• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.33 no.2
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• pp.151-164
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• 2016

Objectives : The purpose of this study is to review clinical studies about the efficacy of fire needling for the treatment of acne vulgaris. Methods and Results : In this review, Oasis, NDSL, CNKI, PubMed, Cochrane, J STAGE and CINII were used as the main databases for searching for medical journals, using the keywords "acne and fire needling"," acne and fire needle"," acne and fire acupuncture", and" acne and red hot needle". The initial search range included only randomized controlled trials (RCTs), and papers not matching inclusion criteria were excluded. Initially a total of 108 studies were found, with ten being excluded during title and abstract screening. After scanning 98 papers, a total of 31 RCTs were selected and analyzed. In the 31 RCTs, patients with acne were randomized into groups for treatment and control. Specifically, the treatment group received fire needling, while the control group were concurrently given other treatments. The results of the completed studies have shown that the treatment group receiving fire needling demonstrated significant improvement compared to the control group. Conclusion : During our study, it was verified that the efficacy of fire needling for the treatment of acne vulgaris was both significant and meaningful. Therefore, fire needling can be a safe and effective alternative treatment for acne. However, to confirm this result, further investigation in a traditional clinic is required, accompanied by high quality studies including randomized, placebo-controlled double-blind trials.

• Journal of Korean Medicine Rehabilitation
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• v.28 no.3
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• pp.55-66
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• 2018

Objectives To evaluate the evidence supporting the effectiveness of bee venom acupuncture for ankle sprain. Methods We conducted search across 11 electronic databases (Pubmed, EMBASE, Cochrane CENTRAL [CENTRAL], KoreaMed, Kmbase, Koreanstudies Information Service System [KISS], National Digital Science Library [NDSL], Korea Institute of Science and Technology Information [KISTI], China National Knowledge Infrastructure [CNKI], Wanfang and Chinese Scientific Journals Database [VIP] database) to find clinical trials that used bee venom acupuncture as treatment for ankle sprain. The methodological quality of randomized controlled clinical trials (RCTs) were assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias (RoB) tool, while non-randomized controlled clinical trials (NRCTs) were assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Assessment tool for Non-randomized Study (RoBANS) tool. Results Four RCTs and one nRCT met our inclusion criteria. Almost studies showed that bee venom acupuncture has positive effect on ankle sprain. 4 studies of same intervention and control included in the meta-analysis. When comparing bee venom acupuncture and acupuncture with acupuncture, the effect size of standardized mean difference (SMD) was -0.19 (95% confidence interval [CI]: -1.95~1.56, Z=0.55, p=0.83). And when comparing bee venom acupuncture with acupuncture, the effect size of SMD was -0.17 (95% CI: -0.65~0.31, Z=0.71, p=0.48). Conclusions Although our systematic review found encouraging but limited evidence of bee venom acupuncture for ankle sprain, most of the studies included in the analysis were evaluated as methodologically high risk of bias. From now on further well-designed RCTs should be encouraged.

• The Journal of Churna Manual Medicine for Spine and Nerves
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• v.10 no.1
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• pp.1-14
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• 2015

Objectives : To evaluate the evidence supporting the effectiveness of Chuna manual therapy for functional dyspepsia. Methods : We conducted search across the 3 electronic databases (Pubmed, CAJ and Oasis) to find all of randomized controlled clinical trials(RCTs) that used Chuna manual therapy as a treatment for functional dyspepsia. The methodological quality of each RCT was assessed using the Cochrane risk of bias tool. Results : Thirteen RCTs met our inclusion criteria. The meta-analysis showed positive results for the use of Chuna manual therapy combined with medication treatments in terms of the efficacy rate when compared to medication treatments alone. Positive results were also obtained, in terms of the efficacy rate, when comparing Chuna manual therapy combined with medication plus specific electromagnetic therapy to medication treatments alone. Conclusions : Our systematic review found encouraging but limited evidence of Chuna manual therapy for functional dyspepsia. However, to obtain stronger evidence without the drawbacks of trial design and the quality of studies, we recommend sham-controlled RCTs or comparative effectiveness research to test the effectiveness of Chuna manual therapy.

