European Journal of Integrative Medicine最新文献

{"title":"A systematic review evaluating the quality of Ayurveda smartphone applications (Android)","authors":"Pooja Rani ,&nbsp;Neha Chauhan ,&nbsp;Sumit Kalra ,&nbsp;Ashutosh Ravi Gupta ,&nbsp;Sachin Singh ,&nbsp;Richard David ,&nbsp;Neetha RB ,&nbsp;Anandaraman PV","doi":"10.1016/j.eujim.2025.102606","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.eujim.2025.102606","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>The convergence of traditional, complementary, and integrative medicine (TCIM) with contemporary digital health technologies presents a significant opportunity to expand the reach of affordable, evidence-based care. Ayurveda, a key discipline within TCIM, emphasises preventive strategies and lifestyle modifications for long-term health. However, the quality and relevance of mobile applications claiming to offer ayurvedic content remain largely unexamined, raising concerns regarding their efficacy and alignment with user needs.</div></div><div><h3>Objective</h3><div>This study aimed to systematically evaluate the content and quality of ayurveda-related mobile applications available on the Google Play Store (GPS). The present study also explored associations between app content, user ratings, with standardised quality scores to bring forth future directions.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A structured search was conducted in April 2024 using the most representative Ayurveda application-based keywords “Ayurveda,” “Ayurved,” and “AYUSH.” Eligible apps were screened to include those that were freely downloaded, non-duplicate, fully functional, and available in Hindi or English. Two trained reviewers independently evaluated apps using the validated Mobile Application Rating Scale (MARS). Correlation analyses were performed to examine the relationships between MARS scores, user ratings, and download counts.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>A total of 317 apps were retrieved from the GPS. After screening for duplicates and applying eligibility criteria, 145 applications were evaluated. Most of the apps belonged to the categories of e-books, e-magazines, herbal product shopping apps, coaching apps, home remedies and teleconsultation. The mean overall MARS score was 2.82 ± 0.69, while the app-specific value was 1.60 ± 0.63. Five apps scored &gt;4.0. Functionality achieved the highest rating (3.90 ± 0.57), followed by engagement (2.68 ± 0.75), aesthetics (2.60 ± 1.08), information (2.09 ± 0.54), and subjective quality (1.92 ± 0.62). Inter-rater reliability was high with Cronbach’s alpha at 0.935(95% C.I.). No significant correlation was observed between MARS scores, user ratings, and downloads (p &gt; 0.05).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>The current landscape of ayurveda mobile applications lacks adherence to evidence-based content and usability, highlighting the need for collaborative, regulated development.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11932,"journal":{"name":"European Journal of Integrative Medicine","volume":"82 ","pages":"Article 102606"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-01-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146024082","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Effects of yoga on sleep quality, fatigue and physical activity levels in patients with multiple sclerosis: A randomized controlled trial","authors":"Dilara Özturk ,&nbsp;Gülcan Bahcecioglu Turan","doi":"10.1016/j.eujim.2025.102607","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.eujim.2025.102607","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>Yoga may support symptom management in individuals with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) by improving sleep, reducing fatigue, and promoting physical activity. This study examined the effects of a six-week yoga program on sleep quality, fatigue, and physical activity levels in patients with MS.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>This randomized controlled trial included 60 patients with MS (30 intervention, 30 control). The intervention group completed 12 yoga sessions over six weeks, while the control group received no intervention. Sleep quality, fatigue, and physical activity were assessed using the Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI), Fatigue severity scale (FSS), and international physical activity questionnaire–short form (IPAQ-SF).</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Compared with the control group, the intervention group showed substantial improvements in sleep quality (mean difference −6.14, 95% CI −7.79 to −4.49). Fatigue severity was lower in the yoga group after the intervention (mean difference −1.48, 95% CI −2.44 to −0.52). Physical activity levels increased markedly in the intervention group (mean difference +1857.92 met-min/week, 95% CI 1355.7 to 2360.1). No adverse effects related to the yoga intervention were reported.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>A six-week yoga program improved sleep quality, reduced fatigue, and significantly increased physical activity levels in individuals with MS. Yoga may be considered a beneficial complementary approach in the care and symptom management of patients with MS.