Pub Date : 2025-09-01Epub Date: 2025-06-17DOI: 10.1016/j.imr.2025.101181
Jeremy Y. Ng , Dimity Stephen , Jianping Liu , Thomas Ostermann , Nicola Robinson , Holger Cramer
This educational article explores the utility of bibliometrics and altmetrics in evaluating traditional, complementary, and integrative medicine (TCIM) research. We introduce the concept of bibliometrics and altmetrics, provide an overview of the opportunities and challenges in using these analytical techniques, and highlight their future potential in TCIM research. Bibliometrics, based on publication and citation information, offer insights into TCIM research activity, output, scholarly influence, field structure, and collaboration practices. Altmetrics, including social media mentions, downloads, and online bookmarks, can capture the broader societal engagement with TCIM research beyond traditional academic circles. We discuss challenges and opportunities in utilizing these metrics effectively, such as addressing biases, incorporating cultural nuances, and exploring emerging trends. Additionally, we issue a call to action for researchers, policymakers, and practitioners to collaborate and leverage bibliometric and altmetric data to advance evidence-based healthcare practices to promote integrative approaches to health and wellness. By embracing a multidimensional approach to research evaluation, stakeholders can harness the potential of bibliometrics and altmetrics to improve TCIM research and healthcare delivery worldwide.
{"title":"Bibliometrics and altmetrics in the context of traditional, complementary, and integrative medicine","authors":"Jeremy Y. Ng , Dimity Stephen , Jianping Liu , Thomas Ostermann , Nicola Robinson , Holger Cramer","doi":"10.1016/j.imr.2025.101181","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.imr.2025.101181","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This educational article explores the utility of bibliometrics and altmetrics in evaluating traditional, complementary, and integrative medicine (TCIM) research. We introduce the concept of bibliometrics and altmetrics, provide an overview of the opportunities and challenges in using these analytical techniques, and highlight their future potential in TCIM research. Bibliometrics, based on publication and citation information, offer insights into TCIM research activity, output, scholarly influence, field structure, and collaboration practices. Altmetrics, including social media mentions, downloads, and online bookmarks, can capture the broader societal engagement with TCIM research beyond traditional academic circles. We discuss challenges and opportunities in utilizing these metrics effectively, such as addressing biases, incorporating cultural nuances, and exploring emerging trends. Additionally, we issue a call to action for researchers, policymakers, and practitioners to collaborate and leverage bibliometric and altmetric data to advance evidence-based healthcare practices to promote integrative approaches to health and wellness. By embracing a multidimensional approach to research evaluation, stakeholders can harness the potential of bibliometrics and altmetrics to improve TCIM research and healthcare delivery worldwide.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":13644,"journal":{"name":"Integrative Medicine Research","volume":"14 3","pages":"Article 101181"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144653596","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}
Pub Date : 2025-09-01Epub Date: 2025-06-01DOI: 10.1016/j.imr.2025.101176
Jinxiang Wang , Bing Bai , Ranran Zhu , Xintong Yu , Xiaoting Xu , Xiaomin Tu , Lei Fang
Background
An increasing number of systematic reviews and meta-analyses (SR/MAs) suggests traditional Chinese medicine therapies are effective for insomnia. We aimed to synthesize and evaluate the methodological quality of these studies through an umbrella review with an evidence map for improving evidence quality.
Methods
We searched 10 databases from inception to March 20, 2025, that investigated the effects of TCM therapies on sleep-related subjective or objective outcomes for insomnia. We assessed the methodological quality of included SR/MAs using A Measurement Tool to Assess systematic Reviews (AMSTAR 2) tool, evaluated the certainty of evidence with the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) tool, and visually presented the results as an evidence map.
Results
Thirty-six SR/MAs included in this umbrella review described 3 TCM non-pharmacotherapies (i.e., acupuncture, Tuina massage, and Chinese exercises), and Chinese herbal medicine (CHM). The AMSTAR 2 results showed that 20 SR/MAs had high or moderate methodological quality, while the remaining studies were of low or critically low methodological quality. The evidence map showed high-quality SR/MAs supported the effect of acupuncture, Tuina massage, Chinese exercises, and CHM on overall sleep quality, while acupuncture, Tuina massage, and Chinese exercises could also improve anxiety and depression. Moreover, acupuncture and Tuina massage might improve objective outcomes such as polysomnography parameters and 5-hydroxytryptamine level.
