[1]Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, China.
Objective: To observe and assess the therapeutic effect, effectiveness, and safety of moxibustion on knee osteoarthritis (KOA) caused pain, stiffness, and physical function. Methods: One hundred and ten patients with KOA who met the inclusion criteria were randomly allocated to receive active (n = 55) or sham moxibustion (n = 55). The subjects received active or sham treatment at acupoint Neixiyan (EX-LE 4), Dubi (ST 35), and Ashi points three times a week over a period of 6 weeks. For active treatment, three consecutive moxa cones were burned at each point. Sham moxa cones were similarly applied for sham control. WOMAC VA 3.1, Western Ontario and McMaster University's Osteoarthritis Scale, was used to assess the effects of treatment at weeks 3, 6, 12, and 24. Results: There were no statistical differences in WOMAC pain, stiffness, and function scores between two groups at the baseline. WOMAC scores for pain, stiffness, and functional disabilities showed significant improvements in both groups at 3, 6, 12, and 24 wks compared to baseline (P < 0.01 z.ast;P < 0.001). WOMAC pain scores in the active moxibustion group at 6, 12, and 24 wks decreased more than did those in the sham group (P = 0.004, P = 0.03, P = 0.023). WOMAC physical function score improved more in the active group than in sham at wk 12 (P = 0.031), but there were no significant differences in WOMAC joint stiffness score between the two groups. No side effects were found during the trial. Conclusion: Moxibustion is effective in relieving pain in KOA patients up to 18 weeks after the end of treatment. The procedure appears to be safe.
(8.0+极速模式)