Western Medical Acupuncture Perception and Use for Pain Management Among Athletes: A Systematic Review

Area of Science:

• Sports Medicine
• Pain Management
• Complementary Therapies

Background:

• Athletes and healthcare providers increasingly seek evidence-based pain management strategies.
• Western medical acupuncture, rooted in biomedical principles, offers a potential therapeutic option.
• Understanding its adoption and perception in sports is crucial for optimizing athlete care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review the utilization and perceptions of Western medical acupuncture for pain management in athletes.
• To assess the prevalence of acupuncture prescription by healthcare professionals and its use by athletes.
• To evaluate the attitudes of both athletes and providers towards acupuncture's effectiveness.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review adhering to PRISMA guidelines.
• Searched major databases (PubMed, Web of Science, etc.) from inception to July 2023.
• Included 11 observational studies and clinical trials focusing on Western medical acupuncture for pain.

Main Results:

• Prescription rates of Western medical acupuncture varied significantly by country (15.4%–58.4%) among sports medicine professionals.
• Athlete use ranged from 2.2% to 61%, targeting delayed-onset soreness and musculoskeletal injuries.
• Both athletes and healthcare providers reported positive perceptions regarding acupuncture's effectiveness.

Conclusions:

• A significant research gap exists in understanding Western medical acupuncture's practice and perception in sports.
• Findings indicate widespread use and positive reception of acupuncture for diverse athletic pain conditions.
• Western medical acupuncture warrants consideration as a safe and effective complementary approach in sports pain management.