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Abstract Objective This update of a systematic review evaluates the effectiveness of spinal manipulations as a treatment for migraine headaches. Background Spinal manipulation therapy (SMT) is sometimes used to treat migraine headaches; however, the biological plausibility and safety of SMT have repeatedly been questioned. Methods Amed, Embase, MEDLINE, CINAHL, Mantis, Index to Chiropractic Literature, and Cochrane Central were searched from inception to September 2023. Randomized clinical trials (RCTs) investigating spinal manipulations (performed by various healthcare professionals including physiotherapists, osteopaths, and chiropractors) for treating migraine headaches in human subjects were considered. Other types of manipulative therapy, i.e., cranial, visceral, and soft tissue were excluded. The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) approach was used to evaluate the certainty of evidence. Results Three more RCTs were published since our first review; amounting to a total of 6 studies with 645 migraineurs meeting the inclusion criteria. Meta-analysis of six trials showed that, compared with various controls (placebo, drug therapy, usual care), SMT (with or without usual care) has no effect on migraine intensity/severity measured with a range of instruments (standardized mean difference [SMD] − 0.22, 95% confidence intervals [CI] − 0.65 to 0.21, very low certainty evidence), migraine duration (SMD − 0.10; 95% CI − 0.33 to 0.12, 4 trials, low certainty evidence), or emotional quality of life (SMD − 14.47; 95% CI − 31.59 to 2.66, 2 trials, low certainty evidence) at post-intervention. A meta-analysis of two trials showed that compared with various controls, SMT (with or without usual care) increased the risk of AEs (risk ratio [RR] 2.06; 95% CI 1.24 to 3.41, numbers needed to harm = 6; very low certainty evidence). The main reasons for downgrading the evidence were study limitations (studies judged to be at an unclear or high risk of bias), inconsistency (for pain intensity/severity), imprecision (small sizes and wide confidence intervals around effect estimates) and indirectness (methodological and clinical heterogeneity of populations, interventions, and comparators). Conclusions The effectiveness of SMT for the treatment of migraines remains unproven. Future, larger, more rigorous, and independently conducted studies might reduce the existing uncertainties.

Abstract. Orofacial pain (OFP) is an ache in the front part of the head and typically has musculoskeletal, dental, neural, or sinogenic origin. Dry needling (DN) is the insertion of a solid sterile fine needle through the skin aimed at deactivating the myofascial trigger points has extensively been studied in randomized clinical trials (RCTs). This systematic review was aimed at evaluating the evidence base for the effectiveness of DN for OFP. We searched Medline, Cochrane Central, and Web of Science (from their respective inceptions to February 2024) for RCTs evaluating the effectiveness of DN in patients with OFP. Studies with individuals suffering from cervicogenic or tension type headaches as well as observational studies were excluded. Primary outcomes were pain intensity and severity; secondary outcomes were disability, quality of life, and adverse effects. The review adhered to the methods described by in the Cochrane Handbook. Twenty-four RCTs with a total of 1,318 patients suffering from OFP were included. Most had an unclear or high risk of bias, and the quality of the evidence ranged from very low to low for all comparisons and outcomes. A meta-analysis suggested that, compared with usual care alone, DN + usual care had no effect on pain intensity (visual analogue scale) (standardized mean difference = −1.89, 95% confidence intervals −5.81 to 2.02, very low certainty evidence) at follow-ups of up to 6 weeks. There is little reliable evidence for the effectiveness of DN in reducing OFP. Future, larger, more rigorous studies might reduce the existing uncertainties.

