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Efficacy of non-pharmacological interventions for primary dysmenorrhoea: a systematic review and Bayesian network meta-analysis

Xing-Lin Li, Xin-Yu Hao, Jian-Hua Liu, Jian-peng Huang

BMJ evidence-based medicine, 2024

41 citations

Abstract

Objectives To assess the relative benefits of various non-pharmacological interventions on treating primary dysmenorrhoea within a network meta-analysis. Study design Systematic review and Bayesian network meta-analysis. Inclusion criteria Randomised controlled trial involving patient with primary dysmenorrhoea and received non-pharmacological interventions. Data sources Four databases (Medline, Embase, Cochrane Library and Web of Science) were searched from inception to October first, 2022. Risk-of-bias (RoB) assessment RoB 2.0 assessment tools was used to assess the risk of bias in the included studies. Synthesis of results Conventional meta-analysis was conducted by pairwise comparison between non-pharmacological therapy and control treatment. The Bayesian network meta-analysis was conducted by the Aggregate Data Drug Information System Software based on the consistency or inconsistency model, and rank probability was used to indicate the priority of non-pharmacological therapy. Results 33 studies involving eight non-pharmacological interventions were included. With regard to conventional meta-analysis, we selected Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) as primary outcome to evaluate the pain intensity. The result showed that eight interventions (Exercise, Herb, Acupuncture, Aromatherapy, Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation, Topical heat, Acupressure, Yoga) displayed positive effect on reduction of menstrual pain compared with placebo or no treatment. A Bayesian network…

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