Conclusions
Acupuncture, Tuina massage, and Chinese exercises are effective in improving overall sleep quality and emotional outcomes and have potential effects on objective sleep parameters. There is sufficient evidence that several CHM formulas could improve sleep quality. However, the methodological quality of SR/MAs needs further improvement.
{"title":"Traditional Chinese medicine therapies for insomnia: An umbrella review and evidence map","authors":"Jinxiang Wang , Bing Bai , Ranran Zhu , Xintong Yu , Xiaoting Xu , Xiaomin Tu , Lei Fang","doi":"10.1016/j.imr.2025.101176","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.imr.2025.101176","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>An increasing number of systematic reviews and meta-analyses (SR/MAs) suggests traditional Chinese medicine therapies are effective for insomnia. We aimed to synthesize and evaluate the methodological quality of these studies through an umbrella review with an evidence map for improving evidence quality.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>We searched 10 databases from inception to March 20, 2025, that investigated the effects of TCM therapies on sleep-related subjective or objective outcomes for insomnia. We assessed the methodological quality of included SR/MAs using A Measurement Tool to Assess systematic Reviews (AMSTAR 2) tool, evaluated the certainty of evidence with the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) tool, and visually presented the results as an evidence map.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Thirty-six SR/MAs included in this umbrella review described 3 TCM non-pharmacotherapies (i.e., acupuncture, Tuina massage, and Chinese exercises), and Chinese herbal medicine (CHM). The AMSTAR 2 results showed that 20 SR/MAs had high or moderate methodological quality, while the remaining studies were of low or critically low methodological quality. The evidence map showed high-quality SR/MAs supported the effect of acupuncture, Tuina massage, Chinese exercises, and CHM on overall sleep quality, while acupuncture, Tuina massage, and Chinese exercises could also improve anxiety and depression. Moreover, acupuncture and Tuina massage might improve objective outcomes such as polysomnography parameters and 5-hydroxytryptamine level.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Acupuncture, Tuina massage, and Chinese exercises are effective in improving overall sleep quality and emotional outcomes and have potential effects on objective sleep parameters. There is sufficient evidence that several CHM formulas could improve sleep quality. However, the methodological quality of SR/MAs needs further improvement.</div></div><div><h3>Protocol registration</h3><div>PROSPERO, CRD42022347769.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":13644,"journal":{"name":"Integrative Medicine Research","volume":"14 3","pages":"Article 101176"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144502292","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}
Pub Date : 2025-09-01Epub Date: 2025-07-31DOI: 10.1016/j.imr.2025.101211
Junhua Zhang , Boli Zhang , Alice J. Fauci , Myeong Soo Lee , L. Susan Wieland , Iman Majd , Terje Alræk , Linda Zhong , Sergio Bangrazi , Aldo Liguori , Jingqing Hu , Yanming Xie , Jianyuan Tang , Zhongqi Yang , Paolo Landini , Annalisa Bucchi , Weian Yuan , Kam Wa Chan , Filomena Petti , Carlo Maria Giovanardi , Bo Pang
{"title":"The Rome consensus: Good clinical trials for traditional medicine","authors":"Junhua Zhang , Boli Zhang , Alice J. Fauci , Myeong Soo Lee , L. Susan Wieland , Iman Majd , Terje Alræk , Linda Zhong , Sergio Bangrazi , Aldo Liguori , Jingqing Hu , Yanming Xie , Jianyuan Tang , Zhongqi Yang , Paolo Landini , Annalisa Bucchi , Weian Yuan , Kam Wa Chan , Filomena Petti , Carlo Maria Giovanardi , Bo Pang","doi":"10.1016/j.imr.2025.101211","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.imr.2025.101211","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":13644,"journal":{"name":"Integrative Medicine Research","volume":"14 3","pages":"Article 101211"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144826601","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}
Pub Date : 2025-09-01Epub Date: 2025-07-05DOI: 10.1016/j.imr.2025.101198
Beomku Kang, Younbyoung Chae
{"title":"Naming the unseen: Rethinking the ontology of acupoints","authors":"Beomku Kang, Younbyoung Chae","doi":"10.1016/j.imr.2025.101198","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.imr.2025.101198","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":13644,"journal":{"name":"Integrative Medicine Research","volume":"14 3","pages":"Article 101198"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144662146","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}
Pub Date : 2025-09-01Epub Date: 2025-06-21DOI: 10.1016/j.imr.2025.101195
Arya Nielsen , L. Susan Wieland
Background
Because Cochrane reviews represent a quality standard for systematic reviews, we sought to clarify to what extent Cochrane reviews of acupuncture characterize the potential and problematic specific effects of sham acupuncture.