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11932,"journal":{"name":"European Journal of Integrative Medicine","volume":"82 ","pages":"Article 102607"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-01-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145908827","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Antenatal yoga in Bangladesh: Pregnant women’s knowledge, attitudes, practices, and barriers to practice","authors":"Farhana Sultana Karim ,&nbsp;Satyapriya Maharana ,&nbsp;Sayeba Akhter ,&nbsp;Shahin Rahman Chowdhury ,&nbsp;Mangesh Pandey ,&nbsp;Rithika Keshav","doi":"10.1016/j.eujim.2025.102602","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.eujim.2025.102602","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>Antenatal yoga (AY) promotes physical and mental well-being during pregnancy, yet evidence on AY knowledge, attitudes, practices, and barriers in Bangladesh is limited. Understanding these factors is essential for improving AY uptake in low-resource settings. This study investigated the knowledge, attitudes, practices, and barriers related to AY among pregnant women in Bangladesh and examined the influence of socio-demographic factors.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 502 pregnant women across Bangladesh using a standardized semi-structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics, Chi-square tests, and multivariate logistic regression were performed. A multiple linear regression analysis was also conducted to identify predictors of overall AY knowledge.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Awareness of AY was low (32.5 %), attitudes were moderately positive (32.9 %), and actual practice was very limited (4.6 %). The internet was the primary information source (32.7 %), and lack of information was the most commonly reported barrier (78.4 %). Education was strongly associated with adequate knowledge (OR = 2.10, 95 % CI [1.45, 3.05], <em>p</em> &lt; .001), and women who believed that AY reduces gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) had higher knowledge (OR = 3.84, 95 % CI [2.60, 5.65], <em>p</em> &lt; .001). Multiple linear regression showed that education, belief in AY’s metabolic benefits, type of family, lack of information, and lack of time significantly predicted AY knowledge (<em>p</em> &lt; .001).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>AY knowledge and practice remain low among pregnant Bangladeshi women despite positive attitudes. Convenience sampling and self-reported data limit generalizability. Limited information, lack of guidance, and minimal access to trained instructors restrict AY uptake. Strengthening AY education, integrating guidance into antenatal care, and providing culturally appropriate online and offline resources may enhance adoption and improve maternal health outcomes.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11932,"journal":{"name":"European Journal of Integrative Medicine","volume":"81 ","pages":"Article 102602"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145920935","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Unveiling the medicinal potential of Helianthus tuberosus: A comprehensive bibliometric study","authors":"Ramazon Safarzoda Sharoffidin ,&nbsp;Jabor Yusufi Salomiddin ,&nbsp;Shahriyor Bakhtiyor Sharifzoda ,&nbsp;Khushronsho Abdukarimzoda ,&nbsp;Afshin Zare ,&nbsp;Nadiar M. Mussin ,&nbsp;Kulyash R. Zhilisbayeva ,&nbsp;Nader Tanideh ,&nbsp;Amin Tamadon","doi":"10.1016/j.eujim.2025.102608","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.eujim.2025.102608","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div><em>Helianthus tuberosus</em>, commonly known as Jerusalem artichoke, has been recognized for its diverse medicinal applications attributed to its rich composition of bioactive compounds. Despite the growing body of research, a comprehensive understanding of the publication landscape concerning its medicinal potential remains limited. This study aims to perform a detailed bibliometric analysis of the literature pertaining to the medicinal applications of <em>H. tuberosus</em>, elucidating publication characteristics, journal dissemination patterns, author and institutional productivity, country-specific research contributions, and prevalent thematic focuses.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A systematic search was conducted from January 1979 to February 2025 using the Web of Science and Scopus databases. The search strategy involved querying article titles, abstracts, and keywords with relevant terms related to <em>H. tuberosus</em> and its medicinal applications. No restrictions were placed on publication year, but only English-language articles were included. After removing duplicates and normalizing metadata, a refined dataset of 129 unique documents were analyzed. Bibliometric analysis was performed using the 'bibliometrix' package within the RStudio environment.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The analysis encompassed 129 research articles, featuring 568 authors from 40 countries, covering a 45-year period. The annual progression of literature showed variability over time, with author activity peaking in 2021 and 2022, each year producing 18 and 16 publications, respectively. The top ten journals contributed to 25 publications, accounting for 16.4% of the total output, with \"Veterinary World\" leading at four publications. Among the authors, Bochnia M, Glatter M, Greef J, Grela E, Ilgaza A, Jogloy S, and Zeyner A were prominent, each contributing five articles. Chulalongkorn University in Thailand was the most prolific institution, contributing 16 studies. Thailand led in publication count with 44 articles and the most cited country was Turkey with 449 citations. Keyword analysis revealed \"Jerusalem artichoke,\" \"inulin,\" and \"<em>Helianthus tuberosus</em>\" as the most frequently occurring terms.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>This bibliometric analysis provides a comprehensive overview of the research landscape concerning the medicinal potential of <em>H. tuberosus</em>. The findings highlight key contributors, prevalent research themes, and collaborative networks, offering valuable insights for future research directions and potential therapeutic applications of this versatile plant.