Taurine reduces the risk for metabolic syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

BACKGROUND: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a cluster of interconnected risk factors that significantly increase the likelihood of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. Taurine has emerged as a potential therapeutic agent for MetS. This meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) aimed to evaluate the effects of taurine supplementation on MetS-related parameters. METHODS: We conducted electronic searches through databases like Embase, PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane CENTRAL, and ClinicalTrials.gov, encompassing publications up to December 1, 2023. Our analysis focused on established MetS diagnostic criteria, including systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), fasting blood glucose (FBG), triglyceride (TG), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C). Meta-regression explored potential dose-dependent relationships based on the total taurine dose administered during the treatment period. We also assessed secondary outcomes like body composition, lipid profile, and glycemic control. RESULTS: Our analysis included 1024 participants from 25 RCTs. The daily dosage of taurine in the studies ranged from 0.5 g/day to 6 g/day, with follow-up periods varying between 5 and 365 days. Compared to control groups, taurine supplementation demonstrated statistically significant reductions in SBP (weighted mean difference [WMD] = -3.999 mmHg, 95% confidence interval [CI] = -7.293 to -0.706, p = 0.017), DBP (WMD = -1.509 mmHg, 95% CI = -2.479 to -0.539, p = 0.002), FBG (WMD: -5.882 mg/dL, 95% CI: -10.747 to -1.018, p = 0.018), TG (WMD: -18.315 mg/dL, 95% CI: -25.628 to -11.002, p < 0.001), but not in HDL-C (WMD: 0.644 mg/dl, 95% CI: -0.244 to 1.532, p = 0.155). Meta-regression analysis revealed a dose-dependent reduction in DBP (coefficient = -0.0108 mmHg per g, p = 0.0297) and FBG (coefficient = -0.0445 mg/dL per g, p = 0.0273). No significant adverse effects were observed compared to the control group. CONCLUSION: Taurine supplementation exhibits positive effects on multiple MetS-related factors, making it a potential dietary addition for individuals at risk of or already experiencing MetS. Future research may explore dose-optimization strategies and potential long-term benefits of taurine for MetS management.

Enhancing Overhead Throwing Ball Velocity after Core Muscle Training in Athletes: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

OBJECTIVE: This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the influence of core muscle training (CMT) on throwing ball velocity among overhead throwing athletes. DESIGN: A literature search was performed from inception to July 2023 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigating the effects of CMT on overhead throwing ball velocity. The primary outcome was the change in standing throwing ball velocity. The secondary outcome focused on the enhancement of step/jump throwing ball velocity. RESULTS: Seven RCTs were included, revealing a significant improvement in standing throwing ball-velocity in the group undergoing CMT (Hedges' g = 0.701, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.339 to 1.063, p < 0.001). Longer treatment duration and a higher frequency of CMT sessions per week contributed to improved standing throwing ball velocity. However, CMT did not show significant benefits for step (Hedge's g = 0.463, 95% CI = -0.058 to 0.985, p = 0.082) and jump throwing ball-velocity (Hedges' g = 0.550, 95% CI = -0.051 to 1.152, p = 0.073). CONCLUSION: CMT significantly enhanced standing ball throwing velocity. However, its effect on step/jump-throwing ball velocity was less certain. Further research is needed to explore the impact of CMT (especially its long-term effects) on throwing ball velocity.

Effectiveness of Lumbar Segmental Stabilization Exercises in Managing Disability and Pain Intensity Among Patients with Lumbar Spondylolysis and Spondylolisthesis: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

STUDY DESIGN: Systematic review and meta-analysis. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to assess the effectiveness of lumbar segmental stabilization exercises (LSSE) in managing spondylolysis and spondylolisthesis. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Spondylolysis and spondylolisthesis are spinal disorders associated with lumbar segmental instability. LSSE have shown positive effects in treating these conditions; however, systematic reviews and meta-analyses are lacking. METHODS: A systematic search adhering to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, including studies from the inception of the databases used up to January 2024, was conducted. Disability improvement and pain intensity change were the primary and secondary outcomes, respectively, standardized using Hedges' g. Eligible articles underwent independent scrutiny by two authors, who also performed data extraction and quality assessment. Data pooling was accomplished using a random-effects model. RESULTS: In total, five randomized controlled trials comprising 198 participants were included, revealing a trend effect toward disability improvement in the LSSE group (Hedges' g=-0.598, 95% CI=-1.211 to 0.016, P=0.056, I2=75.447%). When the LSSE was administered as a single treatment, disability improvement became significant (Hedges' g=-1.325, 95% CI=-2.598 to -0.053, P=0.041, I2=80.020%). No significant effect of LSSE on pain reduction was observed (Hedges' g=-0.496, 95% CI=-1.082 to 0.090, P=0.097, I2=73.935%). CONCLUSION: In summary, our meta-analysis suggests that LSSE can potentially improve disability, especially when used as a single treatment. LSSE appears more beneficial in reducing disability than alleviating pain. Future research on different patient groups is needed to understand comprehensively LSSE's effects on other musculoskeletal disorders.