• The Journal of Churna Manual Medicine for Spine and Nerves
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• v.14 no.2
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• pp.29-42
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• 2019

Objectives : This study aimed to review the effects of Daoyin exercise on stroke patients in clinical studies. Methods : In this study, we reviewed 11 electronic databases (CAJ, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Pubmed, RISS, Dbpia, NDSL, KISTI, KISS, KMBASE) on October 27, 2019. We included only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) which evaluated the effect of Daoyin exercise on stroke patients. The methodological quality of the included studies was checked using the Cochrane risk of bias tool. Results : After screening the papers, eleven RCTs fulfilled the inclusion criteria. The results of the meta-analysis showed that Daoyin exercise improves the measurement value on the Fugl-Meyer Assessment, Modified Barthel Index and National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale in stroke patients. Conclusions : We concluded that Daoyin exercise has therapeutic effects in functional recovery and in enhancing the independence of daily living activities for stroke patients. However, the quality of the original articles was low and the number of papers included were few. Thus, to confirm these results, further well-designed RCTs should be conducted.

• Journal of Korean Medicine Rehabilitation
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• v.25 no.2
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• pp.97-110
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• 2015

Objectives Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. Plantar fasciitis can be managed with acupuncture, but the evidence for its effectiveness is uncertain. The aim of this review was to assess the effectiveness of acupuncture for plantar fasciitis. Methods I searched specific Korean and foreign electronic databases (KCI, RISS, NDSL, OASIS, KTKP, National Assembly Library, KMbase, PubMed, The Cochrane Library and China National Knowledge Infrastructure). The key search terms were 'heel pain', 'plantar fasciitis' and 'acupuncture'. Twenty-seven trials were included; eleven case reports, fourteen randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and two non-randomized controlled trials (NRCTs). Results Twenty-seven studies reported that acupuncture treatment reduced plantar fasciitis pain. However, the evidence provided by the case reports was regarded as weak because the methodological quality was poor, and the placebo effect of acupuncture was not accounted for in the RCTs and NRCTs. Overall, the methodological quality of the RCTs and NRCTs was weak. Conclusions There is some evidence for the effectiveness of acupuncture for plantar fasciitis. However, in order to reinforce the evidence for acupuncture's effectiveness, additional placebo-controlled trials with well-designed methodologies are required.

• Journal of Korean Medicine Rehabilitation
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• v.25 no.4
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• pp.29-40
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• 2015

Objectives We have attempted to provide the basis of treatment effects by considering foreign & domestic randomized controlled trials (RCTs), being implemented with catgut-embedding therapy for lumbar disc herniation. Methods We found the literatures prepared in Korean, English, and Chinese by December 2014 in electronic databases (Pubmed, Science Direct, Proquest, OASIS, KMbase, NDSL, RISS, National Assembly Library). We choosed RCTs by selection criteria through abstracts & articles, extracted and analyzed data. Cochrane's Risk of Bias Tool was used & implemented for the risk of bias. Results The total of 17 studies were included in the review. 88.2% of studies were accomplished within the last decade. The experimental group has shown more significant effects in 70.6% of studies, and the long-term & partial significant results were obtained in 29.4% of studies. Affected lumbar area and pelvic limb area with radiating pain were mostly selected for acupoint. Conclusions Overall and partial significant results were obtained from 17 foreign & domestic comparative RCTs which substantiates the treatment effects of catgut-embedding therapy for lumbar disc herniation. Since all studies, however, were exposed to the risk of bias, so future research of higher quality shall be necessary.

