Clinical trials, case series and case reports involving the stimulation of acupuncture points by application of permanent magnets for any clinical diagnosis or medical condition were eligible for inclusion in the review. Studies reporting on electroacupuncture and transcranial magnetic stimulation were excluded. The authors defined acu-magnet therapy as stimulation of an acupuncture point with a static magnetic field generated by a permanent magnet.
The magnetic device used and method, site and duration of application and the control devices varied across studies (further details were reported in the review). Magnets appeared to have been used as an adjunct to standard care in over half of the included studies. Participants with a wide variety of conditions were enrolled. Age of participants ranged from seven years to greater than 82 years. Studies were completed in China, USA and Finland.
One reviewer selected papers for inclusion in the review.