Motion Style Acupuncture Treatment for Acute Lumbar Sprain: a Protocol for Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Abstract Background: Acute lumbar sprain is a common cause of acute low back pain. Motion style acupuncture treatment (MSAT; a combination of acupuncture and motion therapy) has been used for patients with acute lumbar sprain, but evidence of its efficacy is inconsistent. The aim of this systematic review with meta-analysis is to determine the effectiveness and security of motion style acupuncture treatment (MSAT) for acute lumbar sprain and to determine whether long-term effectiveness exists.Methods: Eight databases will be searched, including PubMed, SoniMed, Cochrane Library, EMBAS, Springer, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang date, and Chinese Biomedical Literature Database from inception to February 1, 2021, will be restricted to English and Chinese. Methodologic quality was independently screened and graded by two blind reviewers using the Cochrane Collaborative bias risk tool. Meta-analysis was performed in at least three studies, and sub-group and sensitivity analyses were conducted when I2>50%. When the quantitative evaluation is not available, we will provide a qualitative description of the results of the individual study.Discussion: The conclusion of this protocol will provide evidence to judge the potential benefits of motion style acupuncture and conduct clinical decision-making for acute lumbar sprain treatment.Systematic review registration: A protocol had been registered in PROSPERO CRD42020192876.