Methods
We imported records of Cochrane acupuncture reviews into Covidence and independently selected reviews with at least one included study comparing manual acupuncture to sham acupuncture. Dual data extraction for eligible reviews included review author expertise, evaluation of intervention adequacy, use of STRICTA guidelines, characterization of sham methods, and whether specific effects of sham were discussed relative to needle penetration, point selection or use of a sham device.
Results
Of the 56 reviews with acupuncture in the title, 16 were ineligible. Of the 40 included reviews, 28 were published in or before 2018. Most reviews had an author with acupuncture trial expertise; however, assessment of intervention adequacy was rarely conducted, STRICTA guidelines were rarely utilized, and reporting of sham acupuncture methods was commonly either missing or lacking rigor. While 20/40 reviews acknowledged the controversy regarding sham as an active and therefore inadequate control, no reviews incorporated this into their conclusions.
Conclusion
Most Cochrane reviews of acupuncture therapy are dated and are also not current relative to the science of acupuncture biomechanism and the impact of ‘active’ sham arms. The handling of sham controls, combined with a lack of evaluation of verum intervention adequacy, contravenes a clear research standard and indicates that the efficacy of acupuncture is likely underestimated in Cochrane reviews.
{"title":"Cochrane reviews of acupuncture are dated, do not account for the specific effects of sham controls and likely underestimate the efficacy of acupuncture therapy","authors":"Arya Nielsen , L. Susan Wieland","doi":"10.1016/j.imr.2025.101195","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.imr.2025.101195","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Because Cochrane reviews represent a quality standard for systematic reviews, we sought to clarify to what extent Cochrane reviews of acupuncture characterize the potential and problematic specific effects of sham acupuncture.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>We imported records of Cochrane acupuncture reviews into Covidence and independently selected reviews with at least one included study comparing manual acupuncture to sham acupuncture. Dual data extraction for eligible reviews included review author expertise, evaluation of intervention adequacy, use of STRICTA guidelines, characterization of sham methods, and whether specific effects of sham were discussed relative to needle penetration, point selection or use of a sham device.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Of the 56 reviews with acupuncture in the title, 16 were ineligible. Of the 40 included reviews, 28 were published in or before 2018. Most reviews had an author with acupuncture trial expertise; however, assessment of intervention adequacy was rarely conducted, STRICTA guidelines were rarely utilized, and reporting of sham acupuncture methods was commonly either missing or lacking rigor. While 20/40 reviews acknowledged the controversy regarding sham as an active and therefore inadequate control, no reviews incorporated this into their conclusions.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Most Cochrane reviews of acupuncture therapy are dated and are also not current relative to the science of acupuncture biomechanism and the impact of ‘active’ sham arms. The handling of sham controls, combined with a lack of evaluation of verum intervention adequacy, contravenes a clear research standard and indicates that the efficacy of acupuncture is likely underestimated in Cochrane reviews.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":13644,"journal":{"name":"Integrative Medicine Research","volume":"14 3","pages":"Article 101195"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144517613","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}
Pub Date : 2025-09-01Epub Date: 2025-08-08DOI: 10.1016/j.imr.2025.101221
Fan Qu , Rong Zhang
{"title":"Transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation: a potential bridge linking traditional Chinese medicine and AI-driven transformation in modern healthcare","authors":"Fan Qu , Rong Zhang","doi":"10.1016/j.imr.2025.101221","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.imr.2025.101221","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":13644,"journal":{"name":"Integrative Medicine Research","volume":"14 3","pages":"Article 101221"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144860872","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}
Pub Date : 2025-09-01Epub Date: 2025-07-17DOI: 10.1016/j.imr.2025.101200
Sheri L. Robb , K. Maya Story , Elizabeth Harman , Debra S. Burns , Joke Bradt , Emmeline Edwards , Tasha L. Golden , Christian Gold , John R. Iversen , Assal Habibi , Julene K. Johnson , Miriam Lense , Susan M. Perkins , Stacey Springs
Background
Detailed intervention reporting is essential to interpretation, replication, and eventual translation of music-based interventions (MBIs) into practice. Despite availability of Reporting Guidelines for Music-based Interventions (RG-MBI, published 2011), multiple reviews reveal sustained problems with reporting quality and consistency. To address this, we convened an interdisciplinary expert panel to update and improve the utility and validity of the existing guidelines using a rigorous Delphi approach. The resulting updated checklist includes 12-items across eight areas considered essential to ensure transparent reporting of MBIs.
