This study was conducted to evaluate the therapeutic effect of herbal medicine after total knee arthroplasty. Methods Key words such as total knee arthroplasty and herbal medicine were searched in 10 databases (Ovid-Medline, Ovid-EMBASE, Ovid-AMED, Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure [CNKI], National Digital Science Library [NDSL], Koreanstudies Information Service System [KISS], Oriental medicine Advanced Searching Integrated System [OASIS], KoreaMed, KMBASE), and only suitable randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were selected. Results 8 RCTs were finally selected, and herbal medicine showed positive results for pain relief and functional recovery after total knee arthroplasty. However, the analyzed 8 RCTs showed a high overall risk of bias. Conclusions In the future, RCTs with a higher level of evidence on the effect of herbal medicine after total knee arthroplasty need to be continuously conducted.

• Journal of Korean Medicine Rehabilitation
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• v.31 no.1
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• pp.137-147
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• 2021

Objectives Domestic acupuncture research is being actively conducted in various fields. The aim of this study is to systematically analyze the current acupuncture randomized controlled trials (RCTs) conducted on healthy volunteers. Methods We searched RCTs by the search terms of (acupuncture & random & healthy) in 10 electronic databases and related journals. Then, we analyzed the characteristics and assessed the risk of bias by Cochrane tool. Results Finally, 49 acupuncture RCTs on health volunteers were included in our analysis. The purpose of research could be classified into five major categories: (1) checking the effects on physiological function, (2) comparing the effects of different acupuncture/acupuncture methods, (3) a study confirming improvement after inducing a specific condition, (4) a sham acupuncture study, and (5) a comparison of acupuncture sense. The Cochrane risk of bias was generally high, especially only 1 trial adopted allocation concealment (1/49, 2.0%) and 9 ones with assessor blinding (9/49, 18.4%). Conclusions Acupuncture RCTs in healthy subjects have confirmed various effects in various age/sex groups. However the research quality should be updated for future clinical research and to draw clear conclusion within rigorous methodology.

• Journal of Korean Medicine Rehabilitation
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• v.32 no.2
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• pp.105-121
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• 2022

Objectives This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of electro-acupuncture for sciatica. Methods We searched 13 online databases (Kmbase, Research Information Sharing Service [RISS], National Digital Science Library [NDSL], Oriental Medicine Advanced Searching Integrated System [OASIS], Koreanstudies, Koreantk, DBpia, PubMed, Cochrane, EMBASE, Medline, China National Knowledge Infrastructure [CNKI], J-stage) to find randomized-controlled clinical trials (RCTs) that used electro-acupuncture for sciatica. Efficacy rate and visual analogue scale (VAS) were mainly analyzed as a main evaluation criteria. Results Among 583 articles that were searched, 24 RCTs were finally selected and 18 RCTs were statistically analyzed. Electro-acupuncture was more effective than acupuncture in terms of efficacy rate (p<0.00001) and VAS (p<0.00001). Also, Electro-acupuncture was more effective than western medication in terms of efficacy rate (p=0.0005). However, the effectiveness of electro-acupuncture was not identified compared to physical therapy (p=0.42). Electro-acupuncture significantly improved efficacy rate when combined with physical therapy than physical therapy alone (p<0.0001). In addition, electro-acupuncture plus Chuna manual therapy compared to Chuna manual therapy alone showed positive results for efficacy rate (p=0.05) and VAS (p<0.0001). Conclusions Based on results, the effectiveness of electro-acupuncture for sciatica was identified. However, this study has limitations because the RCTs included in this study were small in number and published in a particular region. Although this study could be a groundwork for well designed research for sciatica.

• Journal of Oriental Neuropsychiatry
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• v.33 no.1
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• pp.79-111
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• 2022

Major depressive disorder (MDD) causes a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest. It can lead to emotional and physical problems. Treatments such as antidepressant and cognitive behavioral therapy for MDD have many limitations. Traditional East Asian Herbal Medicine (TEAM) is a representative modality of Complementary and Integrative Medicine (CIM) which can be used for MDD. However, no study has systematically reviewed the efficacy or safety of TEAM for MDD so far. Therefore, we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate effectiveness and safety of TEAM as a monotherapy for MDD. We only included TEAM that could be used in context of clinical setting in Korean Medicine. Outcomes were the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD) and total effective rate (TER). After comprehensive electronic search of 11 databases, we included 28 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared HM as monotherapy with antidepressant for MDD. Meta-analysis showed that TEAM had significant benefits in reducing HAMD (MD=-0.40, 95% CI: -0.67 to -0.13, p=0.003, I²=85%) and improving TER (RR=1.06, 95% CI: 1.02 to 1.10, p=0.003, I²=0%). It also appeared to be safer than antidepressant in terms of adverse effects. Methods used for RCTs were poor and the quality of evidence was graded 'low' or 'moderate'. These findings indicate that the use of HM as a monotherapy might have potential benefits in MDD treatment as an alternative to antidepressant. However, considering the methodological quality of included RCTs, the clinical evidence is uncertain. Further well-designed RCTs are required to confirm these findings.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.36 no.2
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• pp.59-71
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• 2019

Acupuncture treatment for oculomotor nerve palsy has been increasing recently. This study analyzed randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and case reports, using the Cochrane risk of bias tool to investigate the efficacy of acupuncture therapy for oculomotor nerve palsy. This analysis was performed on March 7, 2019, using online databases (PubMed, Cochrane, NDSL, OASIS, CNKI) where 208 articles were retrieved. Of these, there were 18 case reports and 18 RCTs that matched the inclusion criteria, of which 32 studies used acupuncture as the primary intervention, 1 used pharmacopuncture, 1 used fire-needling, and 1 used electroacupuncture. The most commonly used acupoints were BL1, BL2, ST2, TE23, Ex-HN5, LI4, GB14, ST36, GB20 and GB1. Significant findings were reported in all RCTs. Six adverse events were reported in 3 RCTs, with no effect on the outcome. No side effects were reported in the case reports. The risk-of-bias analysis showed that the articles did not report the experimental protocol used and it was not clear whether the study was blinded. Hence, it was difficult to assess the risk of bias. Analysis of 36 studies showed that acupuncture therapy for oculomotor nerve palsy was effective in many cases. It was difficult to evaluate the potential bias.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.45 no.4
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• pp.744-759
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• 2024