Pain neuroscience education for reducing pain and kinesiophobia in patients with chronic neck pain: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

BACKGROUND: Chronic neck pain (CNP) is a common musculoskeletal disorder. Pain neuroscience education (PNE) is a promising nonpharmacological intervention for CNP, however, its effectiveness remains unclear. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of PNE in treating CNP. METHODS: Electronic databases from inception to February 2023 were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on the effects of PNE on CNP. The primary outcome was the change in pain intensity, and the secondary outcome was improvement in kinesiophobia, standardized using Hedges' g. Two authors independently scrutinized eligible articles, extracted data and assessed quality; a random-effects model was employed for data pooling. RESULTS: In total, seven RCTs comprising 479 participants were included and demonstrated that PNE significantly reduced pain intensity (Hedges' g = -0.730, 95% CI = -1.340 to -0.119, p = 0.019, I2 = 89.288%). Subgroup analysis revealed that the adult group experienced significant pain reduction after PNE, whereas the adolescent group did not. PNE also reduced kinesiophobia which was evaluated in four of seven RCTs (Hedges' g = -0.444, 95% CI = -0.735 to -0.154, p = 0.003, I2 = 36.822%). The meta-regression analysis indicated that an increased intervention duration contributed to greater pain reduction. No adverse events were reported following PNE or the control treatment. CONCLUSIONS: PNE effectively reduced pain intensity and kinesiophobia in patients with CNP. A longer PNE time leads to greater pain reduction and is more effective in adults than in adolescents. Further studies are required to examine the long-term effects on CNP management. SIGNIFICANCE: This is the first meta-analysis evaluating the effectiveness of treating chronic neck pain with pain neuroscience education. Pain neuroscience education is successful in reducing pain and decreasing kinesiophobia in the chronic neck pain population. Longer treatment time leads to greater pain reduction.

Neural Mobilization for Reducing Pain and Disability in Patients with Lumbar Radiculopathy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Lumbar radiculopathy causes lower back and lower extremity pain that may be managed with neural mobilization (NM) techniques. This meta-analysis aims to evaluate the effectiveness of NM in alleviating pain and reducing disability in patients with lumbar radiculopathy. We hypothesized that NM would reduce pain and improve disability in the lumbar radiculopathy population, leveraging the statistical power of multiple studies. Electronic databases from their inception up to October 2023 were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that explored the impact of NM on lumbar radiculopathy. Our primary outcome measure was the alteration in pain intensity, while the secondary one was the improvement of disability, standardized using Hedges' g. To combine the data, we employed a random-effects model. A total of 20 RCTs comprising 877 participants were included. NM yielded a significant reduction in pain intensity (Hedges' g = -1.097, 95% CI = -1.482 to -0.712, p < 0.001, I2 = 85.338%). Subgroup analyses indicated that NM effectively reduced pain, whether employed alone or in conjunction with other treatments. Furthermore, NM significantly alleviated disability, with a notable effect size (Hedges' g = -0.964, 95% CI = -1.475 to -0.453, p < 0.001, I2 = 88.550%), particularly in chronic cases. The findings provide valuable insights for clinicians seeking evidence-based interventions for this patient population. This study has limitations, including heterogeneity, potential publication bias, varied causal factors in lumbar radiculopathy, overall study quality, and the inability to explore the impact of neural pathology on NM treatment effectiveness, suggesting opportunities for future research improvements.

Muscle energy technique to reduce pain and disability in cases of non-specific neck pain: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Background: To investigate the effectiveness of muscle energy technique (MET) for treatment of non-specific neck pain (NSNP). Methods: A literature search was performed using electronic databases from their inception until October 2023 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that investigated the effects of MET on NSNP. A change in pain intensity and reduced disability were the primary and secondary outcomes, respectively, standardized using Hedges' g. A random effects model was used for data pooling. Results: This study included 26 RCTs comprising 1170 participants. The results showed that MET significantly reduced pain intensity (Hedges' g = -0.967 95 % CI = -1.417 to -0.517, p < 0.001). However, subgroup analysis revealed that this significant benefit was observed only when MET was combined with other treatments and not with MET monotherapy. MET also reduced disability (Hedges' g = -0.545, 95 % CI = -1.015 to - 0.076, p = 0.023). Meta-regression analysis showed that an increase in treatment duration/session per week contributed to greater pain reduction. No adverse events were reported following the MET. Conclusions: In conclusion, our meta-analysis suggests MET's potential effectiveness within a combined treatment for NSNP. However, the evidence's low certainty is likely influenced by bias and study variations. To strengthen these findings, future research should focus on higher-quality clinical trials, longer follow-up periods, and prediction interval presentations.