Methods
The purpose of this explanation and elaboration document is to facilitate consistent understanding, use, and dissemination of the revised RG-MBI. Members of the interdisciplinary expert panel collaborated to create the resulting guidance statement.
Results
This guidance statement offers: (1) the scope and intended use of the RG-MBI, (2) an explanation for each checklist item, with examples from published studies, and (3) two published studies with annotations indicating where the authors reported each checklist item.
Conclusion
Broader uptake of the RG-MBIs by study authors, editors, and peer reviewers will lead to better reporting of MBI trials, and in turn facilitate greater replication of research, improve cross-study comparisons and meta-analyses, and increase implementation of findings.
{"title":"Reporting guidelines for music-based interventions checklist: Explanation and elaboration guide","authors":"Sheri L. Robb , K. Maya Story , Elizabeth Harman , Debra S. Burns , Joke Bradt , Emmeline Edwards , Tasha L. Golden , Christian Gold , John R. Iversen , Assal Habibi , Julene K. Johnson , Miriam Lense , Susan M. Perkins , Stacey Springs","doi":"10.1016/j.imr.2025.101200","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.imr.2025.101200","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Detailed intervention reporting is essential to interpretation, replication, and eventual translation of music-based interventions (MBIs) into practice. Despite availability of <em>Reporting Guidelines for Music-based Interventions</em> (RG-MBI, published 2011), multiple reviews reveal sustained problems with reporting quality and consistency. To address this, we convened an interdisciplinary expert panel to update and improve the utility and validity of the existing guidelines using a rigorous Delphi approach. The resulting updated checklist includes 12-items across eight areas considered essential to ensure transparent reporting of MBIs.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>The purpose of this explanation and elaboration document is to facilitate consistent understanding, use, and dissemination of the revised RG-MBI. Members of the interdisciplinary expert panel collaborated to create the resulting guidance statement.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>This guidance statement offers: (1) the scope and intended use of the RG-MBI, (2) an explanation for each checklist item, with examples from published studies, and (3) two published studies with annotations indicating where the authors reported each checklist item.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Broader uptake of the RG-MBIs by study authors, editors, and peer reviewers will lead to better reporting of MBI trials, and in turn facilitate greater replication of research, improve cross-study comparisons and meta-analyses, and increase implementation of findings.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":13644,"journal":{"name":"Integrative Medicine Research","volume":"14 3","pages":"Article 101200"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144831556","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}
Pub Date : 2025-08-17DOI: 10.1016/j.imr.2025.101228
Yein Heo , Mi-Yeon Kim , Jae Youl Cho
Algae exhibit diverse biological activities, and they are also natural resources with the potential for large-scale production. As a result, research on algae has progressed, and the roles of algae have been revealed. Chlorella vulgaris, one of the species most widely found in East Asian countries such as China, Korea, and Japan, has confirmed diverse functional and pharmacological attributes, leading to extensive consumption of Chlorella vulgaris as a supplement. Seven active compounds extracted from Chlorella vulgaris such as dodecanoic acid and loliolide have been reported to collectively contribute to its overall bioactive and medicinal activities.
