Chinese Herbal Bath Therapy for the Treatment of Knee XXXX : Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

@entity1 @entity626 @entity571 @entity240 @entity158
Objective. @entity240 ( @entity240 ) has traditionally been considered to have analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects. We conducted the first meta-analysis evaluating its benefits for @entity1 with @entity626 ( @entity571 ). Methods. We searched three English and four Chinese databases through October, 2014. Randomized trials evaluating at least 2 weeks of @entity240 for knee @entity571 were selected. The effects of @entity240 on clinical symptoms included both @entity158 level (via the visual analog scale) and total effectiveness rate, which assessed @entity158 , physical performance, and wellness. We performed random-effects meta-analyses using mean difference. Results. Fifteen studies totaling 1618 subjects met eligibility criteria. Bath prescription included, on average, 13 Chinese herbs with directions to steam and wash around the knee for 20-40 minutes once or twice daily. Mean treatment duration was 3 weeks. Results from meta-analysis showed superior @entity158 improvement (mean difference = -0.59 points; 95% confidence intervals [CI], -0.83 to -0.36; p < 0.00001) and higher total effectiveness rate (risk ratio = 1.21; 95% CI, 1.15 to 1.28; p < 0.00001) when compared with standard western treatment. No serious adverse events were reported. Conclusion. @entity240 may be a safe, effective, and simple alternative treatment modality for knee @entity571 . Further rigorously designed, randomized trials are warranted.
