The Effects of Acupuncture in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis: A Systematic Review

Seyede Zahra Emami  Razavi; Mohaddeseh  Azadvari; Maryam  Hosseini; Ensieh  Taftian; Azam  Biderafsh; Mohsen  Rastkar

doi:10.18502/jimc.v9i2.21140

Seyede Zahra Emami Razavi Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Imam Khomeini Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Mohaddeseh Azadvari Sina & Imam Khomeini Hospitals, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Maryam Hosseini Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Imam Khomeini Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Ensieh Taftian Shariati Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Azam Biderafsh Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sci-ences, Tehran, Iran
Mohsen Rastkar Student’s Scientific Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/jimc.v9i2.21140

Keywords: Acupuncture therapy, Autoimmune diseases, Gray literature, Humans, Multiple sclerosis, Pain management, Quality of life, Sample size

Abstract

Background: Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disorder that affects the nervous system affecting all aspects of patients’ lives. Researchers found effects of acupuncture on different aspects of MS related complications such as fatigue, spasticity, pain, and overall quality of life. This systematic review was conducted to assess the impact of acupuncture on different complication of MS as well as quality of life.

Methods: An independent and systematic search across PubMed, Scopus, EMBASE, and Web of Science was carried out. Additionally, the gray literature, including references from the selected studies and conference abstracts published up until October were examined.

Results: The literature search identified 1,877 articles, and after removing duplicates, 1,062 remained. Finally, a total of 18 studies were included in the systematic review. The studies included were published between 1974-2023 and the sample size ranged between 1-108. Four of six studied including Randomized Controlled Trial (RCTs) found that acupuncture in cases who completed the study was effective in pain management, symptomatic relief for spasticity, MS-related fatigue and enhanced patients’ quality of life.

Conclusion: Acupuncture can be effective in treating some MS related complications such as fatigue, disability and quality of life.