Acupuncture can decrease pain and improve depression and fatigue when used to treat fibromyalgia syndrome.
This study searched eight databases to identify randomized controlled trials that tested the use of acupuncture in fibromyalgia syndrome treatments. The risk of bias in the studies was assessed using a tool called ROB 2, and the heterogeneity among the studies was detected through a certain test. Subgroup analysis was used to identify the sources of this heterogeneity. Finally, sensitivity analysis was performed to measure the stability of the results, and a meta-analysis using statistical software was carried out.
In the results, 17 studies, encompassing 1,066 patients, were included. The meta-analysis showed significant improvements in pain levels, depression, and fatigue, reflecting an overall lowering of what is referred to as the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire score in the patient groups that underwent acupuncture. However, improvements in sleep quality within these groups were found to not be significant.