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11932,"journal":{"name":"European Journal of Integrative Medicine","volume":"82 ","pages":"Article 102608"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145975267","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Rethinking “Evidence” in Traditional Medicine “Integration”","authors":"Amandine Nachtergael ,&nbsp;Katrin Solhdju","doi":"10.1016/j.eujim.2025.102603","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.eujim.2025.102603","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This paper explores the concept of integration of traditional medicine through a multidisciplinary approach that combines medical humanities and pharmaceutical sciences. While it aligns with the World Health Organization’s (WHO) objective of fostering a harmonious and functional coexistence between conventional medicine and other therapeutic practices to ensure optimal patient care, this paper critically examines the underlying rationale of the WHO’s strategy for achieving this integration. This logic is best illustrated by two of the central concepts that structure the WHO’s discourse on T&amp;CM<span><span>¹</span></span>: Integration and Evidence-Based. Both inform research-funding decisions, most notably in the cooperation for development sector, and have a decisive influence on public health policies. In most parts of the world, the necessity for an evidence-based integration of T&amp;CM functions like a mantra, rarely questioned by researchers within the medical or the social sciences, or by governmental and non-governmental actors. Consequently, the present paper problematizes the “evidence-based integration” of “traditional” medicines by challenging some of the key assumptions underpinning these concepts. In doing so, it aims to identify and highlight several elements that may serve as guides on the way to ethically and epistemologically more sound frameworks for the co-existence of modern and traditional medicines.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11932,"journal":{"name":"European Journal of Integrative Medicine","volume":"81 ","pages":"Article 102603"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145920940","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Non-pharmacological interventions for reducing pain and anxiety in women experiencing infertility undergoing hysterosalpingography: A systematic review without meta-analysis","authors":"Shu-Hsien Fang ,&nbsp;Ping-Shaou Yu ,&nbsp;Bih-O Lee ,&nbsp;Chien-Jen Chen","doi":"10.1016/j.eujim.2025.102609","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.eujim.2025.102609","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>Hysterosalpingography (HSG) is a common diagnostic procedure for infertility but often causes pain and anxiety. Non-pharmacological interventions offer potential alternatives to pharmacological pain management.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A systematic review followed PRISMA 2020 guidelines where a search strategy was applied to extract articles from included databases: PubMed, CINAHL Plus with Full Text, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, DynaMed, Clinical Key, MEDLINE, and Airiti Library, published before December 2024. The Cochrane RoB (Risk of Bias) 2.0 tool was used to assess the risk of bias, and the GRADE (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation) criteria were applied to evaluate study evidence.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Eight randomized controlled trials (RCTs) met the inclusion criteria, covering educational counseling, virtual reality (VR), music therapy, mobile-assisted education (MAEC), and acupoint warming therapy. Educational counseling improved patient preparedness and reduced pain, technology-assisted interventions diverted attention, and acupoint warming therapy with music provided dual physiological and psychological benefits. It was also observed that anxiety was reduced in three related articles although study quality varied, with some limitations in blinding and sample size.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Non-pharmacological interventions reduced pain (low certainty) and anxiety (very low certainty) during hysterosalpingography. Concerns remain about the methodological quality, small sample sizes, heterogeneity in the interventions, and for anxiety outcomes, inconsistent effects. Further high-quality studies are needed to determine the optimal application, refine implementation, and support evidence-based application.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11932,"journal":{"name":"European Journal of Integrative Medicine","volume":"82 ","pages":"Article 102609"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145924203","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The efficacy of hypnosis in chronic low back pain: Protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials","authors":"Debasis Behera ,&nbsp;Prem Venkatesan ,&nbsp;Mark P Jensen ,&nbsp;Dharmanand Balebail Gopalakrishna ,&nbsp;Abhishek Patil ,&nbsp;Vani Lakshmi R","doi":"10.1016/j.eujim.2025.102605","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.eujim.2025.102605","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>Chronic low back pain (CLBP) is among the most prevalent musculoskeletal disorders that significantly affects the quality of life of those with this condition. Clinical hypnosis is a psychological intervention that can be used to reduce the intensity and impact of chronic pain. Systematic reviews and meta-analyses have concluded that clinical hypnosis is effective for general chronic pain conditions; however, meta-analytic research on its impact specifically on CLBP remains scarce. This study protocol describes a systematic review and meta-analysis aimed at evaluating the efficacy of hypnosis in reducing pain and associated symptoms in individuals with CLBP, as investigated in randomized controlled trials (RCTs).