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Open Access 18-04-2024 | Acupuncture | Alternative Treatments for Pain Medicine (C Robinson, Section Editor)

Durable Effects of Acupuncture for Knee Osteoarthritis: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Authors: He Chen, Hangyu Shi, Shuai Gao, Jiufei Fang, Jiamin Yi, Wenhui Wu, Xinkun Liu, Zhishun Liu

Published in: Current Pain and Headache Reports

Abstract

Purpose of Review

Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is a degenerative joint disease which can result in chronic pain and disability. The current interventions available for KOA often fail to provide long-lasting effects, highlighting the need for new treatment options that can offer durable benefits. Previous studies have suggested the efficacy of acupuncture for knee osteoarthritis (KOA) with its durability remaining uncertain. In this review, we aimed to investigate the durability of the efficacy after completion of treatment.

Recent Findings

We performed thorough searches of PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials from inception to November 4, 2023. The outcomes were assessed at all available time points after completion of treatment. Primary outcomes were changes from baseline in pain and function measured using the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) pain and function subscales. Secondary outcomes included response rate, overall pain, the WOMAC stiffness subscale, total WOMAC index, and physical and mental health components of 12/36-item Short-Form Health Survey. A total of 10 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving 3221 participants were included. Pooled estimates suggested that acupuncture may offer potential improvements in function and overall pain for 4.5 months post-treatment versus sham acupuncture (SA). Acupuncture may provide durable clinically important pain relief and functional improvement up to 5 months post-treatment versus usual care, and up to 6 months post-treatment versus diclofenac. For acupuncture versus no treatment, one trial with large sample size indicated that improvements in pain and function persisted for 3 months post-treatment, while the other trial reported that significant pain reduction and functional improvement were only observed at the end of the treatment, not at 9 months post-treatment. However, acupuncture as adjunct to exercise-based physical therapy (EPT) showed no superiority to SA as an adjunct to EPT or EPT alone up to 11.25 months after completion of treatment.

Summary

Acupuncture may provide pain alleviation and functional improvements in KOA patients for 3 to 6 months after completion of treatment with a good safety profile.

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Title: Durable Effects of Acupuncture for Knee Osteoarthritis: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: He Chen
Hangyu Shi
Shuai Gao
Jiufei Fang
Jiamin Yi
Wenhui Wu
Xinkun Liu
Zhishun Liu
Publication date: 18-04-2024
Publisher: Springer US
Keywords: Acupuncture
Knee Osteoarthritis
Knee Osteoarthritis
Published in: Current Pain and Headache Reports
Print ISSN: 1531-3433
Electronic ISSN: 1534-3081
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11916-024-01242-6

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Durable Effects of Acupuncture for Knee Osteoarthritis: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Abstract

Purpose of Review

Recent Findings

Summary

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose of Review

Recent Findings

Summary

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