Network Meta-analysis of the effects of non-invasive traditional Chinese medicine techniques on primary dysmenorrhea care
10.3760/cma.j.cn211501-20240726-02007
- VernacularTitle:无创中医适宜技术对原发性痛经调护效果的网状Meta分析
- Author:
Yinghui WU
1
;
Lizhi XU
;
Zhixin ZHAO
;
Ruichun HAO
;
Xiaohui FU
Author Information
1. 山西中医药大学护理学院，晋中 030619
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Primary dysmenorrhea;
Traditional Chinese medicine techniques;
Moxibustion;
Auricular acupressure;
Acupoint application;
Massage therapy;
Network Meta-analy
- From:
Chinese Journal of Practical Nursing
2025;41(10):773-782
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
Objective:To evaluate the differences in total effectiveness, Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) scores, and Cox Menstrual Symptom Scale (CMSS) scores among four non-invasive Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) techniques: moxibustion, massage therapy, acupoint application, and auricular acupressure, for the care of primary dysmenorrhea (PD) using network Meta-analysis, providing evidence-based guidance for clinical decision-making.Methods:Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving the four non-invasive TCM techniques for PD care were retrieved from databases including China National Knowledge Infrastructure, VIP, Wanfang, SinoMed, PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library up to November 30, 2023. Network Meta-analysis was conducted using RevMan 5.4 and Stata 17.0.Results:A total of 83 studies involving 8 370 PD patients were included. The network Meta-analysis showed that all four TCM techniques were superior to control measures in terms of total effectiveness and reducing VAS scores. Moxibustion, acupoint application, and auricular acupressure were also superior in reducing CMSS scores. Ranking of the effects of different interventions: total effectiveness: auricular acupressure > moxibustion > acupoint application > massage therapy > acupuncture > Chinese patent medicine > Western medicine > blank control > placebo treatment; VAS scores: moxibustion > auricular acupressure > acupoint application > acupuncture > placebo treatment > massage therapy > Western medicine > Chinese patent medicine > blank control; CMSS scores: auricular acupressure > moxibustion > acupuncture > placebo treatment > acupoint application > Western medicine > blank control.Conclusions:The four non-invasive TCM techniques have significant advantages in PD care, with auricular acupressure and moxibustion being the preferred choices for clinical care.