</div></div><div><h3>Methodology</h3><div>The review will be conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis guidelines. A comprehensive search of eight electronic databases (Scopus, PubMed, CINAHL, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, EMBASE, PEDro, ScieELO, and LILACS) will be conducted to retrieve relevant studies published up to the date that we conduct the primary analyses, and then repeated just before we submit the article (with any additional articles identified incorporated into the review). Studies with RCTs, involving adults with CLBP (≥3 months), where hypnosis intervention was used as monotherapy or an adjunct therapy, will be eligible for inclusion. The primary outcome will be pain intensity, while secondary outcomes will include disability, sleep disturbances, and adverse events. Selection of studies, extraction of relevant data, and assessing risk of bias using Cochrane risk of bias tool-2 will be performed by two independent reviewers. Any discrepancies will be addressed through mutual discussion or by consulting a third independent reviewer if required. Meta-analysis will be performed using standardized mean differences for pain and secondary outcomes. Heterogeneity will be assessed and subgroup analyses are planned.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>The review will provide an extensive overview of the available evidence on the efficacy of hypnosis on individuals with CLBP and identify knowledge. The results are intended to support the development of clinical recommendations and assist healthcare providers who are considering incorporating clinical hypnosis into interdisciplinary pain management strategies.</div></div><div><h3>Trial Registration</h3><div>PROSPERO 2025 CRD420251016398 on 29th March 2025.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11932,"journal":{"name":"European Journal of Integrative Medicine","volume":"82 ","pages":"Article 102605"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145924211","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Implementation of cognitive health interventions for schizophrenia: A survey of mental health clinicians’ perceived challenges and enablers","authors":"Tina Stone ,&nbsp;Alison Short ,&nbsp;Caroline Smith","doi":"10.1016/j.eujim.2025.102604","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.eujim.2025.102604","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>Cognitive impairment associated with schizophrenia is persistent and can lead to functional disability and a reduced quality of life. Although cognitive remediation is recommended in clinical guidelines, access in Australia remains inconsistent, and implementation and participation barriers limit its effectiveness. Cognitively stimulating activities, particularly music therapy, could offer an alternative approach, although limited research has examined its feasibility within Australian mental health services. This exploratory mixed-methods survey aimed to understand mental health clinicians’ perspectives on: (1) the cognitive health interventions available within their services, (2) the challenges and facilitators involved in implementing these interventions, and (3) the potential for using music therapy as a cognitively stimulating activity for adults with schizophrenia.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A mixed methods purpose-designed online survey was conducted across six months with qualified mental health clinicians in Australia. Snowball sampling was utilised for recruitment. Quantitative data were analysed with descriptive statistics, and qualitative responses underwent a five-stage reflexive thematic analysis. Both types of data were analysed simultaneously using an integrated approach.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>A total of 37 clinicians completed the survey. More than half of respondents (56.7 %) reported that cognitive remediation programs were available at their mental health service, while 89.3 % noted the availability of cognitively stimulating activities. The main implementation challenges reported were discharge timing, lack of training, staffing issues, insufficient resources, and difficulties engaging consumers. Enablers included applying evidence-based practice, personalising interventions, and prioritising recovery goals. Participants viewed music therapy as helpful for improving attention, memory, and communication.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>The findings of this study show that clinicians value cognitive health interventions for schizophrenia but face significant implementation challenges, particularly a lack of training, insufficient resources, and staffing constraints. Music therapy is seen as a promising cognitively stimulating activity that may help overcome accessibility, engagement, and resource barriers. Further research is necessary to assess the feasibility of using music therapy to support adults with schizophrenia in improving their cognitive skills.