Moxibustion for abdominal pain in COVID-19: A protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis

Background:Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an acute respiratory infectious disease that makes breathing difficult and is often accompanied by abdominal pain and distension. Moxibustion, a special external treatment of traditional Chinese medicine, has shown beneficial effects in the treatment of abdominal pain. Currently, there is a lack of systematic reviews on moxibustion for the treatment of abdominal pain. We conduct this study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of moxibustion in the treatment of abdominal pain. This study is designed to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of moxibustion for abdominal pain in COVID-19.Methods:Randomized controlled trials from December 2019 to December 2021 will be included, without restrictions on language or publication date. PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Chinese Biomedical Databases, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang Database, and VIP Database were searched. Two researchers will independently select studies, extract data, and evaluate study quality. The Cochrane risk of bias tool for randomized trials will be used to assess the risk of bias in the included studies. Statistical analyses will be conducted using the RevMan 5.3 software.Results:This study aimed to prove the efficacy and safety of moxibustion for abdominal pain in patients with COVID-19. Our study provides a more accurate treatment method for abdominal pain during COVID-19. We will publish our results in a peer-reviewed journal.Conclusion:This study will provide more convincing evidence for clinicians to treat these conditions and help them make appropriate decisions.Ethics and dissemination:This study did not include personal information. Ethical approval was not required for this study.INPLASY registration number:INPLASY2021120104.     

Acupuncture for nasal congestion in COVID-19: A protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis

Background:From the end of 2019 to now, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has put enormous strain on the world''s health systems, causing significant deaths and economic losses worldwide. Nasal congestion, one of the symptoms of COVID-19, poses considerable problems for patients. In China, acupuncture has been widely used to treat nasal congestion caused by COVID-19, but there is still a lack of evidence-based medical evaluation.Methods:According to the retrieval strategies, randomized controlled trials on the acupuncture for COVID-19 nasal congestion were obtained from China National Knowledge Infrastructure, WanFang, VIP, PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library, regardless of publication date, or language. Studies were screened based on inclusion and exclusion criteria, and the Cochrane risk bias assessment tool was used to evaluate the quality of the studies. The meta-analysis was performed using Review Manager (RevMan 5.3) and STATA 14.2 software. Ultimately, the evidentiary grade for the results will be evaluated.Results:The study will provide a high-quality and convincing assessment of the efficacy and safety of acupuncture in the treatment of COVID-19''s nasal congestion and will be published in peer-reviewed journals.Conclusion:Our findings will provide references for future clinical decision and guidance development.PROSPERO registration number:NO.CRD42021299482.     

Moxibustion for anorexia in COVID-19: A protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis

Background:As the outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has rapidly spread over the world, the World Health Organization has declared the outbreak of COVID-19 an international public health emergency. Besides typical respiratory symptoms and signs of COVID-19, digestive symptoms and liver injury have been frequently reported during the course of the disease. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of moxibustion in the treatment of anorexia in patients with COVID-19.Methods:According to the retrieval strategies, randomized controlled trials on moxibustion therapies for C19-A will be obtained from the China National Knowledge Infrastructure, WanFang Data, Chinese Scientific Journals Database, PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library, regardless of publication date or language. Studies will be screened based on inclusion and exclusion criteria, and the Cochrane risk bias assessment tool will be used to evaluate the quality of the literature. The network meta-analysis will be performed with the Markov chain Monte Carlo method and carried out with Stata 14.2 and WinBUGS 1.4.3 software. Ultimately, the quality of the evidence obtained from the results will be evaluated.Results:This study will evaluate whether moxibustion therapy can effectively treat anorexia in patients with COVID-19.Conclusion:This study will provide evidence for whether moxibustion therapy is beneficial to the treatment of anorexia in patients with COVID-19.Trial registration number:CRD42022302499     

Assessment of the effects of Liuzijue Qigong on the lung function of COVID-19 patients during disease recovery: A protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis

