Objectives
The objectives of this review are to determine the effectiveness of acupuncture and the related interventions of acupressure, laser therapy
and electrostimulation in smoking cessation, in comparison with no intervention, sham treatment, or other interventions.
Search methods
We searched the Cochrane Tobacco Addiction Group Specialized Register (which includes trials of smoking cessation interventions
identified from the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), MEDLINE, EMBASE, and PsycINFO) and AMED
in October 2013. We also searched four Chinese databases in September 2013: Sino-Med, China National Knowledge Infrastructure,
Wanfang Data and VIP.
Selection criteria
Randomized trials comparing a form of acupuncture, acupressure, laser therapy or electrostimulation with either no intervention, sham
treatment or another intervention for smoking cessation.
Data collection and analysis
We extracted data in duplicate on the type of smokers recruited, the nature of the intervention and control procedures, the outcome
measures, method of randomization, and completeness of follow-up.
We assessed abstinence from smoking at the earliest time-point (before six weeks) and at the last measurement point between six months
and one year. We used the most rigorous definition of abstinence for each trial, and biochemically validated rates if available. Those lost
to follow-up were counted as continuing smokers. Where appropriate, we performed meta-analysis pooling risk ratios using a fixedeffect
model.