Complementary therapies in medicine最新文献

{"title":"Clinical effect and contributing factors of acupuncture for limb motor dysfunction after ischemic stroke: A systematic review and exploratory network meta-analysis","authors":"Tie-Chun Zhang ,&nbsp;Zhao-Liang Luo ,&nbsp;Jing Yuan ,&nbsp;Yu-Sha Liao ,&nbsp;Min-Min Ruan ,&nbsp;Ting-Ting Yang ,&nbsp;Hao-Run Wang ,&nbsp;Zi-Han Yin ,&nbsp;Ling Zhao","doi":"10.1016/j.ctim.2026.103320","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ctim.2026.103320","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><div>This study aimed to evaluate the clinical efficacy of acupuncture in the treatment of limb motor dysfunction following ischemic stroke, and to assess the influence of acupuncture intervention type and treatment dosage on therapeutic outcomes.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>We conducted comprehensive searches multiple databases (e.g., PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, CNKI) and clinical trial registries for studies published up to 10 December 2024. Limb motor function, assessed using the Fugl-Meyer Assessment, was evaluated as the primary outcome. Data analysis was performed using RevMan, ADDIS, and STATA, with reviewer consistency evaluated by the intra-class correlation coefficient.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>A total of 71 trials were included. The risk of bias assessment indicated 91.5 % of studies had some concerns. The pairwise meta-analyses indicated that the combination of acupuncture and conventional treatment was more effective than conventional treatment alone in improving limb motor dysfunction. The network meta-analysis further indicated that manual acupuncture combined with conventional treatment was the most effective acupuncture-based intervention for improving limb motor dysfunction. Meanwhile, among all acupuncture dose regimens, high-dose acupuncture plus conventional treatment was associated with the greatest therapeutic benefit. However, the GRADE evaluation showed that the certainty of the evidence ranged from low to critically low.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Acupuncture combined with conventional therapy enhances limb motor function recovery in patients after ischemic stroke. Manual acupuncture combined with conventional treatment, especially when employing higher-dose acupuncture protocols, may represent one of the most effective therapeutic approaches. Although the low certainty of evidence warrants cautious interpretation, these findings indicate a promising treatment strategy and identify key areas that require verification through subsequent rigorous studies.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":10545,"journal":{"name":"Complementary therapies in medicine","volume":"96 ","pages":"Article 103320"},"PeriodicalIF":3.5,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145988537","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Beyond the ‘Crack’: Reframing thrust manipulation through neurophysiology, perception, and context","authors":"Álvaro Romero Rosado ,&nbsp;Oliver Martínez Pozas ,&nbsp;Samuel Fernández Carnero ,&nbsp;Juan Nicolás Cuenca Zaldívar ,&nbsp;Eleuterio A. Sánchez Romero ,&nbsp;Rob Sillevis","doi":"10.1016/j.ctim.2025.103316","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ctim.2025.103316","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":10545,"journal":{"name":"Complementary therapies in medicine","volume":"96 ","pages":"Article 103316"},"PeriodicalIF":3.5,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145854699","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Physical fitness and executive functions in early childhood: A systematic review of recent evidence","authors":"Nemanja Lakicevic ,&nbsp;Marko Manojlovic ,&nbsp;Elena Chichinina ,&nbsp;Apollinaria Chursina ,&nbsp;Kristina Tarasova ,&nbsp;Ewan Thomas ,&nbsp;Yuming Zhong ,&nbsp;Antonino Bianco ,&nbsp;Patrik Drid","doi":"10.1016/j.ctim.2026.103321","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ctim.2026.103321","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Optimizing physical fitness (PF) and developing executive functions (EFs) is of great importance in preschool children. The link between PF, obtained through repetitive physical activity, and EFs is gaining increasing attention in recent years and we sought to systematically search the literature on the relationship between PF and EFs in preschool children published in the last five years.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Web of Science, Scopus, and PubMed were databases searched for the relevant literature. Original studies written in English and published in peer-reviewed journals including healthy children aged 3–6 years who were simultaneously tested for PF and EFs were considered eligible. To ensure transparent and accurate reporting we followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Investigation was prospectively registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) database (CRD420251072802).