Background:The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak began in late 2019 and spread rapidly throughout China and then the rest of the world. COVID-19 is a serious respiratory disease and many patients’ exhibit varying levels of persistent parenchymal lung damage. However, there is currently a lack of effective rehabilitation treatments for COVID-19 patients with lung damage. Several clinical trials have shown that Liuzijue Qigong (LQG) can enhance the strength of respiratory muscles and overall quality of life. In this study, a meta-analysis approach was used to assess the effects of LQG on the lung function of COVID-19 patients during disease recovery.Methods:Eight databases will be explored for relevant investigations including China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang, VIP, China Biology Medicine, EMBASE, PubMed, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library. All databases will be explored for articles published from inception through July 2021. Data will be extracted independently by 2 researchers according to the eligibility criteria. Finally, RevMan 5.3.0 will be implemented for statistical analyses.Results:The results of this study will show the effects of LQG on the lung function of COVID-19 patients during disease recovery and will be submitted to a peer-reviewed journal for publication.Conclusions:This study will provide reliable evidence based on the effects of LQG on the lung function of COVID-19 patients during disease recovery.Trial registration number:CRD42021268102     

The effect of dance-based mind-motor activities on the quality of life in the patients recovering from COVID-19: A protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis

Background:Since the outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), with the improvement of diagnosis and treatment level in various countries, more and more patients have been discharged after systematic treatment. In order to effectively promote the overall recovery of patients’ physical and mental function and quality of life (QOL), the focus of clinical work should be gradually shifted to rehabilitation treatment. Dance-based mind-motor activities were defined as coordinated upright mind-motor movements that emphasize dynamic balance, structured through music or an inner rhythm (e.g., breathing) and distinctive instructions or choreography, and that involve social interaction. It has positive effects on motor function, lung function, psychological mood and other aspects, so it can be used as a safe alternative therapy for patients recovering from COVID-19. At present, there are no relevant articles for systematic review.Methods:From its inception until March 2021, we will conduct a comprehensive electronic search, including Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, PubMed, Springer, EMBASE, Chinese Science Citation Database, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Chinese Biomedical Literature Database, Chinese Scientific Journal Database, Wan-fang database. Two independent researchers will conduct article retrieval, screening, quality assessment, and data analysis through the Review Manager (V. 5.3.5).Results:The results of this study will evaluate the effectiveness and safety of dance-based mind-motor activities for the improvement of QOL in COVID-19 patients during the recovery period.Conclusion:The conclusion of the study will provide an evidence to judge whether dance-based mind-motor activities is effective and safe for COVID-19 in recovery period.Ethics and dissemination:This protocol will not evaluate individual patient information or infringe patient rights and therefore does not require ethical approval.PROSPERO registration number:CRD42021232995.     

The impact of COVID-19 on college students’ physical activity: A protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis

Background:We aimed to conduct a meta-analysis to assess the impact of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) on college students’ physical activity.Methods:All cohort studies comparing college students undertaking physical exercise at school before the COVID-19 pandemic and physical exercise at home during the COVID-19 pandemic will be included in this review. We will use index words related to college students, physical exercise, and COVID-19 to perform literature searches in the PubMed, Medline, Embase, and CNKI databases, to include articles indexed as of June 20, 2021, in English and Chinese. Two reviewers will independently select trials for inclusion, assess trial quality, and extract information for each trial. The primary outcomes are exercise frequency, duration, intensity, and associated factors. Based on the Cochrane assessment tool, we will evaluate the risk of bias of the included studies. Revman 5.3 (the Cochrane collaboration, Oxford, UK) will be used for heterogeneity assessment, data synthesis, subgroup analysis, sensitivity analysis, and funnel plot generation.Result:We will discuss the impact of COVID-19 on college students’ physical activity.Conclusion:Stronger evidence about the impact of COVID-19 on college students’ physical activity will be provided to better guide teaching practice.Systematic review registration:PROSPERO CRD42021262390.     

