Zhang Hongkun, Zhu Luwen, Wu Minmin, Song Wenjing, Li Jinting, Tang Qiang, Zhang Jiongliang
Department of Tuina, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, China.
Rehabilitation Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, China.
Front Psychiatry. 2025 Apr 25;16:1548878. doi: 10.3389/fpsyt.2025.1548878. eCollection 2025.
Cognitive impairment (CI) is becoming more common in the older population (≥60 years old) and has become a burden and challenge in an aging society. Acupressure is a non-invasive, safe, and cost-effective modality in Chinese medicine. Its therapeutic effects are achieved by stimulating specific points to restore balance in the flow of qi along the meridians, thereby enhancing the physiological functions of body systems and organs. This study aimed to conduct a meta-analysis to evaluate the effects of acupressure on cognitive function, mood, and activities of living (ADL) in older adults with CI.
A comprehensive database search was performed using PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Sinomed, CNKI, Wanfang, and VIP databases to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigating the effects of acupressure versus non-acupressure in elderly patients with CI. We searched on June 6, 2024 for trials that met our predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria from database construction to the present. An additional search was conducted from June 6, 2024 to March 16, 2025. Data were extracted, the literature was reviewed, and the methodological quality of the included trials was assessed. A meta-analysis was performed using StataSE version 16.
The meta-analysis included 1,149 patients from 15 RCTs. Results showed that compared with the control group, cognition (mean difference [MD] = 2.36, 95% confidence interval = 1.71 to 3.00, P < 0.001, I² = 41.8%), agitation (MD = -1.51, 95% confidence interval = -2.52 to -0.50, P = 0.003, I² = 0%) and depression (standardized mean difference [SMD] = -1. 33, 95% confidence interval = -1.80 to -0.86, P < 0.001, I² = 32.2%) improved. However, no significant differences were observed in ADL.
This systematic review provides valuable evidence for using acupressure to improve cognitive function and mood in older adults with CI. In the future, acupressure may improve cognition and mood in this demographic. More studies on acupressure are needed to generate stronger and more robust evidence.
PROSPERO, identifier: CRD42024556579.
认知障碍（CI）在老年人群（≥60岁）中越来越普遍，已成为老龄化社会的一项负担和挑战。穴位按压是中医中一种非侵入性、安全且经济高效的治疗方式。其治疗效果是通过刺激特定穴位来恢复经络中气血运行的平衡，从而增强身体系统和器官的生理功能。本研究旨在进行一项荟萃分析，以评估穴位按压对患有CI的老年人认知功能、情绪和日常生活活动（ADL）的影响。
使用PubMed、Embase、Cochrane图书馆、Web of Science、中国生物医学文献数据库、中国知网、万方和维普数据库进行全面的数据库检索，以识别调查穴位按压与非穴位按压对老年CI患者影响的随机对照试验（RCT）。我们于2024年6月6日搜索了从数据库建立到目前符合我们预先定义的纳入和排除标准的试验。另外在2024年6月6日至2025年3月16日进行了一次检索。提取数据，审查文献，并评估纳入试验的方法学质量。使用StataSE 16版本进行荟萃分析。
荟萃分析纳入了来自15项RCT的1149名患者。结果显示，与对照组相比，认知（平均差[MD]=2.36，95%置信区间=1.71至3.00，P<0.001，I²=41.8%）、激越（MD=-1.51，95%置信区间=-2.52至-0.50，P=0.003，I²=0%）和抑郁（标准化平均差[SMD]=-1.33，95%置信区间=-1.80至-0.86，P<0.001，I²=32.2%）有所改善。然而，在ADL方面未观察到显著差异。
本系统评价为使用穴位按压改善患有CI的老年人的认知功能和情绪提供了有价值的证据。未来，穴位按压可能改善该人群的认知和情绪。需要更多关于穴位按压的研究来产生更强有力和更可靠的证据。
PROSPERO，标识符：CRD42024556579。
