Osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the most common causes for chronic joint pain in canine patients. The objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis study was to determine whether Tui-na can be an effective treatment for osteoarthritis when performed alone or part of a multi-modal approach. All studies using Tui-na as a treatment for OA published in peer-reviewed journals were considered in initial search results. To be included in the meta-analysis, the study must have reported statistical results associated with one of the following endpoints: 1) relief of pain; 2) improvement of mobility; 3) improved quality of life. There were 10 articles in experimental OA animal models and 18 in human clinical studies that met inclusion criteria. Overall p-value on experimental OA animal model studies was 4.47×10-11, suggesting that Tui-na treatments were significantly effective when compared to model control animals not receiving treatments. Overall p-value on human studies was 6.74×10-13, also suggesting that Tui-na treatments can be effective for treating OA-related diseases in human patients. With treatment effective rate available in 14 human studies, meta-analysis performed with effect size model revealed a significant overall group effect (p = 6.72×10-10), suggesting patients treated with Tui-na can have a higher effective rate than those treated without receiving Tui-na. The positive results on experimental model and human clinical studies indicate that Tui-na treatments have potential to be an effective treatment option for veterinary patients with OA conditions.
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