Tai Chi for the elderly patients with COVID-19 in recovery period: A protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis

Background:The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak has caused a great impact in many countries. Older people are more susceptible to the virus than other people. As a good health exercise suitable for the elderly, Tai Chi has a positive impact on heart function, blood pressure, lung function, immunity, etc. It can enhance cardiopulmonary function, increase the elasticity of blood vessels, and improve the body''s self-regulation function. For the elder patients with COVID-19, Tai Chi has outstanding merits.Methods:We will search PubMed, EMBASE, MEDLINE, the Cochrane Library, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure, Chinese Biomedical Literature Database, Chinese Science and Technology Periodical Database, Wanfang Database, Clinical Trials and Chinese Clinical Trial Registry. The complete process will include study selection, data extraction, risk of bias assessment and meta-analyses. Endnote X9.3 will be used to manage data screening. The statistical analysis will be completed by Stata/SE 15.1 software.Results:This proposed study will evaluate the effectiveness and safety of Tai Chi for the improvement of psychological pressure, cardiopulmonary function, and immunity in elderly COVID-19 patients during the recovery period.Conclusion:The conclusion of this study will provide evidence to prove the safety and effectiveness of Tai Chi on elderly COVID-19 patients during the recovery period.Ethics and dissemination:This protocol will not evaluate individual patient information or infringe patient rights and therefore does not require ethical approval.Registration:PEROSPERO CRD42020220128     

Efficacy and safety of Shufeng Jiedu capsule in the treatment of COVID-19: A protocol for systematic review and meta analysis

Background:Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) epidemic is spreading worldwide. Shufeng Jiedu capsule (SFJDC) is a commonly used drug in the treatment of COVID-19. However, there is insufficient evidence for clinical efficacy and safety.Methods:Two authors will independently search the Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), VIP database, Wanfang database, the Cochrane Library, EMBASE, PubMed and Web of Science, in English and Chinese. All analysis will be performed based on the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions. Review Manager 5.3 and Stata 16.0 software will be used to analyze the eligible data.Results:This protocol will conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of literature listed above, and reliable outcomes about the clinical efficacy and safety of SFJDC in the treatment of COVID-19 will be obtained.Conclusions:These findings will provide guidance for clinicians and patients using SFJDC for COVID-19 treatment.PROSPERO Registration Number:CRD42020185764.     

Acupuncture for COVID-19 patient after ventilator weaning: A protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis

Background:COVID-19 has spread globally since its outbreak in late 2019. It mainly attacks people''s respiratory system. Many patients with severe COVID-19 require a ventilator to support breathing, and their lung function is often impaired to varying degrees after ventilator weaning. Acupuncture has been reported to improve respiratory function, but there is no evidence that it can improve respiratory function in ventilator users with COVID-19 after they are removed from the machine. The protocol of the systematic review and meta-analysis will clarify safety and effectiveness of acupuncture on respiratory rehabilitation after weaning from the ventilator during the treatment of COVID-19.Methods:We will search PubMed, EMBASE, MEDLINE, the Cochrane Library, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure, Chinese Biomedical Literature Database, Chinese Science and Technology Periodical Database, Wanfang Database, Clinical Trials and Chinese Clinical Trial Registry. Relevant English language and Chinese language literature will be included. A combination of subject words and free text words will be applied in the searches. The complete process will include study selection, data extraction, risk of bias assessment, and meta-analyses. We will use subgroup analysis and sensitivity analysis to explore the sources of heterogeneity if there is heterogeneity. We will use funnel charts to assess the risk of bias. Endnote X9.3 will be used to manage data screening. The statistical analysis will be completed by RevMan5.2 or Stata/SE 15.1 software.Results:This study will assess safety and effectiveness of acupuncture for rehabilitation on respiratory function after weaning from the ventilator during the treatment of COVID-19.Conclusions:The conclusion of this study will give evidence to prove safety and effectiveness of acupuncture for rehabilitation on respiratory after weaning from the ventilator during the treatment of COVID-19.Registration:PROSPERO CRD42020206889     