</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>A total of 20 studies (n = 3117, age=4.9 ± 2.5 years) were included in the final analysis. Aerobic fitness was consistently associated with better EF outcomes. Body composition, muscle strength, and flexibility were not associated with aspects of EF. Agility, speed, and power were positively associated with the parameters of working memory. The dynamic component of balance was correlated with enhanced inhibitory control. The link between agility, speed, power, and the static component of balance with inhibitory control was quite inconsistent. Similarly, conflicting evidence was observed regarding the association between dynamic and static balance with working memory aspects.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Aerobic fitness appears to play a significant role in enhancing EF development while the relationship between other components of PF and EFs seems less clear. Kindergartens are uniquely positioned to nurture children, making them ideal for promoting the development PF and EF through intentional, play-based, and developmentally aligned experiences.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":10545,"journal":{"name":"Complementary therapies in medicine","volume":"96 ","pages":"Article 103321"},"PeriodicalIF":3.5,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145973023","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Comparative efficacy of different mind-body exercise modalities in low back pain: Systematic review and network meta‑analysis","authors":"Qingsong Tian,&nbsp;Dijun Li,&nbsp;Huihui Xiong,&nbsp;Tianbo Zhu,&nbsp;Xinzhi Li,&nbsp;Wei Huang","doi":"10.1016/j.ctim.2025.103309","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ctim.2025.103309","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><div>To assess and compare the effectiveness of commonly used mind-body exercise modalities for the treatment of low back pain (LBP), and to provide evidence to inform clinical decision-making and policy development.</div></div><div><h3>Design</h3><div>Systematic review and network meta-analysis.</div></div><div><h3>Literature Searchs</h3><div>PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science were searched from inception to May 2025.</div></div><div><h3>Study Selection Criteria</h3><div>Randomised controlled trials comparing mind-body exercise interventions with each other or with control groups in patients with clinically diagnosed low back pain. Studies involving postsurgical patients were excluded.</div></div><div><h3>Data Synthesis</h3><div>Two reviewers independently screened studies, extracted data, and assessed the risk of bias using the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2 tool (RoB2). Certainty of evidence was rated using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) framework. A frequentist network meta-analysis was conducted using standardised mean differences (SMD) for pain outcomes.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Thirty-two randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving 2480 participants were included. Pilates was associated with the greatest reduction in pain compared with usual care (SMD –1.56; 95 % CI –2.10 to –1.02; moderate certainty evidence), followed by taiji and qigong. The pain reduction associated with Pilates exceeded the prespecified minimal clinically important difference. Yoga did not significantly differ from control in follow-up. Surface Under the Cumulative Ranking curve (SUCRA) supported the superiority of Pilates.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Mind-body exercises—particularly Pilates—are effective non-pharmacological options for managing low back pain. Pilates may offer the most meaningful short-term pain relief. These findings support the integration of structured mind-body programmes into standard LBP care pathways and highlight the need for further direct comparisons between modalities.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":10545,"journal":{"name":"Complementary therapies in medicine","volume":"96 ","pages":"Article 103309"},"PeriodicalIF":3.5,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145562920","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Yoga-Nidra as a complementary therapy for reducing psychological distress and enhancing quality of life in cancer patients: A randomized controlled trial","authors":"Mili Baruah ,&nbsp;CU Poovamma ,&nbsp;Prasad Narayanan ,&nbsp;P. Harish ,&nbsp;Rithika Keshav ,&nbsp;Natesh Babu ,&nbsp;Mangesh Pandey","doi":"10.1016/j.ctim.2025.103313","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ctim.2025.103313","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Purpose</h3><div>Intensive cancer treatments, including surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation, are physically and emotionally taxing, often causing psychological distress and reduced quality of life. Complementary therapies are increasingly explored to mitigate these effects. Yoga-Nidra, a non-invasive, low-cost, low-effort relaxation technique, may benefit patients with limited mobility during treatment. This study examines its impact on psychological distress and quality of life in cancer patients.