Background The indication for this assessment is the use of the KardiaMobile six-lead electrocardiogram device for the assessment of QT interval-based cardiac risk in service users prior to the initiation of, or for the monitoring of, antipsychotic medications, which are associated with an established risk of QT interval prolongation. Objectives To provide an early value assessment of whether KardiaMobile six-lead has the potential to provide an effective and safe alternative to 12-lead electrocardiogram for initial assessment and monitoring of QT interval-based cardiac risk in people taking antipsychotic medications. Review methods Twenty-seven databases were searched to April/May 2022. Review methods followed published guidelines. Where appropriate, study quality was assessed using appropriate risk of bias tools. Results were summarised by research question; accuracy/technical performance; clinical effects (on cardiac and psychiatric outcomes); service user acceptability/satisfaction; costs of KardiaMobile six-lead. Results We did not identify any studies which provided information about the diagnostic accuracy of KardiaMobile six-lead, for the detection of corrected QT-interval prolongation, in any population. All studies which reported information about agreement between QT interval measurements (corrected and/or uncorrected) with KardiaMobile six-lead versus 12-lead electrocardiogram were conducted in non-psychiatric populations, used cardiologists and/or multiple readers to interpret electrocardiograms. Where reported or calculable, the mean difference in corrected QT interval between devices (12-lead electrocardiogram vs. KardiaMobile six-lead) was generally small (≤ 10 ms) and corrected QT interval measured using KardiaMobile six-lead was consistently lower than that measured using 12-lead electrocardiogram. All information about the use of KardiaMobile six-lead, in the context of QT interval-based cardiac risk assessment for service users who require antipsychotic medication, was taken from retrospective surveys of staff and service users who had chosen to use KardiaMobile six-lead during pilots, described in two unpublished project reports. It is important to note that both these project reports relate to pilot studies which were not intended to be used in wider evaluations of KardiaMobile six-lead for use in the NHS. Both reports included survey results which indicated that the use of KardiaMobile six-lead may be associated with reductions in the time taken to complete an electrocardiogram and costs, relative to 12-lead electrocardiogram, and that KardiaMobile six-lead was preferred over 12-lead electrocardiogram by almost all responding staff and service users. Limitations There was a lack of published evidence about the efficacy of KardiaMobile six-lead for initial assessment and monitoring of QT interval-based cardiac risk in people taking antipsychotic medications. Conclusions There is insufficient evidence to support a full diagnostic assessment evaluating the clinical and cost effectiveness of KardiaMobile six-lead, in the context of QT interval-based cardiac risk assessment for service users who require antipsychotic medication. The evidence to inform the aims of this early value assessment (i.e. to assess whether the device has the potential to be clinically effective and cost-effective) was also limited. This report includes a comprehensive list of research recommendations, both to reduce the uncertainty around this early value assessment and to provide the additional data needed to inform a full diagnostic assessment, including cost-effectiveness modelling. Study registration This study is registered as PROSPERO CRD42022336695. Funding This award was funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Evidence Synthesis programme (NIHR award ref: NIHR135520) and is published in full in Health Technology Assessment; Vol. 28, No. 19. See the NIHR Funding and Awards website for further award information. Plain language summary Some medicines used for people with certain mental health problems can increase the risk of developing serious heart conditions. Although these heart conditions are rare, it is generally recommended that people have an electrocardiogram examination before starting to take these medicines. People who need to continue these medications over a period of time may need additional electrocardiograms every so often, to check for any heart problems that have developed recently. KardiaMobile six-lead (or 6-lead) is a portable electrocardiogram that may offer a less intrusive way to take electrocardiogram measurements. This is because less undressing is needed as the electrodes are only applied to fingers of the left and right hand and the left ankle or knee and the cold gel is not needed. Testing using the KardiaMobile six-lead device can be carried out at the patient’s home. These features might mean that the KardiaMobile six-lead device could be more acceptable than the 12-lead electrocardiogram to some patients. This assessment considered whether the KardiaMobile six-lead device has the potential to provide an effective and safe alternative to 12-lead electrocardiogram for initial assessment and monitoring of the risk of heart problems in people taking antipsychotic medications. Based on the available evidence, it remains unclear whether KardiaMobile six-lead has adequately demonstrated sufficient evidence of potential advantage(s) over current practice to justify further research to inform assessment of its clinical effectiveness and cost effectiveness. Our report provides detailed recommendations about the research needed, to provide further information about potential benefits so that a decision can be made about whether it should be used in the NHS in England, after further research has been completed. Scientific summary Background The primary indication for this assessment is the use of the KardiaMobile six-lead (6L) electrocardiogram (ECG) device for the