What question did this study set out to answer?

This analysis aims to assess the efficacy of abdominal acupuncture methods in treating poststroke constipation.

May 2, 20260 citations

Efficacy of Abdominal Acupuncture in Poststroke Constipation: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis With Trial Sequential Analysis.

WRWulam RukyeGuangzhou University of Chinese Medicine HYHongzhi YangGuangzhou University of Chinese Medicine YLYingjia LiGuangzhou University of Chinese Medicine

Key Points

This analysis aims to assess the efficacy of abdominal acupuncture methods in treating poststroke constipation.
Comprehensive literature search for randomized controlled trials on abdominal acupuncture for poststroke constipation
Twelve studies included with a total of 943 subjects
Comparison between abdominal acupuncture methods combined with conventional therapy versus conventional therapy alone.
MAA + CT shows improved efficacy over CT alone (RR = 1.26, 95% CI: 1.13-1.40)
AEA + CT also shows improved efficacy compared to CT (RR = 1.28, 95% CI: 1.19-1.38)
Both MAA + CT and AEA + CT reduced time to first bowel movement, with MAA + CT demonstrating a mean difference of -0.61 (95% CI: -1.02 to -0.19) and AEA + CT a mean difference of -0.32 (95% CI: -1.09 to -0.46).

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Poststroke constipation (PSC) is a prevalent and disabling condition that significantly affects patient quality of life. Although abdominal acupuncture (AA) has demonstrated potential therapeutic effects on PSC, its efficacy remains unclear. This meta-analysis evaluated the efficacy of manual AA (MAA) and abdominal electroacupuncture (AEA) combined with conventional therapy (CT) for PSC. METHODS: A comprehensive literature search was conducted to identify randomized controlled trials comparing the effects of MAA + CT or AEA + CT versus CT alone in PSC treatment. Twelve eligible studies (n = 943) were selected. Primary (efficacy and time to first bowel movement BM) and secondary (stool shape) outcomes were evaluated. Trial sequential analysis (TSA) was performed to assess cumulative evidence reliability. RESULTS: Both MAA + CT (relative risk RR = 1.26, 95% confidence interval CI: 1.13-1.40) and AEA + CT (RR = 1.28, 95% CI: 1.19-1.38) significantly improved efficacy compared with CT alone. Furthermore, MAA + CT (mean difference MD = -0.61, 95% CI: -1.02 to -0.19) and AEA + CT (MD = -0.32, 95% CI: -1.09 to -0.46) reduced the time to first BM, albeit evidence regarding stool shape was inconclusive due to significant heterogeneity. TSA demonstrated unclear cumulative evidence and thus could not determine AA efficacy compared with CT. CONCLUSION: MAA + CT and AEA + CT may effectively improve PSC by enhancing efficacy and shortening the time to first BM. Given the limited number of studies, small sample sizes, and significant heterogeneity, further high-quality trials are required to confirm these findings and optimize the acupuncture regimen for PSC treatment.

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