• The Journal of Churna Manual Medicine for Spine and Nerves
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• v.13 no.1
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• pp.23-33
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• 2018

Objectives: To determine the evidence supporting the effectiveness and safety of Daoyin exercise therapy for treating low back pain. Methods: We searched 11 electronic databases(Pubmed, Web of Science, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, CAJ, KISTI, KISS, NDSL, KMBASE, RISS, and DBpia) and two related journals,till April 2018 for randomized controlled trials(RCTs) related to testDaoyin exercise therapy for low back pain. Results: The inclusion criteria were fulfilled by eight RCTs. The meta-analysis of the eight studies showed positive results when Daoyin exercise therapy was used for treating low back pain. Conclusions: Based on the meta-analysis, we found indications for the favorable impact of Daoyin exercise therapy on the treatment of low back pain. However, our systematic review has limited evidence to support this theory because of the low quality of original articles. Hence, additional well-designed RCTs should be encouraged.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology and Dermatology
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• v.30 no.4
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• pp.62-74
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• 2017

Objectives : The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of laser therapy for diabetic ulcer by using methods of systematic review. Methods : In this review, PubMed, Cochrane library, Web of Science, CNKI, CiNii, J-STAGE, NDSL and OASIS were used as the search engines. The search period is from the start date of the search engine to October 3, 2016. Randomized controlled trials(RCTs) using laser therapy for diabetic ulcer were searched and extracted by two independent researchers. Risk of bias(RoB) of Cochrane was used to assess methodological quality of studies. Results : Finally, five RCTs were selected. The follow-up period ranged from 15 days to 20 weeks. InGaAlP laser, GaAlAs laser and light emitting diode(LED) were used to treat diabetic ulcer. The clinical trials used sham laser irradiation or standard treatment as control in comparison to laser therapy. The endpoints included ulcer size, rate of healing and time to healing with follow-up period. The RCTs demonstrated therapeutic outcomes with no adverse effect. Most items of RoB were unclear and methodological quality was low. Conclusions : Our analysis suggests that laser therapy has therapeutic effects for diabetic ulcer. However, more systematic and stringent clinical trials will be required.

• Herbal Formula Science
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• v.29 no.4
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• pp.285-295
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• 2021

Objective : This systematic review was conducted to investigate the effect of herbal medicine on Helicobacter pylori(H. pylori) infection compared to amoxicillin included synthetic drugs. Methods : Relevant randomized controlled trials(RCTs) which were published prior to December 26, 2020, were collected using PubMED database. Risk of bias evaluation and data extraction were done independently by two reviewers, and the third reviewer reassessed mismatching parts. Results : Two RCTs testing two different herbal medicines against synthetic drugs solitary treatment or synthetic drugs with placebo for herbal medicine were included. One study reported that there was no significant difference between the eradication rate of synthetic drugs and the herbal medicine. The other study did not report the eradication rate of the herbal medicine. One study reported histologic severity, the other reported dyspepsia score as efficacy indicators. There was no adverse event reported in all studies. However, the number of included RCTs was too small, the quality of reported data was not enough to verify efficacy of herbal medicine, and there were some methodological problems. Conclusion : It was difficult to conclude that solitary treatment of herbal medicine was as effective as amoxicillin included synthetic drugs for H. pylori infection.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.36 no.5
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• pp.37-46
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• 2021

Objective : This study aims to examine the effectiveness and safety of herbal medicines in upper respiratory tract infection by conducting systematic review against amoxicillin. Methods : Relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published by December 2020 were searched in PubMED database. Study selection was conducted according to the PRISMA guideline. The Risk of Bias of the RCTs were evaluated based on the Cochrane criteria. Study selection and bias assessment were conducted independently by two researchers, and the third party was involved if there is a disagreement. Results : Three RCTs were included. Meta-analysis was not performed due to different specific disease and outcome measurements among the included studies. Herbal medicine showed statistically significant improvement in symptoms and endoscopic findings compared to amoxicillin in acute rhinosinusitis. In addition, herbal medicine showed statistically significant improvement in symptoms and a smaller dose of additional antibiotics in acute tonsillitis. However, herbal medicine showed no significant effects compared to amoxicillin in chronic sinusitis patients after functional endoscopic sinus surgery. In terms of adverse events, no significant difference was observed between the herbal medicine group and the amoxicillin group in all studies. Conclusion : Herbal medicine might be more effective than amoxicillin in the treatment of upper respiratory tract infection. Nevertheless, it is hard to clear that conclusion due to the fact that the collected studies were conducted on different specific diseases and herbal medicine, and that the included studies had flaws in the research methodology.