Lenoir D, De Pauw R, Van Oosterwijck S, et al. - Researchers performed a meta-analysis with the aim to compile the evidence from PubMed and Web of Science for nonimmediate effects of acupuncture on pain, functionality, and quality of life in patients with musculoskeletal disorders, when compared with sham acupuncture. The standardized mean difference (SMD) for pain equaled −0.47, −0.27, −0.32 and −0.12 for < 1 month, 1 to 3 months, 3 to 6 months, and > 6 months follow-up, respectively. The pooled SMD for functionality equaled −0.43, −0.41, 0.07, and −0.13, respectively. Pooled SMDs obtained in the area of QOL were 0.20, 0.19, 0.02 and −0.04, respectively. Findings thereby suggest a significant difference in therapy effect, favoring acupuncture, for pain at < 1 month, 1 to 3 months, and 3 to 6 months, as well as on quality of life at < 1 month, and on functionality at < 1 month and 1 to 3 months.