assessment of QT interval-based cardiac risk in service users prior to the initiation of antipsychotic medications, which are associated with an established risk of QT interval prolongation, and for monitoring QT interval-based cardiac risk once medication has been established. Current UK guidance recommends that a person should be offered an ECG before starting antipsychotic medication if: specified in the drug’s summary of product characteristics or a physical examination has identified specific cardiovascular risk or there is a family history of cardiovascular disease, sudden collapse or other cardiovascular risk factors such as arrhythmia or the service user is being admitted as an inpatient. This early value assessment (EVA) considers the potential clinical effectiveness of using KardiaMobile 6L for the initial assessment (triage) of QT interval-based cardiac risk in service users prior to the initiation of antipsychotic medications, which are associated with an established risk of QT interval prolongation, and for monitoring QT interval-based cardiac risk once medication has been established. The assessment of KardiaMobile 6L as a triage step means that patients with QT prolongation, identified by KardiaMobile 6L, would be followed up using 12-lead ECG; this would be the case both for assessment prior to the initiation of antipsychotic medications and for monitoring QT interval-based cardiac risk once medication has been established. There may be additional circumstances where follow-up 12-lead ECG is required, for example where the KardiaMobile 6L readout is considered to be of insufficient quality for clinical decision-making. Objectives The overall aim of this project was to provide a comprehensive summary of all available evidence that may be relevant to the potential implementation of KardiaMobile 6L, in the context of QT interval-based cardiac risk assessment for service users who require antipsychotic medication. We defined a series of research questions that would need to be addressed, to support a full assessment of the clinical effectiveness and cost effectiveness of using KardiaMobile 6L for the initial assessment (triage) of QT interval-based cardiac risk in service users prior to the initiation of antipsychotic medications which are associated with an established risk of QT interval prolongation, and for monitoring QT interval-based cardiac risk once medication has been established: What is the accuracy/technical performance of KardiaMobile 6L, where prolonged corrected QT interval (QTc), determined by 12-lead ECG (the reference standard method) is the target condition? What are the clinical effects (on cardiac and psychiatric outcomes) of using KardiaMobile 6L for the initial assessment (triage) of QT interval-based cardiac risk in service users taking antipsychotic medications that are associated with QT prolongation, both for baseline assessment before initiating medication and for ongoing monitoring, compared to 12-lead ECG in all patients (no triage step) or no ECG? What are the effects of using KardiaMobile 6L on service user acceptability/satisfaction and on training and workflow issues? What are the costs, from a UK NHS and Personal Social Services perspective, of using KardiaMobile 6L for the initial assessment (triage) of QT interval-based cardiac risk in service users taking antipsychotic medications that are associated with QT prolongation? What existing, published cost-effectiveness studies are available about QT interval assessment for service users who require antipsychotic medication? Given the anticipated limitations of the evidence base, this assessment used a broader scope to consider whether the KardiaMobile 6L device has the potential to provide an effective and safe alternative to 12-lead ECG for initial assessment and monitoring of QT interval-based cardiac risk in people taking antipsychotic medications. For example, the inclusion criteria for questions 1 and 3 allowed the inclusion of data for any population not just those starting or maintained on antipsychotic medications that are associated with QT prolongation, observational studies were included for all questions other than question 5, and concordance studies (a study type which cannot provide estimates of the clinical accuracy of a test) were included for question 1. The available evidence has been summarised, with consideration of its relevance to the above research questions, and a detailed description of evidence gaps where further research is needed is provided. This assessment does not include cost-effectiveness modelling, because the evidence currently available is not sufficient to support this. Methods Twenty-seven databases, including MEDLINE and EMBASE, research registers, conference proceedings and a pre-print resource were searched for relevant studies from inception to April/May 2022. Search results were screened for relevance independently by two reviewers. Full-text inclusion assessment, data extraction and quality assessment were conducted by one reviewer and checked by a second. The methodological quality of included technical validation studies was assessed using relevant components of QUADAS-2. No formal quality assessment was applied to the other study types (case series) included in this report. We did not consider formal assessment of methodological quality or risk of bias to be appropriate for non-research study pilot project reports; however, our report includes a qualitative summary of the key issues, with respect to the reliability of the information provided by these reports to address the aims of this EVA. Meta-analysis was considered inappropriate, due to the small number of included studies and wide variation in study design, study populations and outcomes reported; we therefore employed a narrative synthesis. The results section of this report is structured by research question. Results The evidence to inform this EVA of KardiaMobile 6L, for use in the context of QT interval-based