Tuina plus acupuncture for post-stroke depression: A protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis

Area of Science:

• Integrative Medicine
• Neurology
• Psychiatry

Background:

• Post-stroke depression (PSD) affects approximately 33% of stroke survivors, representing a significant mental health challenge.
• Tuina and acupuncture are commonly used together for PSD, but their synergistic effects lack comprehensive meta-analysis.
• This systematic review addresses the need to evaluate the combined efficacy of Tuina and acupuncture for PSD.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review and meta-analyze randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on Tuina combined with acupuncture for treating PSD.
• To estimate the overall effectiveness and safety of this combined intervention.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive search of multiple electronic databases (PubMed, Cochrane, Embase, Web of Science, Medline, CNKI, etc.) was conducted for articles published up to April 2021.
• Included were RCTs in Chinese and English comparing Tuina plus acupuncture to control groups for PSD.
• Data were extracted and quality assessed by two independent researchers, with meta-analysis performed using RevMan V.5.4, employing fixed or random effect models based on heterogeneity.

Main Results:

• The study synthesizes high-quality evidence on the effectiveness and safety of Tuina for post-stroke depression.
• Primary outcomes included the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS) and effective rate.
• Secondary outcomes encompassed the Post-Stroke Depression Rating Scale (PSDRS), Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), and adverse event incidence.

Conclusions:

• This systematic review and meta-analysis will provide crucial evidence regarding the efficacy and safety of combining Tuina and acupuncture for patients suffering from post-stroke depression.
• The findings aim to inform clinical practice and guide treatment decisions for PSD management.