Acupoint Catgut Embedding Protocol for Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis

Lang Hu authored a protocol document for a systematic review and network meta-analysis on figshare. The study aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of acupoint catgut embedding for improving insulin resistance in patients with abdominal obesity. The protocol outlines a systematic search of 13 databases up to March 2026 and details methods for data synthesis and evidence grading.

Use Cases

• Conducting a systematic review of randomized controlled trials based on the described search strategy.
• Performing a network meta-analysis to rank interventions based on the SUCRA method described.
• Assessing the risk of bias in included studies using the RoB 2 tool as outlined.
• Investigating subgroup effects based on embedding depth or treatment frequency mentioned in the protocol.
• Evaluating the strength of evidence for interventions using the GRADE framework described.

Strengths

• The protocol is registered with PROSPERO (CRD420261331031), indicating a formal review process.
• The methodology is detailed, specifying 13 databases to be searched and the use of Stata 17.0 and R software.
• The outcome measures are clearly defined, including primary (HOMA-IR) and secondary (lipid profile, inflammatory markers) endpoints.

Limitations

• The dataset is a 32.0 KB DOCX protocol document, not the actual research data or results.
• Column-level documentation is absent; field semantics must be inferred after download.
• The data described (clinical trial results) is not yet collected, with searches planned up to March 2026.

Provenance

Source

figshare

Collection Method

Protocol document authored by Lang Hu.

Time Range

Database searches planned from inception to March 2026.

Freshness

Last updated 2026-05-08 05:55:56; freshness should be verified.