cardiac risk assessment for service users who require antipsychotic medication, was extremely limited. We did not identify any studies, which addressed any of the five research questions defined for this EVA, in the target population (service users who require antipsychotic medication). All eight included studies were technical validation studies or case series, which reported some limited information about agreement between QT interval measurements derived from KardiaMobile 6L and 12-lead ECG. All of these studies were conducted in non-psychiatric populations [e.g. cardiac patients, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients], and all used cardiologists to interpret all ECGs and, in some instances, also applied optimised methods of interpreting ECGs (multiple reader assessment). Where reported or calculable, the mean difference in QTc between devices (12-lead ECG vs. KardiaMobile 6L) was generally small (≤ 10 ms) and QTc measured using KardiaMobile 6L was consistently lower than that measured by 12-lead ECG. However, it should be noted that none of the included studies provided any information to indicate in how many (if any) patients observed differences in measured QTc would have resulted in a change of clinical category. All the information about the use of KardiaMobile 6L in the context of QT interval-based cardiac risk assessment for service users who require antipsychotic medication, included in this EVA report, was taken from two unpublished pilot project reports. It is important to note that both these project reports relate to work undertaken as part of a wider Academic Health Science Network (AHSN) pilot, which was not intended to be used in wider evaluations of KardiaMobile 6L for use in the NHS. Both reports included information from surveys of staff and service users, which indicated that the use of KardiaMobile 6L may be associated with reductions in the time taken to complete an ECG and costs, relative to 12-lead ECG, and that KardiaMobile 6L was preferred over 12-lead ECG by almost all of the staff and service users who responded. It should be noted that estimates of the time taken to complete an ECG were based on opinion, retrospectively obtained from staff who had chosen to use KardiaMobile 6L during the pilot period, rather than real-world measurement of actual time taken. It should also be noted that estimates of overall potential cost savings associated with KardiaMobile 6L did not include the costs of any follow-up 12-lead ECGs required. Conclusions As anticipated during the scoping phase of this assessment and reflected in the decision to undertake an EVA, there is insufficient evidence to support a full diagnostic assessment evaluating the clinical and cost effectiveness of KardiaMobile 6L, in the context of QT interval-based cardiac risk assessment for service users who require antipsychotic medication. The evidence to inform the aims of this EVA (i.e. to assess whether the device has the potential to be clinically effective and cost-effective) was also limited. This report includes a comprehensive list of research recommendations, both to reduce the uncertainty around this EVA and to provide the additional data needed to inform a full diagnostic assessment, including cost-effectiveness modelling. Study registration This study is registered as PROSPERO CRD42022336695. Funding This award was funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Evidence Synthesis programme (NIHR award ref: NIHR135520) and is published in full in Health Technology Assessment; Vol. 28, No. 19. See the NIHR Funding and Awards website for further award information.

Abstract Background Sedentary lifestyle is a major risk factor for noncommunicable diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, cancer and diabetes. It has been estimated that approximately 3.2 million deaths each year are attributable to insufficient levels of physical activity. We evaluated the available evidence from Cochrane systematic reviews (CSRs) on the effectiveness of exercise/physical activity for various health outcomes. Methods Overview and meta-analysis. The Cochrane Library was searched from 01.01.2000 to issue 1, 2019. No language restrictions were imposed. Only CSRs of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) were included. Both healthy individuals, those at risk of a disease, and medically compromised patients of any age and gender were eligible. We evaluated any type of exercise or physical activity interventions; against any types of controls; and measuring any type of health-related outcome measures. The AMSTAR-2 tool for assessing the methodological quality of the included studies was utilised. Results Hundred and fifty CSRs met the inclusion criteria. There were 54 different conditions. Majority of CSRs were of high methodological quality. Hundred and thirty CSRs employed meta-analytic techniques and 20 did not. Limitations for studies were the most common reasons for downgrading the quality of the evidence. Based on 10 CSRs and 187 RCTs with 27,671 participants, there was a 13% reduction in mortality rates risk ratio (RR) 0.87 [95% confidence intervals (CI) 0.78 to 0.96]; I 2 = 26.6%, [prediction interval (PI) 0.70, 1.07], median effect size (MES) = 0.93 [interquartile range (IQR) 0.81, 1.00]. Data from 15 CSRs and 408 RCTs with 32,984 participants showed a small improvement in quality of life (QOL) standardised mean difference (SMD) 0.18 [95% CI 0.08, 0.28]; I 2 = 74.3%; PI -0.18, 0.53], MES = 0.20 [IQR 0.07, 0.39]. Subgroup analyses by the type of condition showed that the magnitude of effect size was the largest among patients with mental health conditions. Conclusion There is a plethora of CSRs evaluating the effectiveness of physical activity/exercise. The evidence suggests that physical activity/exercise reduces mortality rates and improves QOL with minimal or no safety concerns. Trial registration Registered in PROSPERO ( CRD42019120295 ) on 10th January 2019.

