Background

Whilst there were some limitations to this study, the biopsychosocial symptoms discussed here justify the investigation of acupuncture for Pregnancy related Pelvic Girdle Pain. The design and development of a subsequent feasibility study, specifically in areas of recruitment, acceptability of the intervention and appropriate selection of outcome measures were informed by this study.

Aims This study aims to assess the feasibility of an randomized controlled trial (RCT) to test treatment efficacy of acupuncture for symptoms of overactive bladder syndrome (OAB), a common long‐term condition with physical, psychological, social and sexual consequences. Methods A total of 30 participants were recruited and randomized to either standard conservative management for OAB or standard conservative management plus acupuncture. Standard care consisted of individually tailored advice regarding bladder health, pelvic floor exercises and lifestyle adjustments. The intervention group received 6 sessions of acupuncture over an 8‐week period. Outcomes measured included adherence to the study protocol, recruitment rate, participant attrition rate and adverse events. A 3‐day bladder diary and Incontinence Questionnaire—short form questionnaire were used to assess symptoms. The ICEpop CAPability measure for Adults measure was used to assess well‐being. Outcomes were collected at baseline, after 8 weeks of intervention and 6 weeks after completing intervention. An exit questionnaire captured participant experience data. Results Comparison of the two groups at baseline did not detect statistically significant differences in demographics and symptom profile. A total of 23 participants completed all study proceedures. Recruitment was completed in 11 months, quicker than anticipated. No serious adverse events occurred; minor adverse events were recorded in 11/114 (9.6%) treatments. A total of seven participants failed to complete one or more study proceedures with an overall attrition rate of 23.3%. Conclusions Most participants completed all aspects of the study and found the protocol acceptable. The interventions appear safe and well tolerated. The concept of a large‐scale RCT with a similar protocol was proven and appears feasible based on this pilot work.

Cupping therapy has become more popular in the sports setting because of its simplicity in application, minimal adverse effects, and reduction in pain and muscle tenderness, yet there is little research on its effectiveness for range of movement and power. Objectives: The primary aim of this study was to investigate if a single session of moving cupping to the posterior aspect of the lower limb effects hip and knee range of movement and knee flexion power. The secondary aim was to consider participants' views and perceptions of moving cupping therapy. Methods: Twenty-one healthy participants (12 male and 9 female) aged between 19 and 31 years volunteered to take part in the study. All participants received 15 minutes of moving cupping therapy to their dominant posterior lower extremity. Hip and knee range of movement and knee flexion isokinetic power measurements were taken prior to and immediately after the moving cupping intervention. Participants also completed a questionnaire based on their experience and perceptions of cupping. Results: Results showed a significant increase (p=<.05) in hip and knee range of movement measurements by 7% in the straight leg raise and 4% in a popliteal angle test. However, no significant changes were seen in the knee flexion power measures. Data from the questionnaire suggest that despite moving cupping being reported as 'uncomfortable' it is considered acceptable. Discussion: Moving cupping therapy may have short term changes to range of movement but not power, though the limitations of this study mean that rigorous studies are required before the effectiveness of moving cupping can be determined.

Objective: The aim of this study was to systematically review the literature on acupuncture for delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS) and report upon study quality and treatment outcomes. Design: Systematic review. Data sources: Searches were conducted in the following electronic databases from their inception to 31 March 2018: CINAHL, MEDLINE, Allied and Complementary Medicine (AMED) and SPORTDiscus. Reference lists of all included studies and relevant reviews were hand-searched for additional studies. Eligibility criteria for selecting studies: Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) that evaluated the effectiveness of acupuncture in DOMS in adults measuring the pre-specified primary outcome (pain) were included. Data collection and analysis: Data were extracted using pre-defined extraction forms and the Standards for Reporting Interventions in Clinical Trials of Acupuncture (STRICTA) checklist. Quality of studies was evaluated based on the Cochrane risk of bias assessment. Results: Five RCTs investigating laboratory-induced DOMS in the upper limbs with a total sample size of 182 healthy participants were included. Of the included studies, three reported superiority of acupuncture over no treatment in DOMS pain reduction as measured by visual analogue scale, pressure pain threshold or electrical pain threshold, while two studies yielded non-significant results. All studies demonstrated risk of bias in one or more areas, commonly lack of blinding of participants and personnel. Summary/conclusion: There is conflicting to limited evidence to support the effects of acupuncture on the relief of pain associated with DOMS. The findings were confounded by methodological limitations and reporting insufficiency. More rigorous, high-quality, and well-reported RCTs are required to further evaluate the effectiveness of acupuncture for DOMS.