• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.26 no.4
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• pp.11-18
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• 2009

Objectives : The objective of this review was to evaluate clinical trials of warming acupuncture for musculoskeletal pain diseases, to assess the methodologic quality of the trials and determine whether low-quality trials are associated with positive outcomes, to document adverse effects and to identify the effectiveness of the warming acupuncture. Methods : Seven databases and the Journal ZHONGGUO ZHENJIU(中國鍼灸) published between 2004－2008 were searched. Korean and Chinese randomized trials were evaluated for methodologic quality using the modified Jadad scale. Outcome measurements were pain, function and global improvement. The best-evidence synthesis was performed to determine the strength of evidence by control group. Results : Six clinical trials representing 564 patients with musculoskeletal pain diseases were identified. For pain and function, there was moderate evidence that warming acupuncture is more effective than manual acupuncture. For patient global assesment, there was limited evidence that warming acupuncture is more effective than manual acupuncture. However, for function, there was inconclusive evidence that warming acupuncture is more effective than acupuncture with TDP or western medicine or acupoint-injection treatment. Conclusions : The evidence suggests that warming acupuncture is more effective for musculoskeletal pain diseases than manual acupuncture, acupuncture with TDP, western medicine and acupoint-injection treatment. But the evidence is moderate to inclusive due to the low methodologic quality of the trials. Further clinical trials with high methodologic quality is required to investigate the effectiveness of warming acupuncture.