Table 2_Acupoint catgut embedding for improving HOMA-IR in patients with abdominal obesity

A systematic review protocol registered with PROSPERO (CRD420261331031) outlines a planned network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. The study, authored by Lang Hu, will search 13 electronic databases from their inception to March 2026 to compare interventions for improving insulin resistance. The primary outcome is the HOMA-IR index, with secondary measures including fasting glucose, waist circumference, and adverse events.

Use Cases

• Conducting a network meta-analysis based on the described frequentist framework and SUCRA ranking.
• Assessing the comparative efficacy of acupoint catgut embedding against lifestyle or pharmacotherapy interventions based on the planned study design.
• Performing subgroup analysis on treatment regimens based on described factors like embedding depth and ethnicity.
• Evaluating the safety profile of acupuncture modalities based on the planned collection of adverse event data.

Strengths

• The protocol is formally registered with PROSPERO (CRD420261331031), which may reduce reporting bias.
• The methodology is detailed, specifying the use of the Cochrane RoB 2 tool and GRADE framework for evidence assessment.
• The planned search is broad, covering 13 electronic databases.

Limitations

• The dataset is a 47.3 KB DOCX protocol document, not the underlying clinical trial data itself.
• Row count and column-level documentation for any extracted data are unknown.
• The described data synthesis is planned for a future date (searches up to March 2026); results are not yet available.

Provenance

Source

Lang Hu, published on figshare.

Collection Method

Describes a planned systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Time Range

Database searches planned from inception of each database to March 2026.

Freshness

Last updated 2026-05-08 05:55:56; freshness should be verified as this is a future date.