Prevalence and risk factors associated with repeat positive SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid test results among discharged COVID-19 patients: A protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis

Background:The COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) pandemic continues to have an immense impact on the world at large. COVID-19 patients who meet the discharge criteria, may subsequently exhibit positive viral RNA test results upon subsequent evaluation. This phenomenon has been a major source of research and public health interest, and poses a major challenge to COVID-19 prevention, treatment, and standardized patient management.Methods:We will search the PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Clinical Trials Database, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang Database, Chinese Science Journal Database, and China Biology Medicine databases for all studies published as of November 2021. Data will be extracted independently by two researchers according to the eligibility criteria. Finally, RevMan 5.3.0 will be implemented for statistical analyses.Results:The results of this study will show the prevalence and risk factors associated with repeat positive SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid test results among discharged COVID-19 patients.Conclusions:This study will provide a reliable evidence-based for the prevalence and risk factors associated with repeat positive SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid test results among discharged COVID-19 patients.Trial registration number:CRD42021272447.     

Clinical study on acupuncture treatment of COVID-19: A protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background:COVID-19 is an acute respiratory infectious disease, which makes people difficult to breathe; in addition, it is often accompanied by headache, olfaction, and taste disorders of the neurological manifestations. Acupuncture has been proved to have a therapeutic effect on various neurologic manifestations. This study is designed to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of acupuncture for the neurologic manifestations in COVID-19.Methods:Randomized controlled trials from December 2019 to July 2021 will be included without restrictions on language or publication date. PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Chinese Biomedical Databases (CBM), China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang database, and VIP database will be searched. Two researchers will independently select studies, extract data, and evaluate study quality. Cochrane risk of bias tool for randomized trials will be used to assess the risk of bias of included studies. Statistical analyses will be performed using the Review Manager V.5.3 and stata 14.0.Ethics and dissemination:This study will not involve personal information. Ethical approval will not be required. We will publish the results in a peer-reviewed journal.PROSPERO Trial registration number:CRD42021265699     

Effects of pulmonary rehabilitation training based on WeChat App on pulmonary function,adverse mood and quality of life of COVID-19 patients: A protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis

Background:Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) as a fatal epidemic has swept across the world, especially in India where the epidemic situation is the most serious. For COVID-19 patients, pulmonary rehabilitation training plays a significant role. However, it is still a controversial issue regarding the efficacy of WeChat APP-based pulmonary rehabilitation training in improving lung function, quality of life and bad mood of COVID-19 patients. To clarify this issue, a meta-analysis was conducted in this present study, so as to provide a basis for rehabilitation guidance of COVID-19 patients.Methods:We systematically searched PubMed, medRxiv, Web of Science, Scopus, Chinese Science Citation Database, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Chinese Biomedical Literature Database, Chinese Scientific Journal Database, and Wan-fang databases in May 2021 to identify randomized controlled trials and evaluate the effects of WeChat APP-based pulmonary rehabilitation training for COVID-19. Two researchers independently carried out data extraction. On the other hand, literature quality evaluation on the quality and meta-analysis of the included literature was performed with Revman5.3 software.Results:The results of this meta-analysis will be submitted to a peer-reviewed journal for publication.Conclusion:This study will provide reliable evidence-based evidence on the effects of WeChat APP-based pulmonary rehabilitation training on lung function, bad mood, and quality of life in patients with COVID-19.Ethics and dissemination:Ethical approval was not required for this study. The systematic review will be published in a peer-reviewed journal, presented at conferences, and shared on social media platforms.OSF Registration number:DOI 10.17605/OSF.IO/MKXCH.     

