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Complementary and alternative therapies for tension-type headache: A protocol for systematic review and network
Xixi Zhai1, Sishuo Zhang1,2, Chuancheng Li1
1First College of Clinical Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Medicine
|April 21, 2021
Summary
This network meta-analysis compares complementary and alternative therapies for tension-type headache (TTH). It aims to rank treatments by efficacy and safety to guide clinical decisions for this common condition.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Evidence-Based Medicine
- Health Services Research
Background:
- Tension-type headache (TTH) is a prevalent primary headache disorder significantly impacting quality of life.
- Current pharmacological treatments for TTH often demonstrate limited effectiveness.
- A comparative analysis of various complementary and alternative therapies for TTH is lacking.
Purpose of the Study:
- To conduct a network meta-analysis comparing the efficacy and safety of diverse complementary and alternative therapies for TTH.
- To rank these interventions based on their effectiveness and safety profiles.
Main Methods:
- Systematic search for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of complementary and alternative therapies for TTH up to February 2021.
- Data extraction and risk of bias assessment using the Cochrane bias risk tool.
- Bayesian network meta-analysis using STATA16.0 and WinBUGS1.4.3, with evidence quality assessed by GRADE.
Main Results:
- The study will systematically compare and rank the efficacy of various complementary and alternative treatments for TTH.
- The safety profiles of these interventions will also be evaluated and compared.
Conclusions:
- This research is expected to provide robust evidence regarding the comparative effectiveness and safety of complementary and alternative therapies for TTH.
- Findings will aid clinicians and patients in selecting optimal treatment strategies for TTH management.
