A Scoping Review of Clinical Research on Motion Style Acupuncture Treatment

Abstract

This scoping review was conducted to examine the concept of Motion style acupuncture treatment (MSAT), use in clinical practice, its effectiveness, and safety. A literature review of clinical study treatment methods combining acupuncture and movement therapy was performed using PubMed. Of 2,096 studies retrieved, 22 were included in this review. There were 12 randomized controlled trials, and all 22 studies were published in China and Korea, mostly, within the last 3 years. There were five studies concerning local acupoints and 17 studies regarding needling at distal acupoints, and the level of risk of the procedure was “high” in eight studies and “moderate” in 14 studies. The study participants were patients with musculoskeletal pain, and many studies reported significant improvements in pain and functional disability outcomes following treatment using MSAT. For conclusion, MSAT refers to a treatment method in which a patient performs active/passive movements under the supervision of a physician with the acupuncture needle retained at the insertion site. However, there are a limited number of MSAT studies, and various treatment types and related terms are mixed. Further studies, classification of the types of MSAT using a well-established classification system, and a clearer definition of the MSAT concept are needed.

Effectiveness and Safety of Progressive Loading–Motion Style Acupuncture Treatment for Acute Low Back Pain after Traffic Accidents: A Randomized Controlled Trial

“…The results of this study confirmed that the NRS scores and ROM were the two main outcomes that showed significant improvements. Regarding additional mechanisms underlying the therapeutic effects of MSAT, a complex interplay between the effect of promoting self-regulating ability through a combination of scalp acupuncture and movement therapy, ending the negative cycle of pain, and the role of joint movement in preventing connective tissue adhesion has been discussed [33].…”

Graded exercise with motion style acupuncture therapy for a patient with failed back surgery syndrome and major depressive disorder: a case report and literature review

“…MSAT is a physical restoration technique performing the specific movements with needles inserted into the muscles associated with restricted motion ( 12 ). The treatment method used in this case combines the characteristics of MSAT, usually employed as a one-off treatment, with GET, which gradually increases the distance and weight.…”

“…The mechanism of pain relief provided by acupuncture involves neuronal modulation within the central nervous system (CNS) through peripheral stimuli ( 11 ). A modification of acupuncture, motion-style acupuncture therapy (MSAT), wherein acupuncture is combined with coordinated motion, demonstrated a decent analgesic effect on chronic LBP in spinal degenerative disorders such as herniated intervertebral disc (HIVD) ( 12 , 13 ). MSAT reinforces the stimuli to invade tissues using the targeted muscles.…”