3.1.1. Acupuncture vs. Active Control Treatment

The level of evidence and recommendations were derived based on 24 RCTs [12–35] comparing acupuncture for LHIVD and the active control treatment in terms of pain, function, and overall symptom improvement.

Acupuncture, electroacupuncture, and warm needle acupuncture were compared with active control treatments, such as Western medicine, injection, and physical therapy. The meta-analysis showed that acupuncture was more effective in improving overall symptoms (RR: 1.20, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.16–1.25, *p* < 0.001), pain (MD, 1.86, 95% CI: −1.91–−1.81, *p* < 0.001), and function (MD, 4.48, 95% CI: 3.93–5.03, *p* < 0.001) than active control treatment.

In conclusion, acupuncture is recommended for improving the overall symptoms of LHIVD(A/High).
