Journal of Acupuncture Research

Korean Acupuncture & Moxibustion Medicine Society (대한침구의학회)
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Acupuncture Treatment for Restless Legs Syndrome: A Review of Randomized Controlled Trials

  • Go Eun Chae (Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion Medicine, Ulsan Jaseng Korean Medicine Hospital) ;
  • Hyun Woo Kim (Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion Medicine, Ulsan Jaseng Korean Medicine Hospital) ;
  • Hye Jeong Jo (Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion Medicine, Ulsan Jaseng Korean Medicine Hospital) ;
  • Ahra Koh (Department of Rehabilitation Medicine of Korean Medicine, Ulsan Jaseng Korean Medicine Hospital) ;
  • Young Jin Lee (Department of Rehabilitation Medicine of Korean Medicine, Ulsan Jaseng Korean Medicine Hospital) ;
  • Ji Eun Choi (Department of Rehabilitation Medicine of Korean Medicine, Ulsan Jaseng Korean Medicine Hospital) ;
  • Woo Young Kim (Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion Medicine, Ulsan Jaseng Korean Medicine Hospital)
  • Received : 2023.09.21
  • Accepted : 2023.10.23
  • Published : 2023.11.30
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Abstract

To determine the effectiveness of acupuncture in treating restless legs syndrome (RLS), we conducted a literature review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that utilized acupuncture as an intervention for patients diagnosed with RLS. Relevant clinical studies (n = 158) from seven databases (the Cochrane Library, PubMed, Embase, CNKI, KISS, RISS, and OASIS) were included based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria and analyzed. Moreover, 6 RCTs were selected for review. In all six studies, it was indicated people who underwent acupuncture treatment showed significant improvements in their overall health. An increase in the treatment efficacy rate, sleep quality, and quality of life indicators after the acupuncture treatment was confirmed. The severity of pain as assessed using the visual analog scale (VAS) scores and International RLS Study Group Rating Scale (IRLSRS) scores and the severity of RLS symptoms were significantly reduced. Any significant side effects were not reported. Acupuncture is suggested as an effective and safe treatment method for RLS. However, further large-scale RCT studies are needed to confirm our findings.

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References

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