Ana Maria Lopez, Leigh Leibel, Lisa Reale, Eileen Fuentes, Eleanor M Walker
{"title":"Traditional and Cultural Dance in Integrative Oncology: Embodied Movement for Psychological Well-Being and Symptom Management.","authors":"Ana Maria Lopez, Leigh Leibel, Lisa Reale, Eileen Fuentes, Eleanor M Walker","doi":"10.1177/27683605261435778","DOIUrl":"10.1177/27683605261435778","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":29734,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Integrative and Complementary Medicine","volume":" ","pages":"768-772"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2026-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148391745","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"The Wrong Label for the Right Warning: Complementary Medicine, Cancer Survival, and the Cost of Imprecision.","authors":"Holger Cramer, Michael Jeitler","doi":"10.1177/27683605261476807","DOIUrl":"10.1177/27683605261476807","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":29734,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Integrative and Complementary Medicine","volume":" ","pages":"765-767"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2026-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148686315","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Efficacy of Mindfulness-Based Interventions on Anxiety and Sleep Quality in Patients with Breast Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.","authors":"Yongmi Lee, Hyunju Kang, Myoungsuk Kim","doi":"10.1177/27683605261456020","DOIUrl":"10.1177/27683605261456020","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Patients with breast cancer commonly experience anxiety and sleep disturbance during and after treatment, and these symptoms are closely interrelated, negatively affecting the quality of life. Mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) have been increasingly used as a nonpharmacological supportive approach. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the effects of MBIs on anxiety and sleep quality in patients with breast cancer.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A systematic search of PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, and Embase was conducted up to May 15, 2025. Random-effects meta-analysis was used to estimate standardized mean differences (SMDs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane RoB 2.0, and the certainty of evidence was evaluated with Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Twenty-four randomized controlled trials (RCTs) including 3,212 participants were analyzed. MBIs significantly reduced anxiety compared with control groups receiving usual care, no intervention, or wait-list conditions (SMD: -0.47, 95% CI: -0.62 to -0.32), whereas no significant effect was observed for sleep quality. Subgroup analysis indicated that intervention duration accounted for 55.5% of the heterogeneity in anxiety outcomes. All studies were rated as having some concerns regarding risk of bias, primarily due to self-reported outcomes and lack of blinding. Certainty of evidence was moderate for anxiety and low for sleep quality.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>MBIs appear to be effective in reducing anxiety among patients with breast cancer; however, no significant effect was observed for sleep quality. All included studies were rated as having some concerns regarding risk of bias, and the limited reporting of adverse events represents a limitation of the evidence. In addition, substantial heterogeneity in sleep quality outcomes and the limited number of included RCTs restrict exploration of heterogeneity sources and limit generalizability. Further high-quality well-designed RCTs are needed to strengthen and confirm the evidence.</p>","PeriodicalId":29734,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Integrative and Complementary Medicine","volume":" ","pages":"773-784"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2026-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148259852","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Elisenda Cama I Gibernau, Akleema Ali, Natalie L Dyer
{"title":"The Subjective Experience of Reiki is Differentially Associated with Improvements in Health-Related Symptoms.","authors":"Elisenda Cama I Gibernau, Akleema Ali, Natalie L Dyer","doi":"10.1177/27683605261429406","DOIUrl":"10.1177/27683605261429406","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Prior qualitative studies have described subjective experiences during Reiki, yet their quantitative relationship to symptom change has not been examined. This study evaluated whether specific subjective Reiki experiences are associated with changes in health-related symptoms using regression and mediation analyses.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>The study took place at private Reiki practices across the United States. Reiki practitioners (<i>N</i> = 99) invited their clients to complete a survey before and after receiving Reiki. The Reiki sessions were conducted in person, with each session lasting an average of 60 min. Self-report measures based on the Edmonton Symptom Assessment System were used to assess physical and psychological symptoms immediately before (pre) and after (post) the Reiki session. Participants were asked to describe their experience during the Reiki session at post. Linear regression analyses were conducted to explore associations between subjective Reiki experiences and changes in well-being, pain, and anxiety, while controlling for age and gender. Mediation models tested whether pain and anxiety changes mediated the relationship between subjective Reiki experiences and improvements in well-being.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of <i>N</i> = 1,284 Reiki sessions had both quantitative and qualitative data and were included in the analysis. Experiencing positive emotions was significantly associated with higher well-being and reduced anxiety, and experiencing body sensations was significantly associated with greater pain relief. There was a significant indirect effect of body sensations on well-being via pain relief, a significant indirect effect of positive emotions on well-being via anxiety reduction, and a significant indirect effect of emotional release on well-being via anxiety reduction.