School of Physiology (ETDs)

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Browsing School of Physiology (ETDs) by Author "Hussein, Naeema"

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    Mapping Electro-acupuncture in the treatment of lower back pain. A Scoping Review
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Dahya, Karishma; Hussein, Naeema; Ntsiea, Veronica
    Background: Lower back pain (LBP) accounts for 7.4% of the global years lived with disability. Due to the disability associated with LBP, complementary alternative methods (CAM) are often sought after. Electro-acupuncture (EA) is a type of CAM therapy, and there is emerging evidence on its use in patients with LBP. The aim of this study was to map literature on the use of EA in the treatment of LBP. Methods: A scoping review methodology was conducted in accordance with the Johanna Briggs Institute methodology for scoping reviews. An initial search of MEDLINE and CINAHL was undertaken followed by a full search of the remaining included databases. Studies published in multiple settings from 2013 onwards that specifically looked at EA in LBP that were included which resulted in a total of (n=43) studies included in this review. Results A review of the literature showed that common treatment outcome measures included the visual analogue scale (VAS), Oswestry disability index (ODI) and the EuroQol Five Dimensions (EQ-5D). The most common parameters were 2Hz for frequency, EX-B2 for acupoints, 30 min for duration and patient tolerance for intensity. The most common comparison in this review was manual acupuncture (MA) and electro-acupuncture (EA) and most common combination treatment was EA and usual care (UC). Lastly the overall treatment outcomes (pain, function) were favourable for the use of EA in LBP. Conclusions: This scoping review mapped the information on EA in LBP from 2013 onwards. Specifically, this review showed the most common treatment parameters and outcome measures used for LBP patients treated with EA. Lastly with regards to treatment outcomes; 22 showed improvement in pain scores, 11 showed improvement in disability and function and two studies showed no change