{"title":"Chlorella vulgaris, a representative edible algae as integrative and alternative medicine","authors":"Yein Heo , Mi-Yeon Kim , Jae Youl Cho","doi":"10.1016/j.imr.2025.101228","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.imr.2025.101228","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Algae exhibit diverse biological activities, and they are also natural resources with the potential for large-scale production. As a result, research on algae has progressed, and the roles of algae have been revealed. <em>Chlorella vulgaris</em>, one of the species most widely found in East Asian countries such as China, Korea, and Japan, has confirmed diverse functional and pharmacological attributes, leading to extensive consumption of <em>Chlorella vulgaris</em> as a supplement. Seven active compounds extracted from <em>Chlorella vulgaris</em> such as dodecanoic acid and loliolide have been reported to collectively contribute to its overall bioactive and medicinal activities.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":13644,"journal":{"name":"Integrative Medicine Research","volume":"15 1","pages":"Article 101228"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2025-08-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145004865","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}
Pub Date : 2025-06-01Epub Date: 2024-12-02DOI: 10.1016/j.imr.2024.101113
Becky Siu Yin Li , Ankie Tan Cheung , Ka Ming Chow , Carmen Wing Han Chan
Background
Behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) significantly affect older persons with dementia (OPWDs) and their family caregivers. Inhalation aromatherapy is a safe and effective non-pharmacological approach for BPSD management, but it has not been tested in home-based setting for the Chinese population. This study examined the effects of home-based family caregiver-delivered aromatherapy programme on OPWDs and family caregiver.
Methods
Eighty OPWD-family caregiver dyads were randomised (1:1) to either aromatherapy programme or wait-list control. The programme involved 1-hour training for caregivers, and 3-week caregiver-delivered aromatherapy intervention for OPWDs, using inhalation of lavender essential oil twice a day. A comprehensive process evaluation was conducted to evaluate programme implementation and participants’ perceptions. The primary outcome was the severity of BPSD in OPWDs, with secondary outcomes being OPWDs’ quality of life (QoL) and caregivers’ distress and care burden.
Results
The OPWDs in the intervention group exhibited significantly decreased severity of disinhibition and irritability/lability (two of the BPSD) and improvements in the health and well-being and social relationships domains of QoL. Caregivers also exhibited decreased distress and care burden, but the differences were not statistically significant. The process evaluation revealed that most participants accepted aromatherapy well, and most caregivers were willing to continue aromatherapy after the study.
Conclusion
This study demonstrated that aromatherapy is feasible and effective for managing BPSD in a home-based setting, providing a valuable reference for future research and nursing practice in home-based dementia care.
Trial registration
This study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05032664) and Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR2100050869).
{"title":"Effects of a home-based aromatherapy programme for the management of behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia among older persons with dementia: A randomised controlled trial with process evaluation","authors":"Becky Siu Yin Li , Ankie Tan Cheung , Ka Ming Chow , Carmen Wing Han Chan","doi":"10.1016/j.imr.2024.101113","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.imr.2024.101113","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) significantly affect older persons with dementia (OPWDs) and their family caregivers. Inhalation aromatherapy is a safe and effective non-pharmacological approach for BPSD management, but it has not been tested in home-based setting for the Chinese population. This study examined the effects of home-based family caregiver-delivered aromatherapy programme on OPWDs and family caregiver.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Eighty OPWD-family caregiver dyads were randomised (1:1) to either aromatherapy programme or wait-list control. The programme involved 1-hour training for caregivers, and 3-week caregiver-delivered aromatherapy intervention for OPWDs, using inhalation of lavender essential oil twice a day. A comprehensive process evaluation was conducted to evaluate programme implementation and participants’ perceptions. The primary outcome was the severity of BPSD in OPWDs, with secondary outcomes being OPWDs’ quality of life (QoL) and caregivers’ distress and care burden.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The OPWDs in the intervention group exhibited significantly decreased severity of disinhibition and irritability/lability (two of the BPSD) and improvements in the health and well-being and social relationships domains of QoL. Caregivers also exhibited decreased distress and care burden, but the differences were not statistically significant. The process evaluation revealed that most participants accepted aromatherapy well, and most caregivers were willing to continue aromatherapy after the study.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>This study demonstrated that aromatherapy is feasible and effective for managing BPSD in a home-based setting, providing a valuable reference for future research and nursing practice in home-based dementia care.</div></div><div><h3>Trial registration</h3><div>This study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05032664) and Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR2100050869).</div></div>","PeriodicalId":13644,"journal":{"name":"Integrative Medicine Research","volume":"14 2","pages":"Article 101113"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2025-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144084643","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}
Pub Date : 2025-06-01Epub Date: 2025-03-31DOI: 10.1016/j.imr.2025.101143
Nguyen Thi Thu Ha , Duong Trong Nghia , Ha Thi Viet Nga , Trinh Thi Lua , Nguyen Thi Bich Hong , Nguyen Thi Hanh , Nguyen Kim Ngoc , Nguyen Lam Vuong
Background
Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is a leading cause of disability among older adults worldwide. Traditional medicine offers a promising treatment for KOA with fewer side effects compared to current treatments such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and corticosteroids. This study aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of TD0015, a herbal formulation based on the Duhuo Jisheng decoction, in treating KOA.
