On 2016 May 09, Leigh Jackson commented:

This systematic review is a textbook example of when not to undertake a meta-analysis. (Fletcher, 2007)¹ (Usichenko et al., 2008)² To conflate RCTs of many different forms of acupuncture treatment (with the notable exception of laser acupuncture) with many different study methodologies, for many different clinical conditions, must lead to an inordinate degree of heterogeneity of data. The table of heterogeneity in this review is an instructive tool to show the inablity of meta-analysis to make sense of such data.

¹ Fletcher J., What is heterogeneity and why is it important? BMJ 2007;334:94-6

² Usichenko et al., Auricular acupuncture for postoperative pain control: a systematic review of randomised clinical trials. Anaesthesia. 2008 Dec;63(12):1343-8.

On 2016 May 09, Leigh Jackson commented:

This systematic review is a textbook example of when not to undertake a meta-analysis. (Fletcher, 2007)¹ (Usichenko et al., 2008)² To conflate RCTs of many different forms of acupuncture treatment (with the notable exception of laser acupuncture) with many different study methodologies, for many different clinical conditions, must lead to an inordinate degree of heterogeneity of data. The table of heterogeneity in this review is an instructive tool to show the inablity of meta-analysis to make sense of such data.

¹ Fletcher J., What is heterogeneity and why is it important? BMJ 2007;334:94-6

² Usichenko et al., Auricular acupuncture for postoperative pain control: a systematic review of randomised clinical trials. Anaesthesia. 2008 Dec;63(12):1343-8.