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The results from this linear regression and mediation analysis suggest that the subjective experience of receiving Reiki is related to changes in different psychological and physical health symptoms. More work is needed to confirm these findings while addressing the limitations of the current study.</p>","PeriodicalId":29734,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Integrative and Complementary Medicine","volume":" ","pages":"821-827"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2026-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147481918","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Jacob Oxlund, Gerda Dejgaard Møller Kristensen, Andra Pachai, Sine Skou Krogstrup, Carina Nørskov Sørensen, Mette Vinther Riber, Rasmus Hjelmer Petersen
{"title":"A Comparison of Acupuncture Versus Placebo for Postdischarge Nausea and Vomiting Prophylaxis: A Randomized Placebo-Controlled, Patient- and Observer-Blinded Trial.","authors":"Jacob Oxlund, Gerda Dejgaard Møller Kristensen, Andra Pachai, Sine Skou Krogstrup, Carina Nørskov Sørensen, Mette Vinther Riber, Rasmus Hjelmer Petersen","doi":"10.1177/27683605261492563","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/27683605261492563","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Postdischarge nausea and vomiting (PDNV) occur in up to 37% of surgical patients and increase readmissions. While acupuncture reduces postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV), its effect on PDNV with standard prophylaxis is unclear. This study investigates whether acupuncture lowers PDNV incidence compared with sham treatment. Pain and POVN were secondary outcomes.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>This randomized, placebo-controlled, patient- and observer-blinded trial was conducted to determine whether acupuncture using three acupuncture points performed after surgery was an effective treatment in preventing PDNV compared with placebo. Patients (<i>n</i> = 129) scheduled for arthroscopic knee surgery were randomly assigned to two groups receiving either acupuncture (<i>n</i> = 69) or placebo (<i>n</i> = 60). A prespecified subgroup analysis was conducted in 64 women, of whom 35 were allocated to the sham group and 31 to the acupuncture group. All adverse events (AEs), regardless of causality, were recorded and analyzed.</p><p><strong>Result: </strong>The overall incidence of PDNV did not differ significantly between groups (6.17% acupuncture vs. 13.33% placebo, <i>p</i> = 0.09). However, in the preplanned female subgroup, acupuncture significantly reduced PDNV compared with placebo (24% vs. 50%, <i>p</i> = 0.03). No significant difference between the groups regarding PONV or pain was detected. Only a few cases of AE were reported, and these were mild and self-limiting. No serious AEs were reported.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>There was no significant difference between acupuncture and placebo regarding PDNV. However, a significant reduction in PDNV was shown in the acupuncture group among females compared with placebo.</p>","PeriodicalId":29734,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Integrative and Complementary Medicine","volume":" ","pages":"27683605261492563"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2026-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149115742","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Efficacy and Safety of Zaoren Anshen Capsule in the Adjuvant Treatment of Schizophrenia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.","authors":"Hongru Wang, Chunping An","doi":"10.1177/27683605261487683","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/27683605261487683","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>To evaluate the efficacy and safety of Zaoren Anshen capsule in the adjuvant treatment of schizophrenia.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>From the beginning of the study until August 2025, we conducted a comprehensive search of Chinese and English databases, including China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), VIP, Wanfang, CBM, Chinese Medical Association Journal Database, PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and Embase, to identify relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Literature screening, data extraction, and quality assessment were carried out in accordance with established criteria. The primary outcome was a change in PANSS total and subscale scores. Secondary outcomes included improvements in MoCA and GQOLI-74 scores, as well as the overall clinical response rate and safety protocols. Meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.4.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>There were seven RCTs with a total of 608 patients. A meta-analysis revealed that the combined treatment with Zaoren Anshen capsules could significantly lower the PANSS total score [MD = -7.80, 95% CI(-9.74, -5.85), <i>p</i> < 0.00001] and the dimension scores (positive, negative, and general pathology) (<i>p</i> < 0.001) when compared to the conventional treatment. It significantly enhanced the clinical overall effective rate [RR = 1.24, 95% CI (1.14, 1.35), <i>p</i> < 0.00001], MoCA score [MD = 4.06, 95% CI (3.44,4.68), <i>p</i> < 0.00001] and GQOLI-74 score [MD = 9.40, 95% CI (6.74, 12.05), <i>p</i> < 0.00001]. There was no significant difference in the occurrence of adverse responses between the two groups [RR = 0.90, 95% CI (0.38, 2.13), <i>p</i> = 0.81].