Domestic Clinical Research Trends of Motion-Style Acupuncture Treatment: A Scoping Review

Abstract

Objectives This scoping review aimed to investigate the domestic clinical research trends of motion-style acupuncture treatment (MSAT), identify diseases and symptoms for which MSAT is used, summarize specific methods of MSAT, and suggest the direction of future studies. Methods The study was conducted in accordance with a previously specified methodology, using the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses extension for scoping reviews (PRISMA-ScR) checklist. We searched nine electronic databases for studies on MSAT reported till March 21, 2022. The search terms were 'kinematic acupuncture,' 'MSAT,' 'motion style acupuncture,' and 'motion style treatment.' Results A total of 29 studies were included in our analyses; of them, 23 (79.3%) were before-after studies. Lumbosacral disease was the most common for which MSAT was applied (n=16). The frequency and duration of treatments differed depending on the researchers, and local acupoints (including ashi points) were used in 22 (75.9%) studies. In most cases, the method of mobilizing the joint or stretching the muscle in the disease area was used after inserting the acupuncture; however, in 7 studies, gait exercise was used. Most studies used MSAT in combination with other treatments. Conclusions This study supports the direction of future research by presenting the methodological applications of MSAT. To increase its clinical applicability, studies with a high level of evidence investigating the application to various body part, standardization and safety of MSAT are necessary.