Electric Stimulation for Pain Relief in Patients with Fibromyalgia: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

2017 ◽  
Vol 2 (20;2) ◽  
pp. 15-25 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ana Paula da Silva Salazar
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Pain Relief ◽  
Randomized Controlled Trials ◽  
Electric Stimulation ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Controlled Trials ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Quality Evidence

Background: Fibromyalgia (FM) is a syndrome whose primary symptoms include chronic widespread muscle pain and fatigue. The treatment of patients with FM aims to provide symptomatic relief and improvement in physical capacities to perform daily tasks and quality of life. Invasive or non-invasive electric stimulation (ES) is used for pain relief in patients with FM. Objective: This systematic review aimed to assess the effects of treatment with ES, combined or not combined with other types of therapy, for pain relief in patients with FM. Study Design: Systematic review and meta-analysis. Setting: Electronic search was conducted on databases (from the inception to April 2016): MEDLINE (accessed by PubMed), EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (Cochrane CENTRAL), and Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro). Methods: Two independent reviewers assessed the eligibility of studies based on the inclusion criteria: randomized controlled trials (RCTs) examining the effects of ES combined or not with other types of treatment for pain relief in patients with FM (according to the American College of Rheumatology), regardless of the ES dosages. The primary outcome was pain, assessed by the visual analogue scale (VAS). The secondary outcomes extracted were quality of life, assessed by short form-36 health survey (SF- 36), and fatigue, assessed by VAS. Results: Nine studies were included, with 301 patients. The meta-analysis for pain showed positive effect of ES treatment versus control [-1.24 (95% CI: -2.39 to -0.08; I2 : 87%, P = 0.04) n = 8 RCTs]. The sensitivity analysis for pain showed significant results for invasive ES, combined or not with other types of therapy [-0.94 (95% CI, -1.50 to -0.38; I2 0%, P = 0.001) n = 3 RCTs]. No significant improvement was found regarding quality of life [-3.48 (95% CI: -12.58 to 5.62; I2 : 0%, P = 0.45), n = 2 RCTs] or fatigue [-0.57 (95% CI, -1.25 to 0.11; I2 34%, P = 0.100; n = 4 RCTs]. Limitations: This systematic review included a small number of studies and reduced number of participants in each study. Furthermore, most of the studies showed some biases and lack of methodological quality. Conclusion: This meta-analysis indicates that there is low-quality evidence for the effectiveness of ES for pain relief in patients with FM. However, moderate-quality evidence for the effectiveness of electroacupuncture (EA), combined or not combined with other types of treatment, was found for pain relief. Clinical Trial Registration Information: PROSPERO under the identification CRD42015025323 Key words: Electric stimulation, electroacupuncture, transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation, pain, fibromyalgia, review, physical therapy, rehabilitation

scholarly journals EXPRESS: The benefit of exercise-based rehabilitation programmes in patients with pulmonary hypertension: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

2021 ◽  
pp. 204589402110078
Author(s):  
Lu Yan ◽  
Wence Shi ◽  
Zhi-hong Liu ◽  
Qin Luo ◽  
Zhihui Zhao ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Pulmonary Hypertension ◽  
Randomized Controlled Trials ◽  
Exercise Capacity ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Controlled Trials ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Quality Evidence

Background: Several studies have suggested that exercise capacity and quality of life are reduced in patients with pulmonary hypertension (PH), and exercise-based rehabilitation can improve exercise capacity and quality of life in patients with PH. The aim of this study is to assess the efficacy and safety of exercise-based rehabilitation in patients with PH through a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Methods: We searched PubMed, Embase, Medline, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials up to November 2018. All randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing exercise capacity and quality of life between patients undergoing exercise-based rehabilitation and those undergoing non-exercise training were included. Data were extracted separately and independently by two investigators, and discrepancies were arbitrated by the third investigator. We used the random-effects model to analyze the results, the GRADE to assess the risk of bias in the included studies, and I ² statistic to estimate the degree of heterogeneity. Results: Nine RCTs are included, however, only seven RCTs were able to extract data. Including inpatients and outpatients, the total number of participants was 234, most of whom were diagnosed as pulmonary artery hypertension (PAH). The study duration ranged from 3 to15 weeks. The mean six-minute walk distance after exercise training was 51.94 metres higher than control (27.65 to 76.23 metres, n=234, 7 RCTs, low quality evidence), the mean peak oxygen uptake  was 2.96 ml/kg/minute higher (2.49 to 3.43 ml/kg/minute, n=179, 4 RCTs, low-quality evidence) than in the control group . Concluded: Our finding suggest that an exercise-based training program positively influences exercise capacity in patients with PH.

scholarly journals Cognitive rehabilitation interventions after stroke: protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Qing Zhao ◽  
Xue Wang ◽  
Tao Wang ◽  
Adam A. Dmytriw ◽  
Xiao Zhang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Randomized Controlled Trials ◽  
Cognitive Rehabilitation ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Controlled Trials ◽  
Post Stroke ◽  
Randomized Controlled