</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>In conclusion, this study preliminarily confirmed that Zaoren Anshen capsule may have significant potential as an adjuvant treatment for schizophrenia, and it showed good safety and the potential to improve symptoms, cognitive function, and quality of life. However, due to the methodological limitations of the included studies, this conclusion is uncertain, and higher-quality future studies are needed to provide conclusive evidence.</p>","PeriodicalId":29734,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Integrative and Complementary Medicine","volume":" ","pages":"27683605261487683"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2026-09-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149026201","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Licensure Without Oversight: Impact of Regulatory Supervision on Traditional Medicine Practice in Ghana.","authors":"Benedict Owusu Yankyera, Rudolph Mensah, Kofi Busia","doi":"10.1177/27683605261488964","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/27683605261488964","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Regulatory frameworks for traditional and alternative medicine commonly emphasize licensure as a mechanism for ensuring safety, quality, and sustainability. However, limited evidence exists on whether licensure without ongoing oversight meaningfully regulates practitioner conduct or promotes sustainable practices. This study examined the relationship between licensure, regulatory supervision, compliance, and sustainability-related practices among traditional medicine practitioners (TMPs).</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 303 TMPs. Data were collected on sociodemographic characteristics, licensing status, regulatory supervision, compliance with regulatory schemes, sources of raw materials, and cultivation practices. Associations were assessed using chi-square tests. The study is reported in accordance with Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology guidelines.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>While licensed practitioners were significantly more likely to report regulatory supervision than unlicensed practitioners (χ<sup>2</sup> = 39.64, <i>p</i> < 0.001), half of licensed practitioners had never experienced supervision. Overall compliance with regulatory schemes was low (12.2%) and was not significantly associated with perceived regulatory performance (χ<sup>2</sup> = 0.53, <i>p</i> = 0.465). Most practitioners relied on wild harvesting for raw materials (65.0%), with limited engagement in self-cultivation (17.2%) or intention to cultivate in the future (25.7%). Neither licensure nor supervision was significantly associated with adoption of cultivation practices.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>The findings suggest that licensure without sustained supervision regulates entry into practice but does not effectively regulate conduct, compliance, or sustainability. Strengthening postlicensure oversight and integrating sustainability-focused regulatory mechanisms may be essential for achieving meaningful regulation of traditional medicine practice.</p>","PeriodicalId":29734,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Integrative and Complementary Medicine","volume":" ","pages":"27683605261488964"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2026-09-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149012865","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Emile Marineau, Mégane Pasquier, Martin Descarreaux, Arnaud Lardon, Jacques Abboud
{"title":"Effects of Sports Expertise on Force Accuracy During Spinal Manipulation in Chiropractic Students.","authors":"Emile Marineau, Mégane Pasquier, Martin Descarreaux, Arnaud Lardon, Jacques Abboud","doi":"10.1177/27683605261490742","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/27683605261490742","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>The aim of this study was to investigate whether sports expertise and related characteristics are associated with spinal manipulation accuracy in chiropractic students.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A cross-sectional experimental study was conducted with 111 chiropractic students. Participants performed standardized high-velocity, low-amplitude thoracic spinal manipulations on a force-sensing table targeting a peak force of 450 N. Force-time data were recorded to assess performance accuracy using absolute error and consistency using variable error. Sports expertise, sport type (endurance, strength, and precision), chiropractic program year, and weekly physical activity were collected via questionnaires. Linear mixed models were used to examine associations between these factors and spinal manipulation accuracy in both univariate and multivariable analyses.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The mean absolute error across trials was 41.97 ± 32.60 N, whereas the mean variable error was 50.21 ± 33.89 N. In univariate analyses, sport type (<i>p</i> = 0.034), chiropractic training year (<i>p</i> < 0.001), and total weekly physical activity (<i>p</i> = 0.042) were significantly associated with spinal manipulation accuracy. Participants involved in endurance sports showed greater absolute error than those involved in strength and precision sports. No significant effects were observed for variable error. Sport expertise was not significantly associated with spinal manipulation accuracy (<i>p</i> = 0.361). In the multivariable model, chiropractic training year (<i>p</i> = 0.004) and total weekly physical activity (<i>p</i> = 0.018) remained significant predictors of absolute error, whereas sport type (<i>p</i> = 0.091) and sport expertise (<i>p</i> = 0.087) did not reach statistical significance.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>Spinal manipulation accuracy was primarily associated with chiropractic training year and overall physical activity level. Sport-related factors showed limited independent associations with performance, highlighting the importance of task-specific training in developing spinal manipulation skills.