Effect of Laser Moxibustion for Knee Osteoarthritis: A Multisite, Double-blind Randomized Controlled Trial.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

To examine the effects of laser moxibustion on pain and function in patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA).

METHODS:

A double-blind randomized clinical trial (4-week treatment, 20-week follow-up) was conducted. A total of 392 symptomatic knee OA patients with moderate to severe clinically significant knee pain were randomly assigned to laser treatment or sham laser control group (1:1). Twelve sessions of laser moxibustion or sham laser treatments on the acupuncture points at the affected knee(s) were performed 3 times a week for 4 weeks. The primary outcome measurement was change in Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) pain score from baseline to Week 4.

RESULTS:

Among the 392 randomized participants, 364 (92.86%) completed the trial. The median WOMAC pain score decreased significantly at Week 4 in the active group than in the sham group (2.1, 95% CI 1.6-2.6, P < 0.01). At Week 24, compared to the sham laser, active laser treatment resulted in significant pain reduction and function improvement (3.0, 95% CI 2.5-3.6, P < 0.01, and 14.8, 95% CI 11.9-17.6, P < 0.01, respectively). The physical component of the quality of life significantly improved in the active group vs the sham controls at Week 4 (3.2, 95% CI 1.3-5.0, P = 0.001) up to Week 24 (5.1, 95% CI 3.3-7.0, P < 0.001). No serious adverse effects were reported.

CONCLUSION:

Laser moxibustion resulted in statistically and clinically significant pain reduction and function improvement following a 4-week treatment in patients with knee OA.

• Authors: Ling Zhao, Ke Cheng, Fan Wu, Jiong Du, Yue Chen, Ming T Tan, Lixing Lao, Xueyong Shen
• Journal: The Journal of rheumatology (J Rheumatol) Vol. 48 Issue 6 Pg. 924-932 (06 2021) ISSN: 0315-162X [Print] Canada
• PMID: 32611673 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)
• Copyright: Copyright © 2021 by the Journal of Rheumatology.

Topics

• Humans
• Knee Joint
• Lasers
• Moxibustion
• Osteoarthritis, Knee (therapy)
• Quality of Life