Effects of acupuncture on the signs and symptoms of people with rheumatic diseases: A scoping review

INTRODUCTION: Rheumatic diseases constitute a wide range of chronic diseases that mainly affect the musculoskeletal system. They are characterized by inflammatory and degenerative processes that affect synovial joints, bones, muscles, and connective tissues. In addition, many rheumatological diseases have an autoimmune nature. This diversity of conditions results in a wide range of symptoms and degrees of severity, with a significant impact on patients' quality of life, compromising their daily activities and leading to a decline in mental health, including depressive symptoms and feelings of inadequacy. OBJECTIVE: To map the scientific evidence in the literature on the effects of acupuncture on the signs and symptoms of people with rheumatic diseases. METHODS: This is a scoping review, formulated according to the guidelines of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews checklist. RESULTS: After the identification, screening and eligibility process, 18 studies were included in this review. All were published between 2002 and 2023; 33.33 % were published in China; and 50 % correspond to clinical trials. The most frequently cited diseases were: acute osteoarthritis or acute knee osteoarthritis (27.77 %); fibromyalgia (27.77 %); and rheumatoid arthritis (27.77 %). The effects of acupuncture on the signs and symptoms of people with rheumatic diseases are pain relief, improved quality of life, improved joint function, increased range of motion, anti-inflammation, reduced fatigue, decreased depression and anxiety symptoms, reduced medication use, immune system regulation, and increased finger mobility. CONCLUSIONS: Acupuncture has beneficial effects on the signs and symptoms of people with rheumatic diseases, constituting a modality which can be easily and quickly applied by any healthcare professional, as long as they are properly trained.