</p>","PeriodicalId":29734,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Integrative and Complementary Medicine","volume":" ","pages":"27683605261490742"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2026-09-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149012900","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Evaluation of the Anxiety-Reducing Effects of Aroma Stones with Bergamot Essential Oil before Examinations: A Randomized Controlled Trial.","authors":"Nobuyuki Wakui, Hinako Kagi, Yuna Hirota, Yuna Koakutsu, Aika Okami, Shoko Kawakubo, Shunsuke Shirozu, Yoshiaki Machida","doi":"10.1177/27683605261488658","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/27683605261488658","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Examinations are highly stressful for students and can impair their academic performance and mental well-being. While aromatherapy is used to relieve stress, its effectiveness during acute stress periods, such as pre-exam situations, remains underexplored.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>To evaluate the effectiveness of aromatherapy with bergamot essential oil using aroma stones in reducing pre-exam anxiety among university students.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A randomized, parallel-group, open-label trial was performed with 57 Hoshi University undergraduates. Participants were assigned to either an intervention group (aroma stones infused with bergamot essential oil) or a control group (stones with water) for 3 days. The primary outcome was the change from baseline in the State Anxiety Inventory (SAI) scores at 180 min on each of the 3 days immediately preceding the regular examinations; secondary outcomes included the Short-form Measure of Relaxation Effects (S-MARE), Stanford Sleepiness Scale (SSS), Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS-21), and Subjective Happiness Scale (SHS).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The intervention group showed significantly lower SAI scores at 180 min on all 3 days compared with the control group (all <i>p</i> < 0.0167, the Bonferroni-adjusted significance threshold; Cohen's <i>d</i> > 0.8). Improvements were observed in the total and subscale scores of the S-MARE. The SSS scores indicated lower sleepiness only on Day 2. The SHS scores were significantly higher on the day before the exam. No significant between-group differences in DASS-21 scores were observed. Moreover, no intervention-related adverse events were reported.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Aromatherapy with bergamot essential oil using aroma stones may reduce pre-exam anxiety and promote relaxation and well-being. This simple, noninvasive method may have potential as a practical psychological support tool in pre-examination educational settings, although the findings should be interpreted cautiously given the single-center design and relatively small sample size.</p>","PeriodicalId":29734,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Integrative and Complementary Medicine","volume":" ","pages":"27683605261488658"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2026-09-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148991624","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Effects of Photobiomodulation Therapy on Muscle Strength and Muscle Endurance: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.","authors":"Haiting Zhai, Tingting Wang, Hao Yan, Nan Xu, Hongjun Zhai, Hongwen Wei","doi":"10.1177/27683605261488795","DOIUrl":"10.1177/27683605261488795","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>To investigate the effects of photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) on muscle strength and muscle endurance and to explore potential sources of variation related to participant characteristics and intervention parameters.</p><p><strong>Data sources: </strong>A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, CENTRAL, Scopus, Medline, EBSCOhost, and Web of Science from inception to November 2025.</p><p><strong>Study selection: </strong>Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating the effects of PBMT on muscle performance in healthy humans were selected. Two reviewers independently screened titles and abstracts. Studies were included if they compared PBMT to a placebo control using quantitative outcome measures.</p><p><strong>Data extraction: </strong>Data regarding participant characteristics, intervention protocols, and outcomes were extracted independently by two investigators using a standardized form. Methodological quality was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2 tool.</p><p><strong>Data synthesis: </strong>Twenty-three RCTs were included and pooled using a random-effects model. PBMT showed small effects on muscle endurance (<i>p</i> = 0.02) and muscle strength (<i>p</i> = 0.04). Subgroup differences were mostly nonsignificant. Muscle endurance benefits were found in athletes (<i>p</i> = 0.05), but not in physically active individuals (<i>p</i> = 0.07). For muscle endurance, favorable parameters included ≤100 mW per diode (<i>p</i> = 0.03), 31-100 J (<i>p</i> = 0.05), a 1-3 min pre-exercise interval (<i>p</i> = 0.03), and ≤4 application sites (<i>p</i> = 0.007). Strength improved with 151-300 J (<i>p</i> = 0.05) and when the interval was over 3 min (<i>p</i> = 0.007).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>PBMT may modestly improve muscle endurance and muscle strength, particularly for endurance-related outcomes. However, subgroup findings remain exploratory, and current evidence is insufficient to define optimal protocols. Further high-quality trials are needed to standardize PBMT parameters for sports performance and rehabilitation.</p>","PeriodicalId":29734,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Integrative and Complementary Medicine","volume":" ","pages":"27683605261488795"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2026-09-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148991631","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}