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>This randomized controlled trial included 40 cancer patients (ages 25–55) undergoing chemotherapy, radiation, hormone, or immunotherapy. After informed consent, participants were randomly assigned to the Yoga-Nidra (n = 20) or control group (n = 20). The intervention involved 25-minute sessions, twice daily, five days a week for one month. Psychological distress and quality of life, including functioning, symptoms, and global health were assessed pre- and post-intervention using the NCCN Distress Thermometer and EORTC QLQ-C30.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Yoga-Nidra demonstrated significant improvements over the control group across multiple quality-of-life domains, including psychological distress (<em>p</em> = .001), global health (<em>p</em> = .010), emotional-functioning (<em>p</em> = .028), social-functioning (<em>p</em> &lt; .001), and symptoms of fatigue (<em>p</em> = .003), pain (<em>p</em> = .002), dys<em>p</em>nea (<em>p</em> &lt; .001), and diarrhea (<em>p</em> = .015). Post-hoc analyses confirmed greater benefits for distress (<em>p</em> = .005), emotional-functioning (<em>p</em> = .004), and dyspnea (<em>p</em> = .008).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Yoga-Nidra reduces psychological distress and improves quality of life in cancer patients. As an accessible complementary therapy, it supports emotional well-being and symptom management during intensive treatments. Further research is needed to assess its effects on less responsive domains, related symptoms, long-term efficacy, and applicability across diverse patient populations.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":10545,"journal":{"name":"Complementary therapies in medicine","volume":"96 ","pages":"Article 103313"},"PeriodicalIF":3.5,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145681900","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"What are the effects of connective tissue massage vs. myofascial release on fibromyalgia pain? Systematic review with meta-analysis","authors":"Francisco C. Ide ,&nbsp;Anderson D’Oliveira ,&nbsp;Ericles de P. Vieira ,&nbsp;Tamiris B. Martins ,&nbsp;Alexandro Andrade ,&nbsp;Iramar B. do Nascimento","doi":"10.1016/j.ctim.2025.103305","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ctim.2025.103305","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><div>to verify the impact of the use of connective tissue massage (CTM) technique <em>versus</em> myofascial release (MFR) performed manually by the therapist and foam roller self-myofascial release (FRSMR) performed by the patient on fibromyalgia pain-related outcomes.</div></div><div><h3>Method</h3><div>this is a systematic review and meta-analysis, performed in <em>the</em> PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, SciELO, LILACS, and Embase databases. The PRISMA 2020 guidelines were followed, and the risk of bias was assessed using the National Institutes of Health tool, with agreement measured by Cohen’s Kappa. Results: 10 studies were included in the qualitative synthesis and meta-analysis. Dysfunctions of the muscle fascia contribute to the pathogenesis of fibromyalgia and can directly influence pain and central sensitization. In the meta-analysis, under the random-effects model, MFR significantly reduced pain (SMD = –1.16, p = 0.0003), whereas CTM did not reach significance (p = 0.29). By contrast, the fixed-effect model underestimated the results due to heterogeneity.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>MFR has is more effective prognosis in pain reduction compared to CTM. However, the efficacy of MFR depends on the demographic and adaptive factors of the individuals and, especially, on the methodological definition of the intensity and time for which the MFR technique should be applied. In populations of different age groups, FRSMR techniques are recommended to be adapted. The personalized and specific approach of MFR suggests that it could be a promising strategy in the management of fibromyalgia, with the possibility of more robust and sustainable outcomes.