Digital health education is a new approach that is receiving increasing attention with advantages such as scalability and flexibility of education. This study employed a Cochrane review approach to assess the evidence for the effectiveness of health professions’ digital education in dermatology to improve knowledge, skills, attitudes and satisfaction. Twelve trials (n = 955 health professionals) met our eligibility criteria. Nine studies evaluated knowledge; of those two reported that digital education improved the outcome. Five studies evaluated skill; of those 3 studies stated that digital education improved this outcome whereas 2 showed no difference when compared with control. Of the 5 studies measuring learners’ satisfaction, 3 studies claimed high satisfaction scores. Two studies reported that when compared with traditional education, digital education had little effect on satisfaction. The evidence for the effectiveness of digital health education in dermatology is mixed and the overall findings are inconclusive, mainly because of the predominantly very low quality of the evidence. More methodologically robust research is needed to further inform clinicians and policymakers.

Abstract Background There will be a lack of 18 million healthcare workers by 2030. Multiplying the number of well-trained healthcare workers through innovative ways such as eLearning is highly recommended in solving this shortage. However, high heterogeneity of learning outcomes in eLearning systematic reviews reveals a lack of consistency and agreement on core learning outcomes in eLearning for medical education. In addition, there seems to be a lack of validity evidence for measurement instruments used in these trials. This undermines the credibility of these outcome measures and affects the ability to draw accurate and meaningful conclusions. The aim of this research is to address this issue by determining the choice of outcomes, measurement instruments and the prevalence of measurement instruments with validity evidence in randomised trials on eLearning for pre-registration medical education. Methods We will conduct a systematic mapping and review to identify the types of outcomes, the kinds of measurement instruments and the prevalence of validity evidence among measurement instruments in eLearning randomised controlled trials (RCTs) in pre-registration medical education. The search period will be from January 1990 until August 2017. We will consider studies on eLearning for health professionals’ education. Two reviewers will extract and manage data independently from the included studies. Data will be analysed and synthesised according to the aim of the review. Discussion Appropriate choice of outcomes and measurement tools is essential for ensuring high-quality research in the field of eLearning and eHealth. The results of this study could have positive implications for other eHealth interventions, including (1) improving quality and credibility of eLearning research, (2) enhancing the quality of digital medical education and (3) informing researchers, academics and curriculum developers about the types of outcomes and validity evidence for measurement instruments used in eLearning studies. The protocol aspires to assist in the advancement of the eLearning research field as well as in the development of high-quality healthcare professionals’ digital education. Systematic review registration PROSPERO CRD42017068427

Abstract Background Our aims were to evaluate critically the evidence from systematic reviews as well as narrative reviews of the effects of melatonin (MLT) on health and to identify the potential mechanisms of action involved. Methods An umbrella review of the evidence across systematic reviews and narrative reviews of endogenous and exogenous (supplementation) MLT was undertaken. The Oxman checklist for assessing the methodological quality of the included systematic reviews was utilised. The following databases were searched: MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, CENTRAL, PsycINFO and CINAHL. In addition, reference lists were screened. We included reviews of the effects of MLT on any type of health-related outcome measure. Results Altogether, 195 reviews met the inclusion criteria. Most were of low methodological quality (mean -4.5, standard deviation 6.7). Of those, 164 did not pool the data and were synthesised narratively (qualitatively) whereas the remaining 31 used meta-analytic techniques and were synthesised quantitatively. Seven meta-analyses were significant with P values less than 0.001 under the random-effects model. These pertained to sleep latency, pre-operative anxiety, prevention of agitation and risk of breast cancer. Conclusions There is an abundance of reviews evaluating the effects of exogenous and endogenous MLT on health. In general, MLT has been shown to be associated with a wide variety of health outcomes in clinically and methodologically heterogeneous populations. Many reviews stressed the need for more high-quality randomised clinical trials to reduce the existing uncertainties.

