Acupuncture for Managing Phantom-Limb Syndrome: A Systematic Review

Item

Title

Acupuncture for Managing Phantom-Limb Syndrome: A Systematic Review

Author(s)

Date

2013

volume

25(1)

pages

23-42

Research Type

Systematic Review

Keywords

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Phantom-limb syndrome can significantly impact on amputees' quality of life and their functional capacity. Conventional treatment approaches have a poor rate of success in alleviating symptoms. Acupuncture has been advocated as an effective alternative treatment; however, there has not been a systematic review of the evidence base for this. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this review was to determine the effectiveness of acupuinuture treatment in the management of phantom-limb syndrome. METHODS: This review comprised three phases: (1) an electronic database search to identify potential articles; (2) extraction of data from accepted articles; and (3) rating of internal validity and strengh of the evidences provided in the accepted articles. OUTCOME MEASURES: An Effective Public Health Practice Project quality assessment tool (quantitative studies), a Critical Appraisal Skills Programme quality assessment tool (qualatative studies), and Agency for Health Care Policy and Research guidelines (strength of evidence) were used to assess the evidence. RESULTS: Level C evidence showed acupuncture treatment reduced phantom-limb pain and sensation (14 studies), improved functional capacity or mobility (5 stidues), and reduced levels of analgesic use (3 studies). CONCLUSIONS: Acupuncture therapy has been shown to have a positive effect on the symptoms of phantom-limb syndrome. However, further investigations of superior quality are needed to support these findings and determine the most effective method of acupuncture for this purpose. KEY WORDS: Acupuncture; Phantom Limb; Amputee;

doi

10.1089/acu.2012.0928

View on Pubmed

has health condition studied

Pain

has study population number

0

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