Acupuncture Treatment for Restless Legs Syndrome: A Review of Randomized Controlled Trials

• Published in: Journal of acupuncture research Vol. 40; no. 4; pp. 308 - 318
• Main Authors: Chae, Go Eun, Kim, Hyun Woo, Jo, Hye Jeong, Koh, Ahra, Lee, Young Jin, Choi, Ji Eun, Kim, Woo Young
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: MEDrang Inc 01.11.2023; 대한침구의학회
• Subjects: acupuncture; randomized controlled trials; restless legs syndrome; 한의학
• ISSN: 2586-288X; 2586-2898
• DOI: 10.13045/jar.2023.00206

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.