Acupuncture combined tuina for oculomotor paralysis: A protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis

Background:Oculomotor paralysis (OP) is a neurologic syndrome with multiple causes of oculomotor nerve and its dominant tissue and muscle dysfunction. Acupuncture combined with tuina is a wide-ranging used rehabilitation therapy, although there is short of supporting evidence for its efficacy and safety in patients with OP. The purpose of this systematic review was to estimate and synthesize evidence of the efficacy and safety of acupuncture combined with tuina in the treatment of OP.Methods:Electronic databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, Technology Journal and China Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Chinese Biomedical Literature Database, and Wanfang,adopt an appropriate search strategy. RevMan V.5.3.5 software will be used for data synthesis, bias risk, and subgroup analyses.Results:This study provides high-quality evidence to assess the effectiveness and safety of acupuncture combined with tuina for OP.Conclusion:This systematic review explores whether acupuncture combined with tuina is an effective and safe intervention for OP.Ethics and dissemination:Private information from individuals will not publish. This systematic review does not involve endangering participant rights. Ethical approval was not obtained. The results may be published in a peer-reviewed journal or disseminated at relevant conferences.PROSPERO registration number:PROSPERO CRD42021266447     

The effect of remote peer support on stigma in patients after breast cancer surgery during the COVID-19 pandemic: A protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis

Background:Patients after breast cancer surgery have a high sense of stigma due to the formation of surgical scars, loss of breast shape or other reasons, leading to anxiety, depression, and other adverse mental health problems, thus reducing their quality of life. Remote peer support intervention based on telephone, internet or email is low-cost and easy to spread, and protects patients’ privacy, solves the barriers to access that many patients face when attending face-to-face programs. Therefore, remote peer support may be an effective way to reduce stigma and improve mental health in patients after breast cancer surgery during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.Methods:Eight databases (PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, CNKI, PsycNET, MEDLINE, Psychology & Behavioral Sciences Collection and Web of Science) will be used to select eligible studies that were published from inception to May, 2021. The eligible studies will be screened, extracted and then the methodological quality will be evaluated independently by 2 reviewers. Review manager software version 5.3 software and Stata version 14.0 software will be used for meta-analysis.Results:The results of this study will show the effect of remote peer support on stigma, depression and anxiety in patients after breast cancer surgery during the COVID-19 pandemic and will be submitted to a peer-reviewed journal for publication.Conclusion:The results of this study will provide evidence for the effectiveness of remote peer support in patients after breast cancer surgery during the COVID-19 pandemic.PROSPERO registration number:CRD42021255971.     

Clinical,laboratory, and imaging features of pediatric COVID-19: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Pediatric cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) have been reported. This meta-analysis was aimed at describing the clinical, laboratory, and imaging characteristics of children with COVID-19 based on published data of pediatric COVID-19 cases.Search of PubMed, Embase, Web of Sciences, Science Direct, and Google Scholar for articles published until December 14, 2020, that described the clinical, laboratory, and imaging features of children with COVID-19. Data were extracted independently by 2 authors. Random-effects meta-analysis models were used to report pooled results.Clinical data from 2874 children with COVID-19 from 37 articles were finally included for quantitative analyses. Fever (48.5%, 95% CI: 41.4%–55.6%) and cough (40.6%, 95% CI: 33.9%–47.5%) were the most common symptoms; asymptomatic infection and severe cases, respectively, accounted for 27.7% (95% CI: 19.7%–36.4%) patients and 1.1% of the 1933 patients included. Laboratory tests showed 5.5% (95% CI: 2.8%–8.9%) of the patients had lymphopenia. The pooled prevalence of leukopenia was 7.3% (95% CI: 3.4%–12.2%), and the C-reactive protein level was high in 14.0% (95% CI: 6.8%–22.8%). Chest computed tomography showed unilateral and bilateral lesions, and ground-glass opacity in 29.4% (95% CI: 24.8%–34.3%) and 24.7% (95% CI: 18.2%–31.6%), and 32.9% (95% CI: 25.3%–40.9%), respectively, and normal in approximately 36.0% (95% CI: 27.7%–44.7%).We found that children with COVID-19 had relatively mild disease, with quite a lot of asymptomatic infections and low rate of severe illness. Data from more regions are needed to determine the prevention and treatment strategies for children with COVID-19.