Acupoint stimulation techniques show potential in relieving fatigue, improving neurological function, and enhancing the quality of life for those with multiple sclerosis.
For the methodology, eight databases were extensively searched up until August 3rd, 2025 to gather relevant publications. The focus was on randomized controlled trials that compared different acupoint stimulation therapies such as acupuncture, electroacupuncture, moxibustion, acupressure, and acupoint injection for treating multiple sclerosis. To thoroughly examine the impacts of the different treatments, Bayesian network meta-analysis was employed. This helped evaluate the influence of various therapies on scores from the Expanded Disability Status Scale, Fatigue Severity Scale, the Barthel index, and response rates.
The results brought to light that electroacupuncture combined with acupoint injection was the most effective at improving neurological function. For fatigue relief, acupressure therapy performed the best whereas electroacupuncture mixed with acupoint injection showed the highest efficacy in improving daily life activities. The study highlights the value of using acupoint stimulation therapy in tandem with standard pharmacological treatments to lessen fatigue and enhance neurological function and life quality in MS patients. Despite this, the findings should be interpreted carefully due to the methodological limitations and clinical variations among the different interventions studied.