Methods
This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial enrolled 108 patients with KOA. Participants were randomly assigned in a 1:1:1 ratio to receive TD0015 5 g, TD0015 7.5 g, or placebo daily for 60 days. Efficacy endpoints included changes in Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis index (WOMAC), Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Lequesne index, heel-buttock distance, and knee flexion and extension range of motion. Safety was assessed by adverse events (AEs).
Results
The mean age was around 60 years, and >80 % were females. Both TD0015 treatment groups significantly improved the WOMAC, VAS, Lequesne score, heel-buttock distance, and knee flexion and extension during the treatment period. At the 90-day follow-up, the mean percentage improvement in WOMAC scores was 74.5 % ± 13.4 %, 83.9 % ± 14.8 %, and 7.4 % ± 31.5 % in the TD0015 5 g, TD0015 7.5 g, and placebo groups, respectively, which corresponds to a 67.1 % (95 % CI: 56.3–77.9) and 76.5 % (95 % CI: 65.6–87.4) improvement in the TD0015 5 g and TD0015 7.5 g groups, compared to placebo. No AEs were reported in any group.
Conclusions
The Vietnamese herbal medicine TD0015 is safe, efficacious, and well-tolerated in treating KOA. Further studies are required to confirm the long-term efficacy and safety of TD0015.
{"title":"Traditional Vietnamese herbal medicine TD0015 in Knee Osteoarthritis: A Phase-II randomized controlled trial","authors":"Nguyen Thi Thu Ha , Duong Trong Nghia , Ha Thi Viet Nga , Trinh Thi Lua , Nguyen Thi Bich Hong , Nguyen Thi Hanh , Nguyen Kim Ngoc , Nguyen Lam Vuong","doi":"10.1016/j.imr.2025.101143","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.imr.2025.101143","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is a leading cause of disability among older adults worldwide. Traditional medicine offers a promising treatment for KOA with fewer side effects compared to current treatments such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and corticosteroids. This study aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of TD0015, a herbal formulation based on the Duhuo Jisheng decoction, in treating KOA.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial enrolled 108 patients with KOA. Participants were randomly assigned in a 1:1:1 ratio to receive TD0015 5 g, TD0015 7.5 g, or placebo daily for 60 days. Efficacy endpoints included changes in Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis index (WOMAC), Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Lequesne index, heel-buttock distance, and knee flexion and extension range of motion. Safety was assessed by adverse events (AEs).</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The mean age was around 60 years, and >80 % were females. Both TD0015 treatment groups significantly improved the WOMAC, VAS, Lequesne score, heel-buttock distance, and knee flexion and extension during the treatment period. At the 90-day follow-up, the mean percentage improvement in WOMAC scores was 74.5 % ± 13.4 %, 83.9 % ± 14.8 %, and 7.4 % ± 31.5 % in the TD0015 5 g, TD0015 7.5 g, and placebo groups, respectively, which corresponds to a 67.1 % (95 % CI: 56.3–77.9) and 76.5 % (95 % CI: 65.6–87.4) improvement in the TD0015 5 g and TD0015 7.5 g groups, compared to placebo. No AEs were reported in any group.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>The Vietnamese herbal medicine TD0015 is safe, efficacious, and well-tolerated in treating KOA. Further studies are required to confirm the long-term efficacy and safety of TD0015.</div></div><div><h3>Trial registration</h3><div>ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT06657495.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":13644,"journal":{"name":"Integrative Medicine Research","volume":"14 2","pages":"Article 101143"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2025-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143833570","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}
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