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":10545,"journal":{"name":"Complementary therapies in medicine","volume":"96 ","pages":"Article 103305"},"PeriodicalIF":3.5,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145480934","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Impact of a yoga intervention over 6, 12, and 24 months in sedentary climacteric women with metabolic syndrome","authors":"Laura Alves Cota e Souza ,&nbsp;Renata Guerra-Sá ,&nbsp;Angélica Alves Lima","doi":"10.1016/j.ctim.2025.103308","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ctim.2025.103308","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Metabolic syndrome (MetS) and climacteric symptoms often coexist in middle-aged women, increasing cardiovascular risk and reducing quality of life. Yoga shows promise for improving both metabolic and psychological outcomes, but its long-term effects in this population remain understudied. Therefore, this study evaluated the effects of a structured Shivam Yoga training program over 6, 12, and 24 months on metabolic syndrome (MetS) and menopausal symptoms in climacteric women. A total of 102 women with MetS were assigned to a yoga intervention or control group, with assessments at baseline, 6, 12, and 24 months. Primary outcomes included climacteric symptoms, anthropometric data, and biochemical and clinical parameters. The Yoga group showed a significant reduction in MetS frequency at 6 months (−20.8 %; p = 0.028) and 24 months (−46.0 %; p = 0.007) compared to controls. Fasting glucose decreased significantly at all time points (up to −21.54 mg/dL; p = 0.001), and HDL cholesterol increased at 24 months (+20 mg/dL; p = 0.001). At 24 months, waist circumference, systolic blood pressure, and diastolic blood pressure also declined significantly. Climacteric symptoms improved consistently in the Yoga group, with lower Kupperman Index scores and reductions in nervousness at every follow-up (p &lt; 0.05). Additional improvements included insomnia, depressive symptoms, and palpitations at 6 months, with sustained reductions in palpitations (-32.2 %; p = 0.043) and arthralgia/myalgia (-46.0 %; p = 0.007) at 24 months. These findings suggest that Shivam Yoga may offer sustained benefits for both metabolic health and menopausal symptom relief in women with MetS.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":10545,"journal":{"name":"Complementary therapies in medicine","volume":"96 ","pages":"Article 103308"},"PeriodicalIF":3.5,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145546449","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Dance therapy in fibromyalgia: A narrative review","authors":"Camila Andrea Sánchez Salazar ,&nbsp;Stephanie Smith Velasco","doi":"10.1016/j.ctim.2025.103306","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ctim.2025.103306","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Importance</h3><div>Fibromyalgia (FM) is a significant public health issue, particularly prevalent among women aged 20–55, with prevalence rates ranging from 2 % to 8 %. It is characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain and is associated with various comorbidities, making it a complex and costly condition to treat. Non-pharmacological interventions, such as dance therapy, emerge as promising alternatives to address both the physical symptoms and psychosocial aspects of FM.</div></div><div><h3>Observations</h3><div>Literature review indicates that dance therapy offers multiple benefits, including improvements in mobility, quality of life, and emotional well-being for FM patients. This form of therapy has been shown to help reduce pain and enhance coping through self-expression and social connection. However, limitations in the research persist, such as a lack of standardization in intervention methods and a scarcity of studies evaluating the safety of these practices.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions and relevance</h3><div>Dance-based interventions may represent an effective therapeutic tool for managing fibromyalgia, promoting both physical health and emotional well-being. As the evidence base grows, it is crucial to continue investigating different modalities of dance therapy to determine their specific benefits and standardize interventions. This could not only improve the quality of life for FM patients but also contribute to a more holistic and effective approach in treating this complex condition.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":10545,"journal":{"name":"Complementary therapies in medicine","volume":"96 ","pages":"Article 103306"},"PeriodicalIF":3.5,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145573282","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Barriers and facilitators to implementing exercise therapy for nonspecific low back pain in China: A qualitative study using the consolidated framework for implementation research (CFIR)","authors":"Maoqing Fu ,&nbsp;Yifeng Zhang ,&nbsp;Xiansheng Zhao ,&nbsp;Shuai Wang ,&nbsp;Zhongyang Xu ,&nbsp;Kang Li ,&nbsp;Chaoliang Lv","doi":"10.1016/j.ctim.2026.103318","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ctim.2026.103318","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Chronic nonspecific low back pain (NSLBP) imposes a substantial burden on individuals and healthcare systems globally. Although exercise therapy is a recommended first-line intervention, its implementation faces significant challenges. This study employed the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) to systematically identify multi-level factors influencing the implementation of exercise interventions for NSLBP patients within the Chinese healthcare context.