Abstract Background Stroke is the second leading cause of death worldwide, and 53.4% of stroke survivors suffer from post-stroke cognitive impairment. Post-stroke cognitive impairment can increase hospitalization rate and cost of care and decrease the quality of life of stroke patients. To date, multiple cognitive rehabilitation interventions have been tested in stroke populations with post-stroke cognitive impairment. However, the most efficacious intervention has not been established. This systematic review aims to compare the efficacy of cognitive rehabilitation interventions for patients with post-stroke cognitive impairment. Methods We will search MEDLINE, EMBASE, CENTRAL, PsycINFO, CINAHL, PubMed, and clinical trial registries to identify eligible randomized clinical trials with no restrictions in the date of publication and language. Studies conducted with patients aged 18 or over, with the presence of cognitive impairment after being diagnosed with stroke will be included. Studies will be restricted to randomized controlled trials comparing a cognitive rehabilitation intervention with another intervention. The primary outcome is any clinical changes in the general or specific cognitive domain (e.g., executive function, attention, memory, or perception). The secondary outcomes that will be collected include adverse effects (e.g., stroke, disability, or mortality) and quality of life. Two independent reviewers will assess articles to identify trials eligible for inclusion. Data extraction and risk of bias assessment of the included studies will also be done independently. Any discrepancies will be solved by discussion, or a third reviewer will be consulted if necessary. A meta-analysis will be carried out if appropriate. Discussion This systematic review for patients with post-stroke cognitive impairment will assess the efficacy of cognitive rehabilitation interventions. And our results will help clinical decision-making and support the development of clinical practice guidelines. Trial registration Systematic review registration: PROSPERO CRD42020173988

scholarly journals Effects of Exercise Intervention on Health-Related Quality of Life in Patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Controlled Trials

Healthcare ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (9) ◽  
pp. 1215
Author(s):  
Ming-Chi Lu ◽  
Malcolm Koo
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Randomized Controlled Trials ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Controlled Trials ◽  
Health Related Quality ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Related Quality ◽  
Health Related

Exercise and physical activity have been deemed as potentially beneficial for patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). This study aimed to evaluate the effects of exercise interventions on health-related quality of life in patients with SLE using a systematic review and meta-analysis. Randomized and non-randomized controlled trials published up to July 2021 were examined using the PubMed and Embase databases. Of the 1158 articles retrieved, nine were included for systematic review. Five of them were randomized controlled trials and these were assessed using meta-analysis. Hedges’ g effect size was 0.47; 95% (confidence interval 0.21–0.73; p < 0.001) for the physical health and function aspect of health-related quality of life. None of the other seven domains of the SF-36 showed a significant effect size. However, the latter finding was limited by the small number of available trials. In conclusion, this systematic review and meta-analysis supported that exercise intervention compared to usual care might be able to improve the physical functioning domain of health-related quality of life in patients with SLE. Future high-quality randomized controlled trials that incorporate disease-specific health-related quality of life measures are needed to elucidate the role of exercise on health-related quality of life in patients with SLE.

scholarly journals The Effect of Yoga Interventions on Cancer-Related Fatigue and Quality of Life for Women with Breast Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

2020 ◽  
Vol 19 ◽  
pp. 153473542095988
Author(s):  
Meagan O’Neill ◽  
Dominic Samaroo ◽  
Christian Lopez ◽  
George Tomlinson ◽  
Daniel Santa Mina ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Randomized Controlled Trials ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Controlled Trials ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Cancer Related Fatigue

Background: Women with breast cancer (BC) are living longer with debilitating side effects such as cancer-related fatigue (CRF) that affect overall well-being. Yoga promotes health, well-being and may be beneficial in reducing CRF. Although there have been previous systematic reviews and meta-analyses, the effects of yoga on CRF and quality of life (QOL) remain unclear, particularly in comparison with other types of physical activity (PA). Our objective is to carry out a systematic review and meta-analysis of the effects of yoga on CRF and QOL in women with BC. Methods: Electronic databases were searched (MEDLINE, Embase Classic+Embase and EMB Reviews, Cochrane Central CT) from inception to May 2018. Randomized controlled trials were included if they were full text, in English, included a yoga intervention, a comparator (including non-PA usual care or alternate PA intervention), and reported on CRF or QOL. Effects of yoga were pooled using standardized mean difference (SMD) via a random effects model. Results: Of the 2468 records retrieved, 24 trials were included; 18 studies compared yoga to a non-PA comparator and 6 to a PA comparator. Yoga demonstrated statistically significant improvements in CRF over non-PA (SMD −0.30 [−0.51; −0.08]) but not PA (SMD −0.17 [−0.50; 0.17]) comparators. Additionally, yoga demonstrated statistically significant improvements in QOL over non-PA (SMD −0.27 [−0.46; −0.07]) but not PA (SMD 0.04 [−0.22; +0.31]) comparators. Discussion: This meta-analysis found that yoga provides small to medium improvements in CRF and QOL compared to non-PA, but not in comparison to other PA interventions.

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