3.6.1. TEA vs. Active Control Treatment

The level of evidence and recommendations were derived based on 12 RCTs [148–159] that compared TEA and active control treatment for LHIVD in terms of pain, function, and overall symptom improvement.

As a result of the meta-analysis, TEA was more effective in improving the overall symptoms (RR: 1.14, 95% CI: 1.10–1.19, *p* < 0.001), pain (MD, 0.40, 95% CI: 0.54–−0.26, *p* < 0.001), and function (ODI: MD, 1.30, 95% CI: 2.42–−0.18, *p* < 0.05; JOA: MD, 2.03, 95% CI: 0.30–3.76, *p* < 0.05) than active control treatments, including acupuncture and complex treatment. However, in terms of overall symptom improvement, the risk of bias was high; therefore, the level of evidence was lowered by one grade.

In conclusion, TEA should be considered to improve the overall symptoms of LHIVD (B/Moderate).