In this study, the authors develop an exploratory synthesis of two major health concepts: Antonovsky's sense of coherence and Bandura's beliefs in one's own efficacy. Reinterpretation of each study in the light of the other can lead to greater conceptual development and expand existing knowledge. The mutual themes are presented with an explanation of their contribution to broader conceptual discussions. The existence of some similarities between the two concepts is suggested. Researchers can obtain valuable and additional arguments through cross-fertilization of ideas across presented studies united by shared assumptions. Further research is recommended among various age groups and social backgrounds in order to verify the possible benefits of such theoretical development. Theoretical and practical implications of such a synthesis are presented.

Objectives To summarise and critically evaluate the evidence from randomised clinical trials (RCTs) of t'ai chi as a treatment for patients with osteoarthritis (OA).Design Eleven databases were searched from their inception to July 2010. RCTs testing t'ai chi against any type of controls in human patients with OA localised in any joints that assessed any type of clinical outcome measures were considered. Two reviewers independently performed the selection of the studies, data abstraction and validations. The risk of bias was assessed using Cochrane criteria.Results Nine RCTs met the inclusion criteria, and most of them had significant methodological weaknesses. Six RCTs tested the effects of t'ai chi compared with that of an attention-control programme, a waiting list and routine care or self-help programmes in patients with OA in the knee. The meta-analysis suggested that t'ai chi has favourable effects on pain (n=256; standard mean difference (SMD), −0.79; 95% CI −1.19 to −0.39; p=0.0001; I2=55%), physical function (n=256; SMD, −0.86; 95% CI −1.20 to −0.52; p

Background: The World Health Organization states that 35% of women experience domestic violence at least once during their lifetimes. However, approximately 80% of health professionals have never received any training on management of this major public health concern.Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of health professions digital education on domestic violence compared to that of traditional ways or no intervention.Methods: Seven electronic databases were searched for randomized controlled trials from January 1990 to August 2017. The Cochrane Handbook guideline was followed, and studies reporting the use of digital education interventions to educate health professionals on domestic violence management were included.Results: Six studies with 631 participants met our inclusion criteria. Meta-analysis of 5 studies showed that as compared to control conditions, digital education may improve knowledge (510 participants and 5 studies; standardized mean difference [SMD] 0.67, 95% CI 0.38-0.95; I2=59%; low certainty evidence), attitudes (339 participants and 3 studies; SMD 0.67, 95% CI 0.25-1.09; I2=68%; low certainty evidence), and self-efficacy (174 participants and 3 studies; SMD 0.47, 95% CI 0.16-0.77; I2=0%; moderate certainty evidence).Conclusions: Evidence of the effectiveness of digital education on health professionals' understanding of domestic violence is promising. However, the certainty of the evidence is predominantly low and merits further research. Given the opportunity of scaled transformative digital education, both further research and implementation within an evaluative context should be prioritized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The aim of this article is to summarize and critically evaluate the evidence from systematic reviews (SRs) of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) for lowering blood lipid levels (BLL).Methods: Eight electronic databases were searched until March 2016. Additionally, all the retrieved references were inspected manually for further relevant papers. Systematic reviews were considered eligible, if they included patients of any age and/or gender with elevated blood lipid levels using any type of CAM. We used the Oxman and AMSTAR criteria to critically appraise the methodological quality of the included SRs.Results: Twenty-seven SRs were included in the analyses. The majority of the SRs were of high methodological quality (mean Oxman score=4.81, SD=4.88; and the mean AMSTAR score=7.22, SD=3.38). The majority of SRs (56%) arrived at equivocal conclusions (of these 8 were of high quality); 7 SRs (37%) arrived at positive conclusions (of these 6 were of high quality), and 2 (7%) arrived at negative conclusions (both were of high quality). There was conflicting evidence regarding the effectiveness of garlic; and promising evidence for yoga.Conclusions: To conclude, the evidence from SRs evaluating the effectiveness of CAM in lowering BLL is predominantly equivocal and confusing. Several limitations exist, such as variety of doses and preparations, confounding effects of diets and lifestyle factors, or heterogeneity of the primary trials among others. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVES: To critically evaluate the effectiveness of yoga as a treatment of hypertension. METHODS: Seventeen databases were searched from their inceptions to January 2014. Randomized clinical trials (RCTs) were included, if they evaluated yoga against any type of control in patients with any form of arterial hypertension. Risk of bias was estimated using the Cochrane criteria. Three independent reviewers performed the selection of studies, data extraction, and quality assessments. RESULTS: Seventeen trials met the inclusion criteria. Only two RCTs were of acceptable methodological quality. Eleven RCTs suggested that yoga leads to a significantly greater reduction in systolic blood pressure (SBP) compared to various forms of pharmacotherapy, breath awareness or reading, health education, no treatment (NT), or usual care (UC). Eight RCTs suggested that yoga leads to a significantly greater reduction in diastolic blood pressure (DBP) or night-time DBP compared to pharmacotherapy, NT, or UC. Five RCTs indicated that yoga had no effect on SBP compared to dietary modification (DIM), enhanced UC, passive relaxation (PR), or physical exercises (PE). Eight RCTs indicated that yoga had no effect on DBP compared to DIM, enhanced UC, pharmacotherapy, NT, PE, PR, or breath awareness or reading. One RCT did not report between-group comparisons. CONCLUSION: The evidence for the effectiveness of yoga as a treatment of hypertension is encouraging but inconclusive. Further, more rigorous trials seem warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article examines the efficacy of the supplementation of the soluble fiber, glucomannan, in reducing human body weight and body mass index (BMI) using data from randomized clinical trials (RCTs). Findings reveal no evidence of glucomannan intake generating statistically substantial weight loss, thus the need for more thorough future trials.