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11932,"journal":{"name":"European Journal of Integrative Medicine","volume":"82 ","pages":"Article 102604"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-12-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145924204","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Impact of acupuncture therapy on pregnancy outcome of patients with the first frozen-thawed embryo transfer: A retrospective cohort study","authors":"Shu-Yuan Chen ,&nbsp;Yu-Quan Mao ,&nbsp;Yang-Ying Xu ,&nbsp;Duan Li ,&nbsp;Shan-Shan Li ,&nbsp;Miao Huang ,&nbsp;Yu-Jie Li ,&nbsp;Xue-Yu Wang ,&nbsp;Yu-Peng Jia ,&nbsp;Xiao-Wen Liu ,&nbsp;Cui-Fang Hao ,&nbsp;Xin Du","doi":"10.1016/j.eujim.2025.102601","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.eujim.2025.102601","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>Acupuncture therapy has been widely used as a complementary and alternative treatment for frozen-thawed embryo transfer (FET) procedures in clinical practice worldwide. Herein, we aimed to evaluate the impact of acupuncture therapy on the pregnancy outcomes in patients undergoing their first FET and to identify the population most responsive to acupuncture.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>This retrospective cohort analysis included clinical data from 2830 patients who underwent their first cycle of FET at the Reproductive Medicine Center of Women and Children's Hospital, affiliated with Qingdao University, from March 2021 to March 2024. Patients were divided into a control group undergoing routine FET without acupuncture (<em>n</em> = 1085) and an acupuncture group receiving routine FET plus acupuncture performed before and after the transfer day (<em>n</em> = 1745). Generalized linear and binary logistic regression models were used to analyze and adjust for potential confounding factors to evaluate the effect of acupuncture on pregnancy outcomes between the two groups.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The clinical pregnancy rate and implantation rate in the acupuncture group were higher than those in the control group (54.56 % vs. 48.85 %; adjusted odds ratios [aOR]=1.184, 95 % confidence interval [CI] = 1.011–1.387; <em>p</em> = 0.036; and 43.59 % vs. 39.17 %; aOR=0.034, 95 %CI=1.011–1.387; <em>p</em> = 0.045). There was no significant difference in the biochemical pregnancy rate, miscarriage rate, or live birth rate between the two groups (all <em>p</em> &gt; 0.05). Stratified analysis showed that acupuncture increased the likelihood of clinical pregnancy (aOR=1.225, 95 %CI=1.001–1.499; <em>p</em> = 0.048) in women &lt;35 years, but had no effect in women ≥35 years. Acupuncture was associated with a higher implantation rate (aOR=1.053, 95 %CI=1.013–1.095; <em>p</em> = 0.009), clinical pregnancy (aOR=1.256, 95 %CI=1.054–1.496; <em>p</em> = 0.011), and biochemical pregnancy (aOR=1.229, 95 %CI=1.025–1.473; <em>p</em> = 0.026) in women with normal ovarian reserve function, but showed no significant effect in those with decreased ovarian reserve function.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Acupuncture therapy can improve the implantation rate and clinical pregnancy rate in the first cycle of FET, and appears more beneficial in women &lt;35 years and those with normal ovarian reserve function, without associated adverse effects, indicating high safety. Nonetheless, more high-quality multicenter prospective randomized controlled trials are needed to further confirm these findings.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11932,"journal":{"name":"European Journal of Integrative Medicine","volume":"81 ","pages":"Article 102601"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-12-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145836856","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Evaluating the feasibility of using the TREATS tool in determining the quality of randomised trials of clinical aromatherapy","authors":"Wendy Maddocks ,&nbsp;Teresa Barron ,&nbsp;Yasmine EIGhamrawy ,&nbsp;Ying Liu","doi":"10.1016/j.eujim.2025.102600","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.eujim.2025.102600","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>The TREATS™ protocol was developed in 2023 to improve the quality of reporting of clinical aromatherapy studies. Whilst there has been an increase in the number of studies in the last twenty years, these are often poorly conducted and reported on. The TREATS™ contains 38 points giving an overall rating of the research as either poor, fair or good. The protocol has not been widely tested outside of its development.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>This project tested the feasibility of using of the tool on forty-three randomised controlled trials involving clinical aromatherapy published between 2024–2025. The tool was used to score each of the studies to provide a perspective of the quality of current clinical aromatherapy research.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The project found that whilst the tool was easy to use once adapted for multiple studies, and provided a good starting point to evaluate quality, there are recommendations to enhance future iterations of the tool. The overall quality of published studies remains poor to fair according to the tool, with many areas for improvement required.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>The TREATS™ is effective as an initial screening tool to evaluate the quality of clinical aromatherapy research, however the quality of extant research remains poor to fair.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11932,"journal":{"name":"European Journal of Integrative Medicine","volume":"81 ","pages":"Article 102600"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-12-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145836765","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}