Chuna Manual Therapy for Growth and development of children: Systematic Review

Abstract

Objectives : To systematically review the effect of chuna manual therapy (CMT) on growth and development of children. Methods : We performed a literature search using eight electronic databases (PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Chinese Academic Journals, Research Information Sharing Service, Koreanstudies Information Service System and Oriental Medicine Advanced Searching Integrated System) up to the end of April 2023. We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that appraised the effect of CMT in the growth and development of children. The risk of bias was evaluated from Cochrane Risk of Bias tool. Results : Three appropriate RCTs were included and analyzed. Height and weight of the CMT group was statistically higher compared to the control group. Conclusions : CMT could be effective for growth and development of children. However, evidence were limited due to a small number of studies, lack of well-designed RCT and regional bias. Further well-designed research is necessary to obtain stronger evidence.