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Open Access 01-12-2022 | Knee Osteoarthritis | Study protocol

Efficacy of manual acupuncture, electro-acupuncture, and warm acupuncture for knee osteoarthritis: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

Authors: Yiniu Chang, Nan Wu, Zhenhua Zhang, Zhaoyang Zhang, Binbin Ren, Feilai Liu, Xiaolei Song, Mingli Wu, Xiaodong Feng, Shuai Yin

Published in: Trials | Issue 1/2022

Abstract

Background

Acupuncture is one of the most popular complementary and alternative treatments for knee osteoarthritis (KOA). There are many methods of acupuncture in the treatment of KOA, and the effects are different. According to our clinical observations and researches, it is found that manual acupuncture (MA), electro-acupuncture (EA), and warm acupuncture (WA) are used more frequently in the treatment of KOA, and the curative effects are satisfactory. However, there is currently a lack of efficacy comparison of efficacy between different acupuncture treatments, as well as a lack of standardized clinical research on the acupuncture treatment of KOA. Therefore, we will carry out a high-quality clinical randomized controlled trial to research the effect laws of MA, EA, and WA on KOA.

Methods/design

A total of 200 eligible participants with KOA will be randomly assigned to group A, B, C, or D in a ratio of 1:1:1:1. Patients in group A will receive MA, while those in group B, group C, and group D will be treated with EA, WA, and sham acupuncture (SA), respectively. Patients will be treated with acupuncture once a day, 30 min per session, 5 sessions per week for 4 weeks. The primary outcome is the change of Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) at week 4. The secondary outcomes include WOMAC, visual analog scale (VAS), Arthritis Quality of Life Measurement Scale Simplified Scale (AIMS2-SF), Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), and Credibility/Expectancy Questionnaire. The evaluation will be performed at baseline and weeks 4, 8, and 12 respectively after randomization.

Discussion

This is a randomized controlled trial. We will observe the clinical effect of MA, EA, and WA on KOA to research the effect laws of these three acupuncture treatments on KOA and set up standardized treatment programs for acupuncture for KOA.

Trial registration

China Clinical Trials Registry ChiCTR2100049526. Registered on August 2, 2021

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Title: Efficacy of manual acupuncture, electro-acupuncture, and warm acupuncture for knee osteoarthritis: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Yiniu Chang
Nan Wu
Zhenhua Zhang
Zhaoyang Zhang
Binbin Ren
Feilai Liu
Xiaolei Song
Mingli Wu
Xiaodong Feng
Shuai Yin
Publication date: 01-12-2022
Publisher: BioMed Central
Keywords: Knee Osteoarthritis
Acupuncture
Knee Osteoarthritis
Published in: Trials / Issue 1/2022
Electronic ISSN: 1745-6215
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s13063-022-06653-7

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Efficacy of manual acupuncture, electro-acupuncture, and warm acupuncture for knee osteoarthritis: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Background

Methods/design

Discussion

Trial registration

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods/design

Discussion

Trial registration

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