Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials on Acupuncture for Shoulder Pain Based on Jadad Scale and Revised STRICTA Recommendations

(3) Korean Journal of Acupuncture, Vol.29, No.1, pp.93∼107, 2012

Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials on Acupuncture for Shoulder Pain Based on Jadad Scale and Revised STRICTA Recommendations

Tae-Hyun Park, Chang-Keun Oh, Yu-Lee Park, Seung-Bum Yang, Jae-Hyo Kim

Abstract

Objectives: This study aims to review randomized controlled trials on acupuncture for shoulder pain according to the Jadad Scale and the revised standards for reporting interventions in clinical trials of acupuncture (STRICTA).

Methods: Seven electronic databases, including PUBMED, SCOPUS, and RISS, were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCT) of acupuncture for shoulder pain.

Results: Sixteen (16) RCTs were included: 14 were published in English and 2 were published in Korean. According to the Jadad scale, 15 RCTs had high quality. However, most did not meet the double-blindness criteria. All RCTs meet 12.9 items, on average, in STRICTA.

Conclusions: This systematic review shows four conclusions: Traditional Chinese Medicine is often used in the form of acupuncture. The LI15, TE14, GB21 and LI11 acupoints, stainless-steel needles (0.3 mm×40 mm), 20 retention time, manual stimulation, Deqi, and 2 times a week treatment (total 12) are often used. Double-blinded clinical trials need to be conducted. The use of minimal acupuncture on controlled groups for RCTs on acupuncture for shoulder pain is controversial, and a description of the practitioner’s background needs clarifying.

Key Words: acupuncture; Jadad Scale; pain; RCT; shoulder; STRICTA; systematic review