Objectives: This study reviewed randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigating the effects of Neiguan (PC6) stimulation on blood pressure and suggests a better research process. Methods: We searched for RCTs for effects of Neiguan (PC6) stimulations on blood pressure published until July 2024 using six databases (PubMed, Oriental Medicine Advanced Searching Integrated System (OASIS), Korea Citation Index (KCI), Research Information Service System (RISS), Korean Studies Information Service System (KISS), and Science ON). In total, eight RCTs that met all the inclusion criteria were selected. Results: All the selected studies showed significant effects of Neiguan (PC6) stimulation on blood pressure. In most studies, Neiguan (PC6) stimulation was effective in stabilizing blood pressure and improving various indicators related to blood pressure. Conclusion: Neiguan (PC6) stimulation is an effective treatment for stabilizing blood pressure. However, the selected RCTs were short-term studies and had small number of subjects; so, long-term and large-scale studies are needed.

• Journal of Korean Medicine Rehabilitation
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• v.26 no.4
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• pp.37-44
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• 2016

Objectives To determine the effectiveness of Chuna manual therapy combined acupuncture for trigeminal neuralgia. Methods We searched 6 electronic databases (Pubmed, CAJ, Oasis, RISS, DBPIA, KoreanTK) and 2 journals up to August 2016. We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) using Chuna manual therapy combined acupuncture for trigeminal neuralgia. The methodological quality of each RCT was assessed by the Cochrane risk of bias tool. Results 3 RCT studies were eligible in our review. The meta-analysis of 3 studies showed favorable results for the use of Chuna manual therapy combined acupuncture. High risk of bias were observed in all studies. Conclusions Although there are favorable results with meta-analysis, our systematic review are highly dependent on the single source of Chinese electrical database, CAJ. Now limited evidence is available to support Chuna manual therapy combined acupuncture for trigeminal neuralgia and further well-designed RCTs should be encouraged.

• Journal of Korean Medicine Rehabilitation
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• v.27 no.3
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• pp.71-79
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• 2017

Objectives To determine the effectiveness of Tuina for temporomandibular joint disorder. Methods We searched 10 electronic databases (Pubmed, CNKI, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, KISS, KISTI, NDSL, RISS, KMBASE, DBpia) up to May 2017. We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) using Tuina for temporomandibular joint disorder. The methodological quality of each RCT was assessed by the Cochrane risk of bias tool. Results 14 RCT studies were eligible in our review. 14 studies were divided into 4 groups, and meta-analysised. The meta-analysis of 6 studies showed favorable results for the use of Tuina. High risk of bias were observed in 9 studies. Conclusions Although there are favorable results with meta-analysis, our systematic review are highly dependent on the single source of Chinese electrical database, CNKI. Now limited evidence is available to support Tuina for temporomandibular joint disorder and further well-designed RCTs should be encouraged.

• The Journal of Korean Obstetrics and Gynecology
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• v.33 no.4
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• pp.1-22
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• 2020

Objectives: The purpose of this review is to evaluate the efficacy of moxibustion for stress urinary incontinence (SUI) in women. Methods: For relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs), we searched the following databases from their inception to September 1, 2020: The Cochrane Library, PubMed, EMBASE, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure Database (CNKI), Koreanstudies Information Service System (KISS), Research Information Sharing Service (RISS), and National Digital Science Library (NDSL). The key search terms were 'stress urinary incontinence' and 'moxibustion'. Data extraction and assessment of risk of bias were conducted by two authors independently. Results: A total of 11 RCTs were finally included in this systematic review. In all studies, moxibustion treatment was applied as an adjuvant therapy to the conventional treatment, and the most common conventional treatment was pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT). The treatment group (conventional treatment plus moxibustion) showed statistically more significant effect than the control group (conventional treatment only) in various evaluation indicators including urinary incontinence frequency, 1 hour urine pad test, quality of life, the clinical efficacy rate, and pelvic muscle strength. Conclusions: In this study, we investigated the efficacy of moxibustion as an adjuvant therapy for female SUI patients. Further studies are needed to supplement the safety of moxibustion and the evaluation of moxibustion dose.

• The Journal of Churna Manual Medicine for Spine and Nerves
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• v.12 no.1
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• pp.43-56
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• 2017

Objectives : To determine the effectiveness of Baduanjin for hypertension Methods : We searched 8 electronic databases(Pubmed, CAJ, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, KISS, KISTI, NDSL, RISS) up to April 2017. We included randomized controlled trials(RCTs) using Badanjin for hypertension. The methodological quality of each RCT was assessed by the Cochrane risk of bias tool. Results : 14 RCT studies were eligible in our review. 14 studies were divided into 4 groups, and 2 of them were meta-analysised. The meta-analysis of 10 studies showed favorable results for the use of Baduanjin with Usual care than Usual care. But, meta-analysis of 2 studies showed Baduanjin and Usual care has no difference. High risk of bias were observed in all studies. Conclusions : Although there are favorable results with meta-analysis, our systematic review are highly dependent on the single source of Chinese electrical database, CAJ. Now limited evidence is available to support Baduanjin combined usual care for hypertension and further well-designed RCTs should be encouraged.