Abstract: Large proportions of women have turned to complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) for relief from their menopausal symptoms. This highlights the need for more rigorous research into CAM. This article is aimed at critically reviewing surveys that examine the prevalence of CAM use by menopausal women worldwide. Eleven databases were searched for peer-reviewed surveys published in any language between 01 January 2000 and 27 October 2012. The bibliographies of the retrieved articles and relevant book chapters were also hand searched. Twenty-six surveys were identified, and they included a total of 32,465 menopausal women. The majority of these surveys were of poor methodological quality. Based on 6 surveys, 32.9% of women stated they were current/regular CAM users. Based on 9 surveys, 50.5% of women reported that they used CAM specifically for their menopausal symptoms. The average 12-month prevalence of CAM use was 47.7% (range: 33.1–56.2). Fifty-five percent of women did not disclose their use of CAM to their healthcare professional. The majority of women sought information about CAM from the media. The most popular CAM modality was herbal medicine, followed by soy/phytoestrogens, evening primrose oil, relaxation and yoga. There are a large number of predominantly low-quality surveys monitoring the prevalence of CAM use among menopausal women worldwide. The available evidence suggests that the prevalence of CAM use is high. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Aims This systematic review is aimed at assessing surveys which monitor the prevalence of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use by climacteric women living in the UK. Method Five databases were searched for English-language, peer-reviewed surveys published between 1 January 2000 and 7 October 2011. In addition, the bibliographies of key articles, relevant book chapters and our own departmental files were hand-searched. Results Three surveys were found and they included a total of 3742 climacteric women. All of these surveys were of poor methodological quality. The average prevalence of CAM use was 57.25%. Based on two surveys, 56% of women mentioned they were regular CAM users. The average perceived effectiveness of CAM was 72%. Conclusions There is a paucity of high-quality surveys monitoring the prevalence of CAM use by UK climacteric women. The available evidence suggests that the prevalence of CAM use amongst climacteric women is high. Due to the low methodological quality and paucity of the primary data, these results should be interpreted with caution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AIMS: The objective of this systematic review was to assess the effectiveness of spinal manipulations as treatment option for tension type headaches. METHODS: Eight databases were searched from their inception to May 2011. All randomized trials were considered, if they investigated spinal manipulations performed by any type of healthcare professional for treating tension type headaches in human subjects. The selection of studies, data extraction, and validation were performed independently by two reviewers. The Cochrane tool and the Jadad score were used to assess methodological quality of trials. RESULTS: Five randomized clinical trials (RCTs) met the inclusion criteria. Their methodological quality was mostly high and ranged between 2 and 4 on the Jadad score. Four RCTs suggested that spinal manipulations are more effective than drug therapy, spinal manipulation plus placebo, sham spinal manipulation plus amitriptyline or sham spinal manipulation plus placebo, usual care or no intervention. One RCT showed no difference in daily hours of headache, pain intensity, and daily analgesic use compared to soft tissue therapy plus placebo laser. CONCLUSIONS: The evidence that spinal manipulation alleviates tension type headaches is encouraging, but inconclusive. The low quantity of the available data prevent firm conclusion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]