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A qualitative study design was utilized. Participants (n = 25) included spine surgeons, rehabilitation physicians, and patients with chronic NSLBP recruited from multiple hospitals in Jining, Shandong Province. A semi-structured interview guide, developed based on the CFIR framework, was used for data collection via face-to-face or telephone interviews. The CFIR comprises five overarching domains; however, the 'Process' domain was excluded from this study as it focused on pre-implementation factors. Data were analyzed using directed content analysis.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The study identified 37 factors influencing implementation, mapped onto four CFIR domains. From the physician perspective (n = 18), 14 facilitators and 15 barriers were identified. Patient perspectives (n = 7) revealed 4 facilitators and 4 barriers across the same domains. Physicians acknowledged the cost-effectiveness and benefits of exercise therapy but highlighted challenges including the need for professional patient evaluation, lack of standardized protocols, insufficient insurance coverage, and limited surgeon engagement. Primary healthcare institutions expressed willingness to promote exercise therapy. Rehabilitation departments possessed advantages in facilities and expertise, while spine surgery departments faced shortages in resources, personnel, and training. At the individual level, perceptions, habits, and knowledge gaps among both physicians and patients significantly impacted implementation.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>This CFIR-guided qualitative study elucidated salient barriers and facilitators influencing exercise therapy implementation for NSLBP in China. Consequently, healthcare policymakers and managers should prioritize revising relevant policies to mitigate identified barriers and amplify facilitators. Enhanced implementation is expected to improve quality of life for chronic back pain patients and lessen the societal burden.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":10545,"journal":{"name":"Complementary therapies in medicine","volume":"96 ","pages":"Article 103318"},"PeriodicalIF":3.5,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145951452","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Effects of laser acupuncture on pain and motor function in musculoskeletal disorders: A systematic review and meta-analysis","authors":"Renming Liu ,&nbsp;Aung Aung Kywe Moe ,&nbsp;Zhen Zheng ,&nbsp;Hamed Alanazi ,&nbsp;Maryam Zoghi ,&nbsp;Shapour Jaberzadeh","doi":"10.1016/j.ctim.2026.103323","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ctim.2026.103323","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Evidence suggests laser acupuncture (LA) may relieve pain and improve motor function in musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), but the relationship between these outcomes is unclear.</div></div><div><h3>Objectives</h3><div>To (1) evaluate the effects of LA on pain and motor function outcomes in MSDs; (2) examine associations between pain modulation and motor function; and (3) explore the impact of treatment characteristics.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Ten databases were searched. Pooled effects were evaluated using Hedge’s g (<em>g</em>) through random-effects meta-analysis models, with subgroup analyses exploring heterogeneity (<em>I</em>^<em>2</em>). Meta-regression was conducted to examine the influence of treatment characteristics and associations between pain and motor outcomes. GRADE approach assessed the certainty of evidence.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Nineteen studies with 1816 participants were included. LA significantly reduced pain intensity (<em>g</em> = 0.59, <em>I</em>^<em>2</em> = 68 %, GRADE = low), improved physical function (<em>g</em> = 0.50, <em>I</em>^<em>2</em> = 67 %, GRADE = low), joint stiffness (<em>g</em> = −0.55, <em>I</em>^<em>2</em> = 31 %, GRADE = moderate) and increased range of motion (<em>g</em> = 0.76, <em>I</em>^<em>2</em> = 0 %, GRADE = moderate) but not walking speed (<em>g</em> = 0.38, <em>I</em>^<em>2</em> = 65 %, GRADE = low). Meta-regression showed that LA wavelength was significantly associated with pain relief (<em>β</em> = −3.77) and stiffness improvement (<em>β</em> = −3.07). However, pain relief was not associated with improvements in motor function.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>LA offers a non-invasive and effective approach for pain management and motor function performance, with wavelength as a key moderator. Functional benefits appear independent of analgesia, suggesting a feasible alternative for patients unable to tolerate exercise-based rehabilitation.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":10545,"journal":{"name":"Complementary therapies in medicine","volume":"96 ","pages":"Article 103323"},"PeriodicalIF":3.5,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145994072","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}