Efficacy of acupuncture in subpopulations with functional constipation: A protocol for a systematic review and individual patient data meta-analysis.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Several systematic reviews have suggested that acupuncture is effective against functional constipation, but it is unknown whether variations in treatment effect across subgroups remain consistent. Our purpose of this study is to explore the heterogeneity of treatment effect of acupuncture on functional constipation across subgroups.

Methods

We will search eleven English and Chinese electronic databases and three clinical trial registries from inception to December 2021. Randomized controlled trials that evaluate acupuncture compared with sham acupuncture or no treatment for functional constipation will be eligible if they report at least one primary outcome. The primary outcomes will include the change in weekly complete spontaneous bowel movements or spontaneous

SUBMITTER: Chen C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9004736 | biostudies-literature | 2022

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature