Comparative Effectiveness of Western and Eastern Manual Therapies for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis

Abstract

Background: Manual therapy (MT) is considered a promising adjuvant therapy for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Comparing the effectiveness among different Western and Eastern MTs being used for the management of COPD could potentially facilitate individualized management of COPD. This systematic review attempted to estimate the comparative effectiveness of Western and Eastern MTs for COPD patients using a network meta-analysis (NMA) methodology. Methods: Nine electronic databases were comprehensively searched for relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published up to February 2021. Pair-wise meta-analysis and NMA were conducted on the outcomes of COPD, which included lung function and exercise capacity. Results: The NMA results from 30 included RCTs indicated that the optimal treatment for each outcome according to the surface under the cumulative ranking curve was massage, acupressure, massage, and tuina for forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), FEV1/FVC, and 6 min walking distance, respectively. Conclusions: MTs such as massage, acupressure, and tuina have shown comparative benefits for lung function and exercise capacity in COPD. However, the methodological quality of the included studies was poor, and the head-to-head trial comparing the effects of different types of MTs for COPD patients was insufficient. Therefore, further high-quality RCTs are essential.

Acupressure in the treatment of patients with mild infection of COVID-19 omicron variant: A prospectively observational study

“…A systematic review evaluated the manual therapy involving massage, acupressure, and tuina training on patients suffered from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, the results of which were characterized to be safe, feasible and effective. [30] In addition, a randomized controlled trial conducted by Nurhan Doğan on the effect of acupressure on lung cancer patients showed that the physical and functional performance of lung cancer patients had improved. [16] Relevant researches in China have also confirmed that this therapy could ameliorate both lung symptoms and mental health of patients with pulmonary disease by precluding an injury from foreign virus through regulating innate immunity.…”

The Effectiveness and Safety of Chuna Manual Therapy Adjuvant to Western Medicine in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A Randomized, Single-Blind, Investigator-Initiated, Pilot Trial

“…Chuna manual therapy (CMT), a form of MT performed across Asia, incorporates the holistic concepts of traditional Korean medicine in its treatment approach [15]. CMT is used to treat various conditions, including impairment of respiratory and circulatory function, reduced mobility of the joints and muscles, and body misalignment.…”

Curcumin effects on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: A systematic review

“…Clinical guidelines for preventing exacerbation and treating COPD include using pharmacological treatment and changing lifestyle by stopping smoking. Pharmacological treatments such as bronchodilators and corticosteroids can be used 11 …”

“…Pharmacological treatments such as bronchodilators and corticosteroids can be used. 11 These drugs have some adverse effects, including tremors, osteoporosis and fractures, electrolyte disturbances, increased heart rates, and cardiac effects. 12,13 Thus, adding some new agents to these pharmacological treatments or replacing a new agent with a different mechanism, such as alleviating oxidative stress, may be effective in treating COPD.…”